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Fundamental to understanding the difference between mainstream medicine and alternative medicine regarding the therapeutic benefit of copper bracelets is the emphasis of the burden of scientific proof.

• MAINSTREAM MEDICINE 

  • Comes to conclusions about various  therapies such as the use of the cooper bracelet  by following the Scientific Method.  

    • The scientific method is a systematic approach to studying therapies, drugs, etc. 

    • This approach emphasizes objectivity (ie: conclusions without bias) by basing conclusions on mathematically, statistically relevant and measurable data.  

    • The purpose of this approach in evaluating a therapy is to establish scientific proof, free from personal bias.

• ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 

  • Relies on anecdotal evidence and user opinion as proof  

  • There is no scientific proof of efficacy needed

  • Requires only that it does no harm.  

  • With loose interpretation of what is efficacious, almost anything can be classified as "alternative".  

  • Many supplements, copper bracelets, etc. are still categorized as "alternative" because it is nearly impossible for the mainstream medical community to apply the scientific method to their use.

Case in point:

• Many people who use copper bracelets profess, "it works".  Why is this not proof enough for the mainstream medical community?  

• Due to the strict standards that the scientific method dictates, they would have to design a study not only to include the "subjective" results (the opinions of the users) but 

  • analyze the bracelet mineral make-up, 

  • measure amount of absorption of copper through the skin etc.  (measurable objective data). 

    • Because there are numerous copper bracelet manufacturers, none of whom are required by law to report the copper content amount in the bracelet, nor be consistent with the percentage of the metals used in their bracelets, the simple first step, to find a standard copper bracelet to use in a study  with scientific standards, is nearly impossible.   

• Equally true, if  mainstream medicine were able to adequately study copper bracelets, yet were unable to scientifically prove (via scientific method approach) the efficacy of it's use, those who seek alternative medicine treatments may chose to use it, because they still feel that it "works for them" (hence it being categorized as "alternative")... and indeed it may.