subject: Biologically-based Supplementation In Alternative Healing Medicine [print this page] The alternative healing world is filled with a plethora of wildly differing, sometimes contradictory, philosophies and treatments. Some like acupuncture and meditation have roots in ancient civilizations, while others, such as energy field manipulation are relatively new. However, any medication that you are told to take all fall under the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicines Biologically-based practices division.
Any fruit, root, oil, nut, vegetable, leaf, vitamin or mineral that is marketed to improve a certain harmful or detrimental condition is an alternative medicine. Usually stacked under the food or dietary supplement section of your local grocery, these are substances that aim to help people through non-traditional, naturally occurring remedies.
The major criticism of western medicine against these supplements is their general lack of laboratory backed published literature. Conventional doctors only trust medical claims that have had their research peer-reviewed. They believe that their evidence-based approach is the only legitimate avenue of learning. Adherents to these substances are thought to run the gamut from the simply misguided to exploitive snake oil salesmen.
Detractors often point out that any relief that alternative healing medicine may provide is due simply to the placebo effect. A placebo is a medical phenomenon wherein inert substances are able to induce either falsely perceived or actual improvement to a sick patients condition. Its seen as a demonstration of mind over matter, that the power of positive thinking can greatly affect a persons wellbeing.
However, alternative healing medicine has thousands upon thousands of cases with heaps of anecdotal evidence to support its effectiveness. While there may be a lack of academic studies done on these foodstuffs, countless people whose lives have been improved and are continuing to improve because of these serve as a ringing endorsement to the public. In addition, many patients whove turned to alternative care as a last resort are often unsatisfied or uncomfortable with traditional medical treatment.
It is important to note that some kinds of alternative healing medicine may potentially cause more harm than good, unlike scientifically tested mainstream pharmaceuticals. Before trying any alternative healing method, make a proper research and inform your attending physician and alternative care giver about all the details of your plans regarding treatment.
