Sunday, June 15, 2008

Alternatives to traditional medical treatment

If you have been undergoing traditional medical treatment for an ailment and it has not alleviated the symptoms, you may want to consider an alternative form of treatment. It is wise to do so after consultation with your medical practitioner, many doctors are now seeing the benefits that can be obtained by using a more natural and wholistic approach to disease and illness. If your doctor dismisses all forms of alternative therapy as “quackery” then it may be time to find a new doctor.

Alternative therapy practices have gained much more respect over the past few years and many people have had almost miraculous cures. There are a great many choices now available within the alternative medical world with almost as many treatments as there are practitioners. It is important when choosing a medical treatment plan that you research the alternatives as thoroughly as you can. There are many different treatment options, including those from traditional medicine, that you will need to choose from to suit your body.

One of the most common and widely accepted alternatives is chiropractic for back pain, spinal and general wellbeing. Acupuncture and acupressure have also become very popular and are now accepted by many as effective ways of treating illness and pain. Herbal remedies and Chinese herbal medicines are now being taken in place of many medications as are homeopathic remedies.

Detox diet’s are a great way to improve general wellbeing for those who do not want to use, or wish to reduce, the medicines and other prescribed items which often contain harmful chemicals and can have nasty side effects.

Some alternative therapies focus on touch. These include massage, Rolfing, Reiki, and therapeutic touch. Other alternative therapy treatments involve your other senses such as aromatherapy (sense of smell); color therapy and light therapy (sense of sight) and music and sound therapy will involve your sense of hearing.

Prayer or meditation can also be of great benefit. As can the use of yoga, hypnosis, magnetic therapy, polarity therapy, apitherapy, and biofeedback. There are many other alternatives available as well and your doctor should have some knowledge of them. Not all therapies will be suitable or will work for you, everyone is different.

Finding a good alternative therapy practitioner can be tricky you must find a professional to do the treatment. You need to watch out for those who are not certified or qualified to provide the service. In most cases, practicing without certification is against the law. You need to do your research and then shop around for the best prices. Ask your doctor to recommend an alternative treatment and reputable practitioner.

Remember word of mouth is usually the best way to find a good therapy provider. Talk to your family, friends and colleagues about local providers. The internet is a good source for information and reviews on different alternative therapies available. Some Government agencies may be able to give you information on whether a particular therapy practice has had any complaints made against it. Good health care is vitally important and you need to make the most informed decisions you can.

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