Discussion Question: What Do You Think About Alternative Medicine?

I think holistic doctors - alternative medicine - is a GOOD thing. Although I don't think you should cut out doctors visits altogether, maybe just do the yearly checkups and exams (the ones that catch early signs of cancer, etc), but for regular colds and things like that, it's better to treat it on your own and NOT go to the regular 'doctor'. You can pick up so many other things while you're there, and many of them will just put you on prescription medicines, or antibiotics, since that is what they are trained to do - but it's not natural, and sometimes it does more damage than good.

I'm all for alternative medicine to treat everyday ailments.

I'm for it and I use it as much as possible

In concept, I think I like it. However, I'm generally of the mind that it would be best used in conjunction with modern medicine rather than in place of it.

I'm all for it - to an extent. I agree with Michelle that regular check-ups should be maintained as well as a doctor's advice when serious symptoms arise. Other than that, a regular trip to your natural health food store should do wonders. Yes, it can be expensive because all those herbs and supplements DO add up and aren't covered by insurance. Come to think of it, I don't know if you can use FSA's (Flexible Spending Accounts) to purchase items from a health food store, either. I believe strongly in chiropractic and go downhill quickly when I don't get adjusted once every 4-6 weeks.

if it works, why not. i've gotten less help from "traditional" medicine than i have from "alternative" medicine.

when i had insurance, i couldn't go for alternative treatment as it didn't cover it even though it worked. now that i have no insurance, i will seek out the help that works over the ones that don't.

funny thing is that in other parts of the world, the "alternative" medicine is considered the "traditional".

I am all for avoiding drugs... unless it is not possible. I am always researching ways to be healthier without medications. Honestly, I think it's interesting that "alternative" medicine is so often actually "preventative" medicine. But my guess is that an herbalist doesn't pay AMA dues and therefore, will not be "recognized."

And I'm with Erin... I have not been able to go to my chiropractor since July due to financial restraints and I am suffering for it. I have found chiropractic to make more difference to my general health than any MD ever did.

I am on board w/ most of the other posts here. I prefer to stay out of the regular doc's office unless I absolutely have to. I like alternative medicine.

I believe in it! my daughter used to start with ear infections and our doctor gave us very small ferrous sulfate tablets for her to dissolve on her tongue. Usually the ear infection was gone after the first one. Only once did she need anti-biotics.

I myself would be using them, but don't want to pay for them with the current dollar/euro rate.

I do pilates and yoga, as well as reflexology. So I think that helps a lot.

herbs are drugs, just a more natural form. One must take caution on taking medication whether herbal or not. I am not against herbal preparations however one must use an expert to achieve good results

I think discernment is the key as Western (traditional) medicine surely can be a help as alternative methods can be. There are whacky treatments that are suggested on both sides of the fence.
I am currently chosing to treat my breast cancer with chemotherapy and radiation while doing visualizations, accepting Reiki and healing energy, and prayers. I do know one thing, I have to change my diet to include more herbs and supplements to boost my immunity and to prevent a recurrence.

It all depends on what it is. Dancing around me with a correct colored feather is not my idea of science, but so much science has yet to catch up with anecdotal evidence - some of it thousands of years old !!!

I wouldn't be able to walk if it weren't for my chiropractor!

I wish alternative medicines were covered by insurance!
I use alternative medicines whenever I get sick, and haven't been to the Dr for a common illness in years. The beauty of the alternative treatments is that once you know what works for a certain ailment, you can treat yourself as needed.
I used to get ear infections all of the time. Going to the Dr., I'd get a Rx and then get another one in about 6 months. After self-treating them twice, they just went away and now I don't get them any more! I think alternative medicines allow your body to fight off disease on it's own.

I am a firm believer in homepathy and ayurvedic medicines and have used them on and off. But I consult my doctor in India and order medicines online or buy them in India when I go, so the insurance thing has never come up so far.

I've used alternative medicine in the past and it has been effective. Seems that if you can get off the 'drugs and only drugs will cure me' approach it can only be good for you.

I need to ask the question though... do people really go to the doctor when they get a cold? I haven't in years. A little more rest, fluids and maybe some tylenol seem to get me through it within a week to ten days.... about the same time anything the doctor could do for me.

Alternative medicine hasn't caught on because of the lack of knowledge about it. They don't have huge advertising revenue so the word isn't out there, like it is for prescriptions.

In my opinion, natural herbs can ease MANY health problems.

I'm 100% pro

I use alternative medicine whenever possible and have to say that one of my parents, now over 90, has ALWAYS used it, limited use of antibiotics (but would use them if sick enough) and has an immune system that I envy. Oatmeal every morning, plenty of veggies, green tea and lots of antioxidants.

Also has high, high cholesterol and an arteriogram that amazed a cardiologist. Good genes or good nutrition? Perhaps but I think letting well enough alone has helped, too.

I take some herbs and valerium tea on occasion.

CAM....Complementary Alternative Medicine....i practice natural , but know when i need traditional.....

I am for it, if it works go for it.

I think a blend of both traditional and alternative is the way to go!

Alternative is great, but if you break your leg you might want to go to the hospital. Combo is best.

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I drink green tea every day. I like the taste. Last July three different Doctors told me I had Cancer of the Colon. The Pathology came back negative, which I knew it would. One of the Doctors told me that drinking the green tea was probably the reason it wasn't malignant.

think it can do wonders

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Most of it is invalid built on anecdotes. Some is good. Some is dangerous.

If you believe it will help. it may well (placebo effect).

My attitude is if I hear of an alternative medicine approach I think may have some validity, I ask my doctor. Not if he thinks it will work (I know his answer to that), but if there's any danger in trying it. If he says no, I give it a go.

I'm of course an advocate of alternative medicine - have grown up with it - my dad was a chiropractor and so naturally, I grew up very healthy and at 58 almost 59, I've never taken medicine and am in great health. Yes, there is, of course, a place for conventional medicine. I still go have a physical and blood work done every couple of years or so but I always rely on my chiropractor, acupuncturist, and masseuse and of course my own knowledge to heal myself...

I appreciate this article very much because we are being bombarded with ads about medicine on the TV and everywhere else. It makes me sick. We have to THINK health, not think sickness. What you think is what you are...our bodies have a natural intelligence, don't mess it up with meds - and don't be a human guinea pig - knowledge is power.

Medical doctors will never advocate the holistic approach, they would lose too much money - what are they afraid of? Do like the father of medicine , Hypocrates said: Let Food Be Your Medicine. I wonder why modern doctors have forgotten that statement? Usually, they never mention one's diet until the last alternative...

Eat right, exercise, drink water and don't smoke or drink excessively...your body is your temple! Salud.

I am in the medical profession and think if you can get treatment by other methods than prescription meds, then you should do it. I do not like prescription medications being advertised on TV. It is a way to make people that may have similar symptoms to think they HAVE to have that particular drug.
Some problems do need prescription medications, however I think it is out of hand.

Alternative meds are good. There is a lot to be said about them as long as you still keep going to your doctor.

It is expensive but certainly worth looking into.

By Gather is slow too, I'm tearing out my hair waiting for thing to open up. I'm also getting way behind on commenting.

First of all let me say this about doctors and medicines. Doctors, as a rule, do not know squat about medicines and the effects they have on your body. All they know is what the pharmaceutical representatives tell them. They may have "some" knowledge, but not enough to satisfy me. If I have questions concerning medicines and their chemical reactions with other meds, foods, my body, etc... I ask my pharmacist or go online and check it out myself. Doctors will tell you that certain drugs have no side affects. I can really get on my soapbox about this false statement. ALL drugs have side affects. You may not recognize them right away, but all drugs do.

Alternative medicine is the best way to go. I believe in a preventive lifestyle too; Such as vitamins, herbs, eating right, and drinking lots of good, clean water, getting excercise and sunshine in moderation making sure not to overdo any one of these.

I agree with Shannon. Alternative medicine is not advertized and depends on word of mouth. I think more people than we realize are into it though. There are lots of books on the subject, so there are people who are trying to spread the news.

Great post Sarah. Sorry you're having gather problems.
Happy Easter!!! :-)

I think that the availability of good holistic doctors should be on our insurance. I have a friend who swears by hers and her chiropractor. I have used some holistic products and they work pretty well but have never been to a holistic doctor. I think if you can do something good for yourself without having to spend money on pharmaceuticals and giving the big pharmaceutical companies dough, it is a good thing. Especially if it works well.

Hi I am a liscensed acupuncturist in Chicago and I think alternative Medicine is great (obviously). I have had a lot of success treating a variety of health issues. If you are curious I have more information about Chinese Medicine on my website www.tcm007.com

Have you thought about consulting a Naturopathic doctor? Naturopathic Medical Doctors are the only physicians who receive complete training in conventional medicine as well as natural medicine.

Licensed naturopathic medical doctors (N.M.D./N.D.) attend a four-year graduate level naturopathic medical school where they are educated in all of the same basic sciences as a conventional M.D.

In addition to this training, they are extensively educated in the philosophy and implementation of safe and effective natural therapeutics with a strong emphasis on disease prevention.

Allopathic physicians and pharmaceutical drugs are, and always will be, necessary for acute, emergency medical care and trauma, as well as for conditions that cannot be controlled with lifestyle changes, good nutrition and supplements. But many conditions can be prevented and controlled with lifestyle changes and biologically based medicine.

Check out my article below. It is a part of a research report I did on natural alternatives, and explains why many allopathic doctors don't emphasize natural medicine for prevention or treatment of disease.

Did You Ever Wonder Why Natural Health Alternatives Have A Hard Time Getting A Foothold In The Marketplace?

I learned very quickly that you do not mention Alternative medicine to your family doctor...they get paid to sell pharmasuedicals.(sp) While going through chemo and radiation my stomach was always upset, and there was always this feeling of nausea.
I did not want to take any more Rx drugs so I asked a friend if she had any suggestions. There was a product from Germany called Ibergast and she had a bottle.
I took it and within 24 hours my stomach problems were solved. It is made up of natural ensymes (sp) and it replenished what your body had lost. Anyway, I kept it around for some time and even shared it with my friends. This stuff was amazing and now you cannot get it. For some reason it cannot be bought anymore in alternative stores....a real bummer. Mint is a very good example of alternative medicines. Anytime I have an upset tummy I go to my herb garden and brew some fresh mint tea. Works everytime but I will add that if you are having pain and it continues ... you should seek medical advice. I swear on the Aloe plant for burns to this day....I have always kept an aloe plant on hand for this reason....so if you are taking anything that you got from an alternative medicine store...you might want to keep it too yourself. My doctor had a cow when I told him I took Ibergast...never mind that it worked, I kept taking it. Good luck.