Therapy

Modern therapeutic methods, whether for the prevention or curing of disease, have eradicated some diseases completely (smallpox) or dramatically reduced their effects (vaccines against poliomyelitis, typhoid fever; antibiotics for tuberculosis; insulin against diabetes); this in turn has significantly lengthened the average life span. Modern therapeutic practice has also alleviated unpleasant physical symptoms through physical methods. These techniques complement rather than supplant traditional methods; in fact ancient techniques such as acupuncture and homeopathy are becoming more popular.