Alternative therapies

For some people, conventional Western medicine just doesn't cut it for their problems. Either it doesn't work, it doesn't work well enough, or they feel that there has to be something better out there.

I believe that we can use both conventional therapies and alternative therapies together to get the best of both worlds. I have used acupuncture and love it. I've undergone chiropractics and don't love it. I'm willing to try other forms of alternative therapies too. But - I'm lucky. Our insurance covers at least part of it, which makes it fairly affordable. But what of those who can't afford it? Must they do without?

In Canada, the province of British Columbia is addressing the issue: BC acupuncture coverage begins April 1.


I think that's great news. At least it gives more people the option. And, if acupuncture does help what ails them, it could lessen the drain on the conventional medical system. I look at it as a "if we don't try, we'll never know" program.

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Holistic medicine

Holistic health, often thought of as just a type of alternative medicine, is beginning to gain recognition in Western medicine. It makes sense if you think about it and it’s a shame that it is taking so long for the concept of holistic health to make inroads in our healthcare.

Look at two of today’s news stories: High blood pressure could worsen Alzheimer's: study and Depression linked to brittle bones in women. Blood pressure and Alzheimer’s disease, and depression and osteoporosis. How many other diseases and health problems have we heard of that are related? Diabetes and high blood pressure is just one example of many.

In my opinion, it only makes sense that one part of the body affects another – for better or worse.

Traditionally, our medical approach is to treat the symptoms of an illness and then to try to get rid of the illness. This can be done by surgery (removing or repairing the problem) or treatment. While this approach may work much of the time, is it taking care of the whole problem? Holistic medicine encourages using all the resources available to you – be it psychology, acupuncture, massage, or any other field of so-called alternative medicine that is appropriate.

I often wonder, why is Western medicine so afraid of the older ones from elsewhere.

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