Alternative and integrative medicine includes approaches such as acupuncture, naturopathy, massage, yoga and other mind-body practices. This article explores why some people seek these options, their potential benefits and limitations, and the growing interest in integrating complementary approaches with conventional medical care.
By Lady Rainbow
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine offer approaches that focus on the body as a whole rather than only on localized symptoms.
Many people have been turning increasingly to other forms of healing besides Western Allopathic Medicine. What are the reasons behind this change?
There are many reasons. Many people today are frustrated at being told by their doctors that they’re “fine” according to their charts and tests, yet still feel like something is wrong. So they look elsewhere for answers as to what ails them.
Other people feel that Western Medicine is too invasive, and doctors are all too quick to pull out the knife and begin surgery. Another reason is that the negative side effects of expensive pharmaceutical drugs may outweigh their perceived benefits for some patients.
Many people are also tired of feeling like “cattle,” rushed in and out of the doctor’s office and not feeling like they’ve been genuinely listened to by their physician. Finally, it is becoming increasingly difficult for some people to obtain medical insurance.
So, what are some options outside of Western Medicine?
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
One of the most rapidly growing alternatives is a traditional Chinese medicine known as Acupuncture.
But to limit acupuncture to just needles is to limit the scope of what an acupuncturist can do. Acupuncture isn’t just being randomly “poked like a voodoo doll”; it also involves looking at the body as a whole, and not just localized symptoms.
An acupuncturist must learn not only about the human body on the physical level, but also about the energy channels of the body, known as “meridians.” This whole-body perspective is what differentiates Eastern medicine from Western medicine.
Other components of Traditional Chinese Medicine are herbs, moxa, cupping and Tui-Na massage, which is similar to a deep-tissue massage.
The original article states that acupuncture can help with a variety of ailments, including headaches, acne, digestive problems, diabetes, infertility, boosting immunity, shoulder, neck and back pain, and more.
The author also shares a personal experience:
“I’ve personally seen it heal a friend with her torn meniscus, thus saving her from undergoing knee surgery.”
Acupuncture is also described as an alternative to cosmetic surgery and Botox; this treatment is often called “facial rejuvenation.”
Health note: Acupuncture and other complementary therapies should not be considered substitutes for necessary medical diagnosis or treatment. Their effectiveness can vary depending on the condition and the individual.
Naturopathy
Another alternative is Naturopathy.
A naturopathic doctor, like an allopathic doctor, attends medical school for four years. They can perform minor surgeries if needed. However, their course of study is a bit different from that of an M.D.
Their focus is on prevention, not just treating symptoms.
An N.D. can also include other modalities in their practice and often does, such as:
- Acupuncture
- Botanical medicine
- Psychotherapy
- Ayurveda
- Midwifery
Licensing and scope of practice for naturopathic doctors can vary depending on the state.
Other Healing Modalities
There are other modalities like world folk medicine, massage therapy, energy work, chiropractic medicine, nutritional food therapy and herbs, among others.
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine offer approaches that focus on the body as a whole rather than only on localized symptoms.
These categories can be divided into even further sub-categories, such as:
- Ayurveda
- Unani Tibb
- Jamu
- Mayan Healing
- N.A.E.T.
- Osteopathy
- Naprapathy
- Homeopathy
- Aromatherapy
- Reiki
- Color Energy Healing
- Shiatsu
- Rolfing
- Flower Essences
To name a few.
Embarking on a mind-body exercise program such as Yoga, Tai Chi, Chi-Gung and various other Martial Arts can also be considered a preventative approach to maintaining physical and mental well-being.
Psychology and the Mind-Body Connection
While not necessarily “alternative” per se, psychology can be considered as an alternative to standard medicine by attempting to discover what emotions and thought patterns may be triggering a physical ailment.
Author Louise L. Hay is a major proponent of the idea that our emotions and thoughts can trigger various physical problems, from arthritis to even cancer.
There are many forms of psychotherapy that go beyond traditional “talk therapy,” such as:
- Movement therapy
- Art therapy
- Gestalt therapy
- Transpersonal psychology
- Humanistic psychology
Outside of psychology, there are shamans, spiritual counselors and life coaches whose work can also be beneficial to mental, spiritual and emotional health.
The original article presents some mind-body connections more definitively than current medical evidence supports. Emotional well-being and mental health can influence overall health, but serious physical conditions should be evaluated by qualified medical professionals.
The Downside of Alternative Medicine
The downside to most of these modalities is that one must pay out of their own pocket.
This can get expensive, as one usually has to make a lot of repeat visits to see results. However, the benefits may be well worth it in the long run.
Another positive is that more and more insurance companies are willing to cover certain treatments, particularly acupuncture, as it can cost the insurance company less than covering some Western medical treatments.
Another downside is licensure. Not all states legally recognize these various alternatives.
This means that one has to be careful about whom they choose to work with, as there are many people who don’t really understand what they are doing and may only be after money.
Unfortunately, this is what gives the Alternative Medicine field a bad name and causes those who are sincere in their dedication to helping others to be unfairly labeled as “quacks.”
For anyone considering an alternative or complementary treatment, checking the practitioner’s credentials, licensing requirements and professional background is an important step.
The Future of Integrative Medicine
Integrative medicine seeks to combine conventional medical care with selected complementary approaches rather than abandoning Western medicine altogether.
Many of these modalities that we have just taken a brief look at are much older than Western Allopathic medicine.
However, none of this is to say that I’m advocating abandoning Western Allopathic medicine altogether. In fact, integrative medicine is the wave of the future, and we are seeing more and more Western medical facilities embracing not only acupuncture but other alternative mind-body modalities as well.
Already there are a few hospitals that are beginning to include alternative treatments in their list of services.
Some of these include the Venice Family Clinic and St. John’s Riverside Hospital in Yonkers, New York, which has included Auricular Acupuncture in its drug detox program.
Western medical doctors such as Deepak Chopra, Christiana Northrup and Andrew Weil have all written about the value of alternative medicine, thus furthering the popularity and awareness of alternatives to Western Medicine.
I believe we will see more and more integration of medicine within our lifetime.
FAQ – Alternative and Integrative Medicine
1. What is alternative medicine?
Alternative medicine refers to health approaches used outside conventional Western medical care. Examples discussed in this article include acupuncture, naturopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, massage, Ayurveda, yoga and other mind-body practices.
2. What is the difference between alternative and integrative medicine?
Alternative medicine is generally used instead of conventional medical treatment, while integrative medicine combines conventional medical care with selected complementary approaches.
3. What are some examples of Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine can include acupuncture, herbs, moxibustion (moxa), cupping and Tui-Na massage, among other practices.
4. Does insurance cover alternative medicine in the United States?
Coverage varies by insurance plan, treatment and state. The original article notes that some insurance companies have been willing to cover certain treatments, particularly acupuncture.
5. What should people consider before trying alternative medicine?
People should check the practitioner’s qualifications, licensing and experience and understand what evidence exists for the treatment they are considering. Alternative therapies should not replace necessary medical diagnosis or treatment, particularly for serious or potentially life-threatening conditions.
