What are the main alternative therapies/perspectives that are valid but still at!
Question:
What are the main alternative therapies/perspectives that are valid but still attacked by skeptics?
Alternative therapies have a huge range of validity, from ear candling to neuromuscular massage. There are conditions that respond well to traditional medicine better than alternative medicine, some that are vice versa, and most that respond to both approaches simultaneously. Why is there such skepticism about the impact of proper diet and awareness of food sensitivities? Acupunture seems to work on animals, and if that's true, doesn't that remove the placebo effect? Why the rejection of the possibility that there is an "energetic" aspect to health? I know flakey people are somewhat more attracted to alternative therapies, both on the patient and practitioner side, but that in and of itself doesn't invalidate alternative therapies. Any thoughts are appreciated.
Answers:
My career is in Western Medicine, however, I prefer Eastern Medicine. I am not a "flaky person", and my colleagues would agree. I think that as long as time has stood, herbs have been around. In fact, many medicines today originate from plants and flowers (some pretty toxic ones, too). As far as acupuncture, I have had this done three different times now (3 different injuries). I had success twice and failure once. I have tried the "cupping"- but wasn't quite sure of any positive effects of this procedure. I have also had chiropractic work done- with great results. As far as massage, there are numerous studies regarding MS, burn victims, etc that benefit greatly from therapeutic touch.
This is a dangerous road to travel these days just due to the physician who have gone to school learning what we have come to accept as "traditional" medicine. Imagine what would happen to all those physicians should we decide to adopt an Eastern philosophy of healing??
Sad that we can't just do what is good for our bodies and not for the pocket books.
Medicine will continue to advance, hopefully in a more healthy manner.