[Ethical considerations in alternative medicine]

ABSTRACT

Alternative medicine encompasses a collection of treatment methods, like homeopathy, herbal medicine, chiropractic, acupuncture, Iranian traditional medicine, massage therapy and more. Formerly, some of these methods have had a principle role in treatment of diseases. Nowadays, the emergence of modern medicine, caused decrements in utilizing alternative medicine for at least one century, but considering unsuccessfulness of modern medicine in treating some diseases and side effects of drugs, using alternative medicine has risen again. Therefore, correct and under-control application of this branch of medicine can have a key role in medical sciences advancements. In the present article, firstly alternative medicine is described. The application of medical ethics principles, including autonomy, justice, non malfeasance, beneficences, and ethical guidelines to advocate the patient's rights in alternative medicine is presented later. Finally, considering these principles, increasing use of alternative medicine and providing a code of ethics in alternative medicine is recommended