By Angela Levesque

Around 38% of Americans use some form of complementary or alternative medicine. Whether it is acupuncture, chiropractic, meditation, or aromatherapy, many people see the benefit to a more holistic approach to heath care. As the debate continues around health care reform and the role of alternative medicine, it is important to understand the benefits and considerations when contemplating going the alternative route.

1. There is no one size fits all therapy

Just as there is no magic pill that works for everyone, there is no one therapy from which all people will benefit. Due to our dynamic nature, genetics, beliefs and lifestyle choices, there will be some modalities that resonate more than others. There will also be some alternative therapies that are better suited for your condition.

Some therapies are not intended for use as a treatment of an illness. Rather, they support the innate healing mechanisms by bringing balance to the mind, body and spirit. Realize that your expectation of results, or skepticism, will also play a role in the outcome. Ask yourself,”What am I looking to receive from this approach?” Then do some research to determine if the proposed therapy is a good match for you and your needs.

2. It takes a commitment

We have become accustomed in Western medicine to expect fast results. Alternative medicine, in most cases, takes some time and commitment. Holistic healing does not happen overnight, and it requires a conscious effort on your part. As a practitioner, I cannot tell you how many times clients want to know exactly how many sessions it will take for them to see results. Many of the issues they are dealing with are years in the making. Expecting to see lasting results after a few sessions, while possible, is not that likely.







The more committed you are to making the supporting lifestyle changes, the bigger and more lasting the results. This need not be seen as a drawback, but rather a source of empowerment. What is more valuable than taking care of yourself and evolving as an individual? It is all part and parcel to leading a more fulfilling, purposeful and healthy life.

3. They have different healing philosophies

Many people believe that Western medicine is an exact science, but in many cases it is an art. There is a lot of trial and error involved in finding the right treatment and, in some instances, even the right diagnosis. So be aware there is room for interpretation in everything.

Many alternative medicines have a different healing philosophy; meaning that why people get sick and how they get well could be coming from a unique understanding of healing. In many cases, this will create a different pathophysiology, which is the cause and progression of an illness. This may require you to look at your challenge in a new way.

This could be a good thing. For example, in homeopathy, which at one time was a prominent part of mainstream medicine, it operates under the assumption that ‘like cures like’, which is in stark contrast to the germ theory, where the goal is to identify the pathogen and remove the threat.

Because alternative medicine modalities may have different foundations for healing, they will also use different language. When visiting a doctor of traditional chinese medicine for irritable bowel syndrome, be aware there is no ‘IBS’ in that model. Instead, the healer may talk to you about qi and the elements. It is a good idea to be open to other interpretations of how the body heals, and try not to get too caught up in creating parallels between what they tell you and how Western medicine explains it.







4. Different tools in the tool bag

In working with cancer patients, many of them express frustration in the doctors not talking about nutrition or mind/body techniques, but that is not what they are trained to do. Nothing is wrong with that–they just have different tools in their tool bag. They cannot specialize in everything.

This is why having a wide healing network is important. In alternative medicine, each practitioner will have a set of tools they use that is built around their healing philosophy. Seek out the specific skill set you are looking for from a qualified practitioner. If you are looking for nutritional help, seek out a holistic nutritionist, not a massage therapist.

5. There is research, but you have to look for it

Often, we hear that we cannot trust alternative medicine because ‘the research isn’t there.’ While it is true that there is less research, there is still research being done. Much of the research is not being done in the United States. To know why, all we have to do is follow the money. The funding is just not there for many complementary and alternative medicines. Conventional medicine breeds built-in researchers. Some doctors spend their whole life doing research; it is part of their paradigm.

This is not the case in complementary and alternative medicine. That being said, many of the whole, alternative medical models do have far more research than some of the complementary modalities. If you are interested in data, one might just have to dig a little deeper.







6. Questions to ask a prospective practitioner

There are good practitioners and bad practitioners in every profession. Sometimes, it is more a case of resonance than incompetence. This is wise advice regardless of where you obtain health care. Since most alternative medicine is paid out-of-pocket, it is a good idea to get referrals and do a little bit of research.

Find someone with whom you resonate. Check out their office and see if they will do a short meet and greet before you become their client/patient. It is important to trust them and feel comfortable in their space.

Here is a list of questions to ask your practitioner: (1) What types of therapies do you practice? (2) What is your training and qualifications? (3) How long have you been practicing? (4) Do you have experience in working with clients/patients with my condition? (5) How much do you charge? Do you take insurance? (6) Will you work with my doctor?

In most cases, using a blend of complementary/alternative therapies in conjunction with conventional medicine is the best route to take. Always make sure to let your doctor know what else you are doing. They may not like it, but there can be some serious contraindications, so be transparent. And do not forget to check in with yourself in moments of solitude. Ask your heart what you need, and blend that awareness with prudence and research.

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About the Author

Angela Levesque is writer, healer and health educator. She is the author of “Healing Environment:The Conscious Creation of Health.” Angela also hosts “On Health & Healing” on a2zen.fm. Angela works as an intuitive lifestyle coach and teaches several classes on self-care, meditation & weight loss. Visit www.hestiahealth.com for more information. Find her on https://twitter.com/HestiaHealth and http://www.facebook.com/hestiahealth.





