Top 5 reasons to consider alternative medicine

It is no secret that there are many issues with the conventional medical system in our country today. The cost of healthcare is rising. Patients are frustrated with battling insurance companies over coverage. Co-pays, referrals, HMO's, PPO's - what's the prescription for that headache? Many are simply dissatisfied with the traditional medical approach. More and more people are looking for alternatives. The following are 5 reasons why you may want to consider looking into alternative healthcare:

1. Gentle and Natural - Alternative Medicine practices (also known as complementary medicine or natural healthcare) tend to be gentle and non-invasive. Practitioners do not perform surgery or prescribe medications. The therapies are gentle and work with the body's innate power to heal itself. When looking for practitioners, don't be afraid to ask for their credentials. Acupunturists and Chiropractors are required to be licensed by the state of Florida. Look for the designations LAc (Licensed Acupuncurist), OMD (Oriental Medical Doctor), or DC (Doctor of Chiropractic). There currently is no licensing available in Florida for Herbalists, Homeopaths or Reiki practitioners. However, there are schools that do provide training and credentialing or certifications in these areas. Again, ask for their credentials.

2. Save Money - The long term cost of natural healthcare tends to be less than on going conventional medicine. Even though most health insurance carriers do not cover the wide variety of alternative therapies (with a few exceptions), the out of pocket expenses for natural healthcare is generally less as it is short term. While traditional healthcare may employ costly practices such as surgery and long term medications; the modalities used by natural health practitioners are designed to be short term, encouraging the body to heal and eventually overcome the need for intervention.

3. No Red Tape - Without the rules and regulations of HMO's and PPO's, there is less stress in choosing alternative healthcare; ie., no referrals to obtain from the primary care physician, and no pre-authorization needed from the insurance company! However, there are some health insurance carriers who do cover certain complementary techniques such as acupuncture. Check with your provider to find out what services are covered. Depending on your plan, BlueCross BlueShield of Florida even offers discounts on some complementary services such as chiropractic, acupuncture and massage therapy with contracted providers. (see website for details)

4. Do it Yourself - Many natural health therapies can be learned and practiced on your own. While initially you will need to see a trained professional for advice and direction, the natural health practitioner's main role is that of an educator. They educate the individual on proper diet and lifestyle changes and even some techniques to bring about health and balance. Other methods such as yoga, meditation, cleansing and so on can be learned and practiced at home.

5. Accessibility - In Orlando and throughout the Central Florida region there are many alternative health practitioners. A quick search of the yellow pages or an online directory such as the Alternative Medicine, Health and Healing Directory can point you in the right direction. Even Dr. P. Phillips Hospital in Orlando utilizes energy medicine (light touch therapy) at its facility. The more you look, the more you'll find choices are everywhere.

If considering alternative methods, discuss your interest with your medical doctor. Alternative medicine should not replace, but work in conjunction with conventional medicine. As natural health methods are being studied and becoming more widely accepted, many doctors are now working with the natural health community to provide more options for their patients. When doctors, patients and alternative practitioners work together to provide the best care for the individual, that is true complementary medicine.
 

For more info: Look future articles on topics such as herbs, homeopathy, reiki, acupuncture, reflexology, ayurveda and more.