I was reading a report on a recent study where it was found that nearly a third of all American kids are using some type of holistic medication, and close to 1 out of every four uses herbal medicine or dietary supplements.
The study goes on to claim that almost half of the parents didn't feel it necessary to provided the kid's doctor with that information. First, that's probably a bad idea. If you're going to see a physician, he or she needs to be made aware of any herbs or supplements you're taking. Yes, I realize there is the "scowling look factor" to consider, but if I assume you're seeing a physician that respects your choices this shouldn't be an issue. Some conventional drugs and traditional herbs don't mix. Now off the soapbox and back to the issue at hand.
In the story, the researchers admit that most of the holistic therapies are relatively safe. However, the very next statement reads as follows:
"The more important concern is that someone might use alternative therapies at the expense of conventional treatments for diseases that could easily be treated with existing therapies"
Why in the world would that be a problem for the patient? If I'm sick with the flu, is it not better for me to to use a very safe and effective Elderberry syrup as opposed to the "conventional" therapy of needless and ineffective anti-boitics?
If my baby has diaper rash, wouldn't some soothing emollient herbs (like Marshmallow) be better than applying an isolated steroid? If I have adult onset diabetes, are you suggesting that regular insulin shots is the better alternative to me losing 50 pounds and changing eating habits to a more healthy diet?
I would think that the more important concern should be the person receiving the best possible health care that does the least amount of damage during the healing process. It doesn't necessarily need to line the pocket books of pharmaceutical companies, nor does it need to perpetuate the isolation of the patient from the healing process.
The conventional therapy part is crap. Isn't alternative medicine really the conventional one?
Posted by: Imperfectionist on November 18, 2002 10:40 PMWith more and more people turning to "alternative" and "complimentary" treatments as opposed to harsh chemicals and the scalpel, holistic medicine (as I prefer to call it) is definitely becoming more and more "conventional" in mainstream Western culture.
Posted by: Evo on November 19, 2002 08:22 PM