According to a survey conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), approximately 38% of adults in the United States use some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
The high number of people using CAM therapies raises the question: why are so many people turning to an alternative for medicine?
In this guide, we will explore this topic in more depth and look at the reasons behind this trend.
What Is Alternative for Medicine?
An alternative for medicine is any healing practice that falls outside of conventional Western medicine.
Conventional medicine is medical care practiced by licensed health care providers. These include doctors, nurses, and pharmacists.
Why Do People Use Alternative for Medicine?
People use CAM for a variety of reasons. Some people use it because they feel it is natural and therefore safe. Others may choose CAM because it complements (works well with) conventional medical treatment.
Still, others use CAM because they feel it is the only thing that has helped them or because conventional medicine didn’t work well.
How Safe Are Complementary and Alternative Medicine?
Most CAM therapies are considered to be safe when used correctly. However, there is always the potential for side effects or adverse reactions. Therefore, you must be cautious about using CAM products and services. Some tips for using alternative medical services safely are:
Talk to Your Conventional Healthcare Provider First
Before trying any complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, you must talk to your conventional healthcare provider first. This is because some CAM therapies may interact with medications or other medical treatments.
Make Sure You Are Working With a Qualified Practitioner
When using CAM therapies, it is crucial to ensure that you are working with a qualified practitioner.
Look for reliable practitioners such as the Women’s Wellness Center for a quality services guarantee. Make sure the practitioner is licensed and insured. Ask about their training and experience.
Be Open With Your Practitioner
Be sure to tell your practitioner about any other medical conditions and medications you are taking. This will help them determine if CAM therapy is right for you.
Follow the Practitioner’s Instructions
Be sure to follow the practitioner’s instructions when using any CAM therapies. Do not use more than the recommended amount. Otherwise, you put yourself at risk of adverse effects that will only worsen your condition.
Stop Using the Therapy If You Experience Any Negative Reactions
If you experience adverse reactions, stop using the therapy and talk to your healthcare provider. The practitioner will assess you to establish if you need a product change or if you should stop using CAM altogether.
What Are the Most Common Alternatives For Medicine?
There are numerous CAM products to choose from. The ideal one depends on what you are ailing from or what you intend to gain from alternative medicine. The most common types of CAM therapies are:
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that involves inserting thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body. Proponents of acupuncture believe that this balances the body’s energy, promoting healing.
Some specialists recommend acupuncture to improve fertility. In addition, some individuals use acupuncture to speed up their weight loss journey, while others do it for overall wellness.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is the use of touch to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. Massage therapy proponents believe it can relieve pain, improve mood, and promote relaxation.
Besides pain relief, you can use massage therapy to reduce stress and anxiety. The treatment also comes in handy for individuals looking to improve blood circulation and a range of motion.
Chiropractic Care
This alternative medicine focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal problems. The treatment is ideal mostly for those with spinal issues.
Proponents of chiropractic care believe it can relieve pain, improve function, and help the body heal. You can also get chiropractic care to prevent injuries, especially if you are into athletic and body-building activities.
Yoga
Yoga includes physical, mental, and spiritual elements.
The physical aspect involves the practice of poses, or postures, designed to stretch and strengthen the body.
The mental part focuses on mindfulness and breathing. The spiritual element includes a focus on self-awareness and enlightenment.
You may practice yoga to improve flexibility, posture, and breathing. Yoga is also a perfect practice to strengthen muscles and reduce signs of stress.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is based on the principle of “like cures like.” Homeopathic practitioners believe that a substance that can cause symptoms in a healthy person can also be used to treat those same symptoms in an ill person.
Some reasons to practice homeopathy include:
- To treat a wide range of conditions
- To boost the immune system
- To improve the overall health
Complementary and alternative medicine is a broad category that includes a variety of healing modalities. Take your time to research and understand the pros and cons of establishing which one will help you reach your goal.
Do CAM Products Work?
The effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies is relative.
The reason is that what works for one person may not work for the next. Also, some individuals may swear by CAM, while others experience adverse effects as soon as they try the products.
CAM therapies are not always subject to the same rigorous testing as conventional medical treatments. That said, some evidence suggests that specific CAM therapies may be effective for certain conditions.
For example, acupuncture is effective for treating pain, and yoga is an effective way to reduce stress and improve overall health.
Should Try an Alternative for Medicine?
CAM therapies can be an alternative for medicine, but it is important to do your research and speak with your doctor before trying any new CAM product or therapy.
Some CAM therapies may interact with conventional medical treatments, so it is crucial to be aware of potential risks and side effects.
While some people may find relief from CAM therapies, others may not experience any benefits. Ultimately, it is important to listen to your body and see what works for you.
We hope this article was helpful. For more informative articles, be sure to check out our blog.
