What distinguishes conventional medicine from complementary therapies?

The distinction between conventional medicine and complementary therapies is best captured by the understanding that complementary therapies are often personalized and emphasize a holistic approach. Complementary therapies focus on treating the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—by considering various factors such as lifestyle, emotions, and environment in the healing process. This approach allows for the treatment to be tailored to the individual's specific needs, promoting a deeper sense of well-being and health.

In contrast, conventional medicine often operates predominantly within a more standardized medical framework that primarily addresses physical symptoms and conditions through evidence-based practices, sometimes leading to a less personalized experience for the patient. While conventional medicine can incorporate elements of holistic care, it typically does not prioritize the multifaceted approach seen in many complementary therapies.

The other options do not accurately capture the distinct characteristics of each type of healthcare. For example, conventional medicine is not inherently holistic in its methodology, nor does it typically emphasize herbal remedies as a mainstay of treatment. Additionally, complementary therapies encompass a broader range of practices beyond just mental health, making the focus on mental health alone an incomplete representation of what such therapies offer.