Alternative Health Therapies

Alternative vs Complementary

• Instead of conventional • In addition to conventional

Integrative: Complementary + Conventional

• More than half use integrative medicine• Now in many medical plans• Included in medical school curriculum• TELL YOUR DOCTOR!

Principles

• Prevention • Body can heal itself• Learning and Healing go hand in hand• Holistic care: Focus on the person

Not the best alternative health therapy

Examples: Healing Systems

• Focus on philosophy or lifestyle

Example: Mind Body

Example: Supplements & Herbal

• Supplements • Herbal

Example: Manipulation /Touch

• Chiropractic• Spinal manipulation• Massage• Osteopathy• Acupressure

Example: Energy Therapy

What do the doctors think?

What is needed to make alternative more viable?

• Research money• Careful studies, unbiased• Truthful advertising• Good news: National Center for

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Lets view some examples

• National Institute of Health: Senior Health

Videos on Alternative Health Therapies

Resources:National Center for Complimentary & Alternative Medicine

Mayo Clinic

Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine