When the term “alternative” medicine is used it seems to conjure up the expectation that it’s a medical practice that isn’t “real.” The alternatives to conventional medicine are quite real, and most have been used for thousands of years with good results, whether it be herbs, tinctures, or protocols divergent from mainstream medicine, there has been a negative connotation to the results which science can not always explain.

New Age, Homeopathy, Herbalism, Complimentary, and Holistic are some of the terms given to describe alternative practices used for healing purposes. Are they real, and more importantly, do they work? In a Washington Post article it’s said, “…there’s no such thing as alternative medicine. If clinical trials show that a therapy works, it’s good medicine. And if a therapy doesn’t work, then it’s not an alternative.”

So what does it all mean for the average patient seeking to maintain good health or to manage an illness or disease? It means there are personal choices and options available, and each patient must take charge of their own alternatives, whether they choose to be treated with traditional medical care and prescription drugs, or herbal remedies and natural products, or a combination of both, it’s a choice that should be comfortably afforded to each.

Consequently, the term “Integrative Medicine” has now become an actual field of study, integrating science based natural protocols with conventional medicine.

Integrative Medicine is being added to the best facilities in the world, including the Duke Medical Facility. Duke Integrative Medicine describes integrative medicine as “…. a new approach to medical care that brings patient and practitioner together in a dynamic partnership dedicated to optimizing the patient’s health and healing. This approach focuses on the whole person, recognizing that the subtle interactions of mind, body, spirit and community have a direct impact on vitality and well-being.“

Medicine’s Alternatives are Not Always “Alternative” Medicine

The best description of alternatives to traditional medicine is that it’s geared towards the complete well-being of the patient from a preventative, pro-active standpoint, rather than a reaction to specific symptoms or health issues.

A lot of auxiliary choices are not covered by insurance policies and patients should be advised of their treatment and payment options in order to make informed decisions about the quality of healthcare they are choosing, and what the budgetary considerations will be going forward.

All in all, medicine’s alternatives are worth exploring, and as more emphasis is put on the well-being of the complete spirit, mind, and body connection for each patient, quality practitioners should be analyzed carefully and their abilities used to assist in complete wellness planning.

Medicine’s Alternatives are Not Always “Alternative” Medicine