Alternative medicine encompasses many different therapies. Get the basics here.
When you were a child and sprained an ankle or came down with the flu, you probably visited a family doctor or a pediatrician to treat your problem. As an adult, you most likely visit your primary care physician for what ails you. But now your friends are suggesting alternative medicine treatments that you've never heard of — things like homeopathy, ayurveda, acupuncture and herbs.
What are these alternative medicine treatments? Are they safe? Will they work? Get the basics yourself before starting any alternative medicine therapy, and always tell your doctor which ones you're trying.
Integrative medicine: Combining complementary treatments with conventional care
Conventional doctors are learning more about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) because they recognize that more than half of people try some kind of alternative treatment. Many health care institutions have begun integrating therapies that aren't part of mainstream medicine into their treatment programs. A number of medical schools now include education on nontraditional techniques in their curriculum. As complementary and alternative therapies prove effective, they're being combined more often with conventional care. This is known as integrative medicine. You're practicing integrative medicine when you choose to add a complementary treatment to an existing conventional treatment. For instance, you may decide to take an omega-3 fatty acid supplement to help keep your heart healthy in addition to statins your doctor prescribed to reduce your cholesterol. Remember, talk to your doctor before combining complementary and alternative treatments with conventional treatments to avoid possible problems.
Are conventional doctors opposed to complementary and alternative medicine?
Many doctors aren't opposed to complementary and alternative medicine. But many doctors practicing today did not receive training in CAM therapies, so they may not feel comfortable addressing questions in this area. However, as the evidence for certain therapies increases, doctors in the United States are increasingly referring people to complementary and alternative practitioners. Your doctor may be willing to discuss these options with you.
At the same time, conventional doctors also have good reason to be skeptical when it comes to complementary and alternative medicine. Some complementary and alternative medicine practitioners make exaggerated claims about curing diseases, and some ask you to forgo treatment from your conventional doctor to use their unproven therapies. Some forms of complementary and alternative medicine can even hurt you.
Conventional medicine relies on methods proved to be safe and effective with carefully designed trials and research. But many complementary and alternative treatments lack solid research on which to base sound decisions. The dangers and possible benefits of many complementary and alternative treatments remain unproved.
Talk to your doctor about possible benefits and dangers
Work with your conventional medical doctor to help you make informed decisions regarding complementary and alternative treatments. Even if your doctor can't recommend a specific complementary and alternative treatment, he or she can help you understand possible risks and benefits before you try a treatment. Though some of these treatments can be helpful, many have side effects and can cause problems with certain medications or health conditions. Keep in mind that CAM treatments aren't a substitute or replacement for conventional medical care — but used wisely and in conjunction with conventional medical treatment, they may help you alleviate stress, pain and anxiety, manage your symptoms, maintain strength and flexibility, and promote a sense of well-being.
Last Updated: 10/26/2007
