Pros and Cons of Alternative Therapies

Alternative holistic healing is based on treating the whole person. It empowers individuals to help their bodies heal by addressing the causes of the disease and making lifestyle changes that promote health.

It is an integrative system that includes conventional or allopathic medicine, osteopathic medicine, natural holistic healing, energy medicine, other holistic approaches.

For example, when using a holistic approach, you might choose to take antibiotics to kill bacteria so your immune system gets the upper hand. Along with this treatment you decide to take advantage of alternative therapies. So you take probiotics to replace the good bacteria destroyed in the intestine by the antibiotics and medicinal mushrooms to boost your immune system. You get more sleep so your body can heal and recharge.

And you would try to get to the cause-mental, physical and/or spiritual- so you improve your health and stop getting so many infections.

Major benefits of alternative medicine are achieved by addressing the mind body connection in health care.

Accessing that connection directly or indirectly can sometimes bring about amazing cures.

You only need to consider the placebo effect to see the truth of this. One advertisement for a bladder control drug stated that fifty percent of the study participants on the placebo (sugar pill) responded favorably to 'treatment'.

The Benefits of Alternative Therapies

• As stated above, one of the main benefits of alternative medicine is having an awareness of the mind-body connection and using techniques to support it.

• Holistic alternative medicine teaches patient responsibility for health. Being responsible for yourself and your health is empowering. This applies to treating acute and chronic disease as well as creating optimal health.

• The old saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” doubly applies when it comes to your health. It also applies to the time and financial investment individually and to society. Preventing ill health by using holistic practices and wise lifestyle choices are fundamental to good health and are important benefits of alternative medicine.

• Alternative modalities are generally safe. When used properly they cause few if any side effects.

• Alternative therapies, if appropriate for your condition and properly applied, can be very effective as a sole, primary or complementary treatment for your condition. Likewise, they can help you improve and maintain good health.

Drawbacks of Alternative Therapies

I do not believe there are any cons (now wait) with the philosophy of holistic medicine as with conventional medicine. I think it is the ideal approach and accesses the best of both worlds. Having said that, there can be some real drawbacks in its implementation.

• We have come to expect a quick fix in today’s world, and except for those one-minute wonder miracles that happen sometimes, alternative medicine (and conventional medicine) do not provide it. When people realize this, they tend to drop the practice.

• To realize the benefits of alternative medicine, it requires a commitment of time and sometimes finances. We have to change our ways. This can be challenging for most people, even with the best of intentions. Habits are difficult to change. Sometimes it takes a very serious illness to get us to make the shift. And even that isn't always enough incentive.

• Some people attempt to treat serious illness with alternative therapies alone when conventional medicine would be the best primary care choice. When they realize this, it could be too late. Please, always explore all your options, get educated opinions and second opinions. Then make decisions that are right for you. Remember, you can always complement your treatment with the benefits of alternative medicine. If your doctor doesn’t support your decisions to do this, find another one that will.

• People tend to use an alternative therapy in place of a drug or medical treatment without using a holistic approach. They follow the conventional model with natural remedies. Although this can be helpful, it is not as helpful as incorporating a holistic approach.

• Some alternative therapies simply don’t work at all, or at least not for your needs. Just like with conventional treatments, the placebo effect may account for some success, but that’s it. Sometimes natural remedies can even be harmful, if for no other reason that they don’t help while you get sicker. The benefits of alternative medicine are critical, but only if you choose a method that is appropriate for you. This is not to suggest that stringent studies are required to prove effectiveness. Just be sure there is plenty of anecdotal evidence supporting your use of the remedy for your condition and you know how to use it properly. And use common sense.

When using alternative therapies, it's important to educate yourself about the remedy or system you want to use. Make sure that it's appropriate for you. That can make the difference between you having a positive experience with alternative holistic therapy or not.

Continue to the Pros and Cons of Allopathic Medicine