Different Medical Traditions IELTS Writing Task 2

Different Medical Traditions IELTS Writing Task 2 consists of three sample answers provided below. The task requires the candidates to provide a tentative and argumentative answer for the question. The sample answers comprises two parts: Introduction and body. The introduction is a brief description about the topic. The body contains argumentative statements and tentative answers to support the test-taker's perspective. IELTS writing task 2 provides candidates an opportunity to express their knowledge and views based on the topic. IELTS writing score is marked based on band scores. The band scores range from 0 to 9. Since the topics are very diverse, candidates must go through IELTS Writing practice papers to become familiar with a lot of topics.

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Topic: A number of different medical traditions are now widely known and used. Western medicine (using drugs and surgery), herbal medicine, acupuncture (using needles at certain points of the body), homeopathy (using minute doses of poisons), and so on. How important is the patient’s mental attitude towards his/her treatment in determining the effectiveness of the treatment?

Model Answer 1

In its definition, the World Health Organization broadens the scope of Health. To include," a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity”. For the longest period, health was considered to be confined to the physical body. But the complexities of a fast-paced lifestyle are taking a toll not only on the body but on the psyche as well.

All of a sudden, humanity finds itself in the midst of an unforeseen crisis characterized by constant stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, & other symptoms. This has taught us that we are not just the body. We are also made of an intangible component that encompasses happiness, contentment, peace & others as major factors essential for our overall well-being.

This intangible component called the Mind is the place where we spend most of our lives. Our thoughts, feelings, and perspectives shape our understanding of the world & can either make or break us. A very good example is the ‘Placebo Effect’ which is a phenomenon where patients' health improves drastically. Even after taking inert medication or a nonactive treatment. The catch is that patients were led to believe they were prescribed a highly curative drug. This simple episode highlights the mind's incredible power. There are numerous medical systems that understand & exploit this uncharted territory to treat diseases plaguing mankind.

Ayurveda, a traditional Indian healing system, established that an illness manifests in the mind. First, in the form of negative mindset & unresolved emotions, before materializing in the body. Ayurveda aims to eradicate the ailment at the level of mind using massage, nasal breathing, yoga, & resetting the internal clock. Meditation is another powerful technique that delves into the subconscious state of being & clears all the unresolved memories and emotions. Hypnotism & Past Life Regression is a psychological treatment that helps one to experience changes in thoughts, behavior, sensation & perspectives. Psychology, a branch of modern science in its infancy, is a science that decodes the mind-behavior complex. Kung Fu, the Chinese Martial arts, is not only for physical well-being but focuses a great deal on mind management. Thus, a happy mind is our best medicine for living a happy and healthy life.

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Model Answer 2

Amalgamation of Tradition & Modern

Modern medicine, also known as ‘Allopathic medicine’ is a widely used medical system for the last 200 years. If one feels uneasy or unwell, they pop a pill expecting it to be a magical solution to their whammy. Little do they know that it treats only the symptoms & not the root cause. Conspiracy theories surrounding the pharmaceutical companies, exorbitant drugs prices. Rampant corruption in hospitals, and insensitivity to the patients leave no other alternative for the poor but to turn to traditional medicines. Sadly, traditional medicines such as Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Energy Therapy & others come with their own set of stigmas. In such a case what should a patient do in such a situation? Which system to trust?

Each system has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In modern medicines, the pills & drugs are chemically synthesized. Whereas, in the traditional system, indigenous herbs, animal concoctions & natural products are administered. A patient may be allergic to specific medicines and should seek treatment accordingly. Western medicine is known to treat the symptoms quicker whereas traditional remedies. Albeit take a little longer time but are known to eradicate a disease from its root. Modern medicines are said to have certain side effects. Sometimes the traditional system may contain trace amounts of harmful metals. Modern medicine necessitates regular standard doses that vary solely with bodyweight or illness severity. Traditional healers are more likely to provide their patients a one-of-a-kind dosage. Or combination of medications created only during the consultation and depending on the patient's symptoms.

The healing approach chosen by one person may differ from that of another. It ultimately depends on the individual's health viewpoint. Traditional and modern medicines are both important components of the entire healthcare system, with the same objective of making people feel better.

Model Answer 3

Types of Traditional Medicines

The most common kind of treatment is contemporary Western medicine. Traditional medicine is a system that evolved through centuries in the context of folk beliefs prior to the advent of modern medicine. Traditional Medicines come in a mind boggling array of forms, many of which the world is still exploring. Such as Chinese Medicine, Kampo, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Ayurveda & many more.

Chinese medicine dates back to the year 200 B.C. It recommends balancing the two friction forces in the body, known as 'Yin' and 'Yang,' which leads to a progressive increase in the body's 'Qi' energy. The Chinese medical system employs a combination of natural products, massages, and dietary adjustments. And moxibustion(Heat application on acupressure points) to restore balance and wellbeing. Based on the philosophy “Like cures the like”. Homeopathy is a branch of medicine. It believes that if a certain substance causes a certain symptom in a person, giving them a very small dosage of the same can cure the illness. Kampo, or Japanese medicine, is known for its herbal formulations as well as its holistic approach to the body rather than an organ-by-organ approach. Naturopathy, which originated in Europe, stresses the use of natural therapies to treat illness. Acupuncture, hydrotherapy, dietary consulting, and exercise are some of the most well-known Naturopathy treatments. CranioSacral Treatment, for example, uses energy therapy to modify the body's energy field, boosting its vibrations. Chiropractic medicine is a method of manipulating the spine in order to promote health without the need for drugs or surgery.

Regardless of how miraculous these therapies may appear, they have always been associated with a lot of stigmas. Most of the ancient wisdom is discarded on the grounds of being a hoax. This is due to a lack of understanding & scientific evidence to back these systems. However, over the years enough experiments & researches are being done to rekindle the trust in the long-lost treasures of our ancient civilizations.