Alternative and conventional medicine have different approaches when it comes to understanding and curing diseases. Whereas conventional medicine often sees a disease as an independent clause, and focuses more on a quick-fix than on systematic approaches, alternative medicine sees a body and its environment as a holistic system; a disease occurs in case of an imbalance between all of the system’s elements. Conventional medicine is thus more effective for treating critical situations, but less suitable for managing chronic diseases. Alternative medicine yields gradual results, but they are usually more stable and long-lasting, as they often involve the change of an individual’s lifestyle. Alternative medicine relies mostly on natural components and ancient techniques, whereas conventional medicine prefers chemical drugs and scientifically approved methods of diagnosis and treatment.