Alternative Medicine:

Pros:

Recently, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative

Medicine (NCCAM) reported that about 38 percent of U.S. adults and
about 12 percent of children are using some form of alternative
medicine. Here are some of the reasons:

 Whole-person treatments. Traditional medicine views disease as

a distinct entity from the person who carries it. The growing trend
toward specialization in medicine has led to many treatment
advances, but also has distanced physicians from the “healthy”
parts of their patients. A key difference between traditional and
alternative medicine is that most forms of alternative medicine
emphasize whole-body care. Practitioners of alternative medicine
address not just the physical body but also the patient’s emotional
and spiritual health. According to the Osher Center for Integrative
Medicine, a growing interest in a more holistic approach to health
is one of the main reasons alternative medicine is on the rise.
 Personal attention. Because of the emphasis on whole-body care,
alternative medicine practitioners often offer patients a great deal
of personal attention. Traditional physicians can be strapped for
time and pressured by insurance companies and packed waiting
rooms. Alternative medicine practitioners, because of different
philosophies and fee structures, typically place greater emphasis on
one-on-one attention.
 Focus on prevention. Another draw to alternative medicine is its
focus on prevention. Whereas traditional medicine tends to
intervene once disease is present, many types of alternative
medicine encourage patients to have “well visits,” treatments that
are focused on preventing disease before it occurs, in addition to
being cared for when sick.
Cons:

Before trying a new kind of alternative medicine, there are some key
factors to keep in mind. The following concerns should not prevent you
or a loved one from using alternative medicine, but offer more
information in the decision-making process.

 Limited scientific research. In response to increased consumer

demand, funding for research studies on alternative medicine is
growing. But compared with traditional medical methods, evidence
is still limited, which has left many questions unanswered.
Currently, there are several studies under way. In order to learn
about ongoing studies on alternative medicine, NCCAM
recommends asking your primary care physician or other health
care provider, visiting the "Research" link on the NCCAM site, or
going to your local library and inquiring about scientific journals
or online resources.
 Confusing marketing. It’s easy to confuse the words “natural”
and “safe” — but the two are not synonymous, despite some
marketers’ attempts to make us think otherwise. Many dietary
supplements and herbal remedies, both of which fall under the
alternative medicine umbrella, are mislabeled as “natural.” A red
flag should also go up if a manufacturer makes unrealistic claims
that their products are “miracle cures” or have “secret ingredients.”
 Potentially dangerous interactions. Even in cases when the
product contains no artificial substances, supplements and herbs
can still potentially interact with prescription and over-the-counter
medication. And some of these natural products have side effects
of their own.