Alternative methods usually work more slowly than orthodox methods, so a disease that might have been warded off had it been diagnosed and treated earlier may develop to the point where strong drugs — perhaps even surgery — are necessary to save life.
لذلك يمكن ان يتطور مرض بحيث يصير لازما تناول عقاقير قوية —‏ او حتى اجراء عملية جراحية —‏ لإنقاذ حياة المريض ،‏ مع انه يكون ممكنا التخلص من المرض اذا شُخِّص وعولج باكرا .‏