Five Alternatives to Allopathic Health Care

As Americans continue to tire of increasingly serious medication side effects from prescription medications, many are turning to non-conventional approaches to treatment of disease and for overall healthcare and wellness.

This post will examine a few of the current approaches that many folks are focusing in on.

Chiropractic

Interestingly, chiropractic wasn't discovered by a physician, but it did eventually evolve into a very respected form of non-drug treatment.  It's focus is on the spine and its function in overall health.  (Remember, the spine contains nerves traveling to all parts of our body).

In order to  maintain good health, the transmission of impulses must be unimpeded.  Due to stress unfortunately, many times subluxations or disruptions occur, that impedes the flow. This can be caused by  vertebral misalignment. A chiropractor will take a medical history, do a physical and order X-rays to see what is going on and will then manipulate or adjust the spine to bring everything back into alignment. 

I have used Chiropractic quite extensively in the past and found that it can be very effective.  Remember, the treatment is focused on the whole body so patients will be required to make adjustments in their diet and everyday living activities. Be prepared to go several times a week, though.

Homeopathic

Homeopathy is based on the principle that like can treat like.  Herbs and other natural substances are diluted many thousands of times to treat diseases that can be induced by the taking of these natural substances.

I have tried this too.  It does take time for results to be seen.  Also, consider, hundreds of years ago our foreparents used these very same natural substances to treat disease.  Unfortunately, it can become quite expensive.

Integrative Medicine

These doctors bring together conventional, or allopathic treament, and alternative tratment.  The focus is on the individual and again, the treatment will rely on modifications in lifesylte, diet and exercise to cure disease.

Naturopathy

These doctors, similar to Homeopaths, empahsize natural therapies that enables the body to restore and maintain good health.  These therapies may include homeopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine and also lifestyle changes.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture and herbal medicine are primary means used by these practitioners to restore health  or chi or energy.  They feel that their may be imbalances in yin and yang, that cause disease. 

Treamtent through acupuncture involves placing needles along energy channels or pathways which triggers the body to release endorphins and incrase circulation enabling healing to take place.

I have tried this too.  Again, as with most of these treatments, improvements take time and persistence.  Just as illnesses take time to develop.

Sources:

Wertheimer, Kate "Finding Drl Right" Natural Health Magazine