Do You Believe in Alternative Medicine?

[SageMother]

The only thing that really bothers me is that people really believe that alternative treatments and herbs are safer because they have fewer side effects.

Anything that will change how you feel has the potential to have an unpleasant side affect.

 

[heretoday]

I wonder, is acupuncture still termed "alternative medicine"? Where we live it's taken very seriously, but I believe that the health insurance still calls it "alternative"...Anyway, I've been hearing that acupuncture can work on the sinus problems ofallergies. Could be, why not? Has anyone tried this route for allergy-relief?

 

[Twiceshy]

One of the reasons to use alternatives is to have more control over your "treatment".

To this end, I wouldn't share my alternatives with a doctor as it may change how the perform their job, and you don't want them making little notes on your medical file that might be seen by insurance companies at the wrong time.

 

[waltermitty]

I wonder, is acupuncture still termed "alternative medicine"? Where we live it's taken very seriously, but I believe that the health insurance still calls it "alternative"...Anyway, I've been hearing that acupuncture can work on the sinus problems ofallergies. Could be, why not? Has anyone tried this route for allergy-relief?

Acupuncture has been shown to be totally worthless in double blind tests.

 

[katharina]

Many of the old home cures, when examined closely, have a basis in fact. Always makes me wonder how the ancient people ever figured out some of the potions they used that worked.

I agree about the old home cures. There was not *nearly* as much running off to the doctor just 30 years ago. And I've wondered about the other thing, too... like how did they know which herb or remedy helped with which ailments. It would make a fascinating study.