Frequently asked questions about alternative health care
What is the difference between alternative health care and holistic, complimentary and integrative medicine?
There is much confusion between these terms because they are often used interchangeably.
While they are essential very similar there are nuances that set the terms apart.
Holistic is a term that is used to describe alternative health care treatments
and naturopathic medicine because it denotes a comprehensive way of looking
at health issues.
It looks at the whole system instead of just concentration on individual components. Instead of treating simply the symptoms, holistic medicine takes into account the person not just the illness. It is a methodology for treating patients and looking at disease within the alternative health care framework.
Integrative medicine takes the best from conventional medicine and alternative health care and blends them to get the most benefit from treatment. Because of its open-minded and integral approach this modality is the strongest because it looks at all diagnostic and treatment possibilities that wouldn't fit in the framework of other medical paradigms. This best of both worlds combination is the least limited approach to alternative health care.
Complimentary health care can be used interchangeably with alternative health care, however complimentary health care usually refers to alternative treatments that are used to compliment allopathic treatments. Alternative health care simply refers to treatments that offer an alternative to the wisdom and methodology of conventional medicine. A new term, Complimentary Alternative Medicine (CAM) is being used by many providers who practice with a more natural approach.
While the validity of alternative health care has sometimes been called into question by the mainstream medical establishment or given the connotation extremity, it is simply an umbrella term used to describe a wide array of treatment modalities that are not practiced by most traditional M.D.s.
What kinds of questions should I ask my alternative health care provider on my first visit?
"The first visit is very important. Come prepared to answer questions about your health history, such as surgeries, injuries, and major illnesses, as well as prescriptions, vitamins, and other supplements you take. Not only will the practitioner wish to gather information from you, but you will want to ask questions, too.
Write down ahead of time the questions you want to ask, or take a family member or friend with you to help you remember the questions and answers. Some people bring a tape recorder to record the appointment. (Ask the practitioner for permission to do this in advance.) Here are some questions you may want to ask:
What benefits can I expect from this therapy?
What are the risks associated with this therapy?
Do the benefits outweigh the risks for my disease or condition?
What side effects can be expected?
Will the therapy interfere with any of my daily activities?
How long will I need to undergo treatment? How often will my progress or plan of treatment be assessed?
Will I need to buy any equipment or supplies?
Do you have scientific articles or references about using the treatment for my condition?
Could the therapy interact with conventional treatments?
Are there any conditions for which this treatment should not be used?" (nccam.nih.gov/health/practitioner/)
Are alternative health care treatments covered by insurance?
Several states now license naturopaths. In those states insurance companies pay for naturopathic treatments. For example, in Washington state, naturopathic doctors are licensed as primary care physicians and most insurance companies pay for visits to naturopathic doctors. Unfortunately in most states in the U.S. many insurance companies do not cover alternative health care treatments unless the alternative health care physician is also an M.D. Most alternative health care practitioners are naturopathic doctors, chiropractors, acupuncturists or are trained in oriental medicine. In most states insurance companies do not recognize these individuals as doctors and therefore will not pay for treatment.
However as alternative health care rises in popularity the trend seen in some states is beginning to spread to the others. Insurance companies in states that do not pay for most alternative care are starting to offer coverage for certain alternative treatments. For example, some companies have begun to offer coverage for chiropractic and acupuncture treatments.
Are all alternative healthcare treatments safe?
Just because a rule of naturopathic medicine is to first do no harm and most alternative health care treatments don't involve strong pharmaceuticals or surgery, that doesn't mean all alternative health care treatments are safe. It is advisable to consult with a primary physician before undertaking any unusual treatments, unless your alternative health care practitioner is also licensed as a primary physician.
Also some supplements can interfere the absorption of pharmaceutical medication so it is advisable to ask your M.D or licensed naturopathic or alternative doctor about that. While the chance of doing damage with alternative health care has less probability than with conventional medicine (due to the gentler nature of alternative treatment) nothing is ever guaranteed to be 100 percent safe for everyone. It is important to note that sometimes licensed naturopaths are better versed in the reactions of herbs and medicines than traditionally trained medical doctors.
Are there any diseases that alternative health care cant' help?
Just like there is no 100 percent guarantee for safety, there is no guarantee that alternative health care will be successful in solving any health problem. That said, it may just take several tries with several different alternative health care doctors or modalities to get results. While the process can be frustrating at times naturopathic physicians often provide hope and results for people who have had little luck or success in the conventional medicine arena.
Alternative health care can help with a variety of health concerns from something as harmless as weight loss to as deadly as cancer. The beauty of alternative health care is the inexhaustible options it offers for treating one's condition. Complimenting alternative health care with allopathic medicine often makes conventional treatment more effective.
Where can I find education or training programs, schools or career advice in alternative health care?
Alternative health care is a wide topic to search for on the Internet or read about in books. It is best to begin by reading about and educating oneself on the individual treatments under the umbrella of alternative health care such as acupuncture, ayurveda, energy work, herbal medicine, homeopathy, massage, mind/body work, naturopathy, and Chinese medicine. You can also find educational resources on naturopathic medicine at the Bastyr University home page at www.bastyr.edu.
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