What Are the Benefits of Alternative Medicines?
By Amber Keefer
Amber Keefer has more than 25 years of experience working in the fields of human
services and health care administration. Writing professionally since 1997, she
has written articles covering business and finance, health, fitness, parenting
and senior living issues for both print and online publications. Keefer holds a
B.A. from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania and an M.B.A. in health care
management from Baker College.
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According to Johns Hopkins University, more than 40 percent of Americans
report using alternative medicine therapies for pain control when prescribed
medications prove to be ineffective. Alternative medicine offers an integrated
approach to healing and may include interventions such as herbal remedies,
reflexology, chiropractic, nutritional supplements, massage therapy and
acupuncture. With more medical professionals beginning to suggest the use of
alternative therapies in combination with conventional medical treatments, many
more studies are underway to examine both the usefulness and safety of these
nonstandard treatments.
Pain
Many people turn to
alternative medicine therapies for pain relief when traditional treatments fail
to work. Alternative medicine also offers treatment options to individuals who
do not have access to pain clinics under their health insurance plans. A study
conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan Health System found that
older individuals, who are more likely to suffer chronic pain conditions, use
alternative therapies more frequently. Results of the study are published in
the January 2010 issue of the journal Pain Medicine. The study takes a look at
the increasing use of alternative treatment modalities as a way to manage
chronic pain.
Cancer
Alternative medicine therapies used together with conventional medical
treatments can alleviate some of the symptoms of cancer, as well as lessen the
negative side effects of conventional medical treatments. Chemotherapy,
although effective in increasing the survival rate of many cancer patients, can
produce unpleasant side effects. Some cancer patients are able to tolerate
chemotherapy treatments better when using an alternative treatment such as
acupuncture to control side effects like fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting,
night sweats and aching.
Cost
Alternative medicine therapies can be less expensive than conventional
medical treatments. Although some alternative therapies are not cheap, many
herbal remedies and other natural treatments still cost less than prescription
medications and treatments. Acupuncture and chiropractic sessions can cost
significantly less than conventional pain therapy treatments.
Side Effects
In most cases, effective alternative therapies have fewer or no side
effects as opposed to the frequent and sometimes severe effects of many
prescription medications and other conventional medical treatments. But
depending on what medical conditions a person might have, even natural remedies
and other alternative therapies can sometimes cause adverse side effects. Not
all natural remedies have been scientifically tested, nor does the FDA regulate
them. Treatment modalities such as therapeutic massage and acupuncture are generally
considered to be safe, but always talk to your doctor before using any
alternative medicine therapies.
Mental Health
Alternative medicine can be beneficial to a person’s overall well- being,
as the approach focuses on healing the mind, body and spirit. Treatment methods
such as massage therapy, biofeedback, meditation and visual imagery help a
person to relax and reduce stress. Art and music therapies are used to relieve
symptoms of depression and schizophrenia by stimulating the natural release of endorphins
and opiates in the body, in addition to helping individuals let go of deeply
repressed emotions. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration points out that other alternative approaches to mental health,
such as diet and nutrition, animal-assisted therapies and self-help groups can
be valuable resources for improving mental health.
Now watch this video and answer the questions below:
1. According to Kelly McCann, what is ‘integrative medicine’?
2. What is the ideal way to practice integrative medicine?
3. What are the benefits of integrative medicine?
4.What does she say a) or b))
a. “ The patient has an innate ability to heal.” b. “ The patient needs to learn how to heal.”
5 What types of patients use integrative medicine?
6 What does she say about the future of medicine?
ANSWERS IN CLASS!
