Alternative Medicine and Your Doctor

by Alison Palmer | More from this Blogger

05 Feb 2007 07:29 PM

Alternative medicine is gaining in popularity. It comes in all sizes, shapes and colors. As we learn about it's diversity and benefits, more and more Americans are giving it a try. Let's face it, as a whole we're a very unhealthy bunch. We are beginning to recognize that, and some of us look for more "natural" ways to reclaim our bodies than others. Most people, I think, try to strike a balance between the medical world and our alternative worlds.

The bad part is we don't always tell our medical doctors what else we are doing and vise-versa. That can be a problem. Some of it may be a trust issue, some of it may be a privacy issue, and some of it may be for other reasons entirely. We don't think our scientific doctor will understand or value our spiritual needs. We fear being laughed at or rejected based on our beliefs. Some of us just consider that to be a very private part of our lives and take the "don't ask-don't tell" approach. If it doesn't seem to apply, we don't bring it up.

Why is this lack of communication a problem? If you truly have your health and long-term well being in mind, alternative and traditional medicines need to complement each other, not play mistress and jealous housewife.

The first step to bridging this gap is choosing all your healthcare providers carefully. Take time before you get sick to look closely at your needs and what your providers represent.

When I went looking for a new personal physician I found one perfect for me. She was based in a clinic that also had a dietician, a chiropractor, and other alternative medicine specialists on staff. My doctor's presence in this type of environment showed me she would know what to expect and how to respect any "alternative" choices I might make.

There are plenty of doctors out there who still turn their noses up at the alternative, but that is changing. Physicians are beginning to acknowledge that the mind and spirit really do have a powerful effect on the body. There are also plenty of alternative doctors out there who frown on general medicine as unnatural, poisonous, a money-motivated industry, etc. You want to strike a balance between the two. Both worlds have a lot of good to offer.

Be open and honest with all your providers. Include herbal supplements on your list of medications at the physician's office, and tell your herbalist what prescriptions you take from your doctor.

Share your own thoughts and feelings. Expect respect for those feelings. Give respect in return- even if the reaction is negative. Arguments close ears and hearts.

Know your stuff. Ultimately you have to take charge of your health. Don't take anyone else's word about a treatment. Find real answers on how and if a treatment will work, and what to expect from it. Share your findings.

Commit and follow through. Once you have made a decision about your health practices, share that commitment with your providers and respect their reaction. Stay in charge of your health and plot your progress. Follow it through and share your personal findings.

Remember, seeking help for your health should not cause stress or add to the problem. Look at ways to make your healthcare choices as comforting as possible. In times of illness you need to be confident in your healthcare providers.

Related Articles:

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Herbs and Surgery

Learn more about Alison Palmer

Writing is Alison's favorite past time, but you can also frequently find her reading, playing piano, cooking, taking long walks, sewing, or playing with her family.

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Tristi Pinkston (10839) 09 Feb 2007 01:06 AM

Thanks for this blog, Alison. I have found a doctor that doesn't give me a hard time about my inclination toward natural healing, and we have found a good balance between medicine and alternatives, I think. You know, our bodies are so different and what works for one person won't for another; I'm glad we have so many choices and can find what works for us.

Alison Palmer (269) 09 Feb 2007 09:37 AM

Sadly, it's my husband who always looks at me funny when I say I'm going to try something alternative. Well, he looks at me funny when I go to my regular doctor to. Maybe there's a pattern there that has nothing to do with healthcare. Am I just funny to look at?!

Julie Gentry (5915) 09 Feb 2007 05:11 PM

Heh heh. Just tell him you're going to try something NATURAL first. We do that, then go to the allopathic MD if it doesn't work. If people tried natural remedies FIRST, doctors would be freed up to spend the time they need to for the more serious cases.

Alison Palmer (269) 09 Feb 2007 07:01 PM

That's a very good argument, and probably true. Now you've got me curious to see if there are any studies to back that up! Thanks for sharing Julie.