Alternative Medicine

Whenever someone asks me my major, and they don't know what I am talking about, I have got to explain it almost every time. Some people understand but they want some clarification because they are unsure. So, I am going to explain it to those who don't know. Please do not feel bad if you honestly don't know because here is the thing, it is such a lost and vague practice that it seems that a majority of people in the United Stated DO NOT know what it is. At least according to my experiences with youth, teens, young adults, and older adults across all races and backgrounds. If you do know, and I offended you, I am sorry. We should meet up so I can say I have met people that did know.

Alternative Medicine is basically anything that can support, compliment, change, and differ from Western Medical Practice most commonly practiced in the USA. Most common forms of Alternative Medicine are as listed.

• Eastern Medicine
• Chinese Medicine
• Herbs
• Holistic Healings
• Natural Healing
• Chiropractor
• Acupuncture
• Midwifery
• Massage Therapy
• Art Therapy
• Music Therapy
• Auras
• Crystal Healing
• Yoga
• Meditation
• etc.

If any of these ring a bell, then you have already been introduced to one form or another of Alternative Medicine. As you may have noticed, many of these have been used in many form of western practice and may even have their own clinics.

Depending on the practitioner, they may be very one or the other and sometime neutral. Some prescribe medicines and others suggest different medicines.

All of these forms have their own way of coping, enhancing, or in some patients to even allow independant from certain drugs. Each person is different and there are many ways to go about health.

Some people may need drug enhancements and that is all drugs are supposed to do. Drugs are meant to enhance different functions of the body to go back to equilibrium (wellness and good health). They do not "cure." They help the body overcome illnesses and faults that are occuring in the body or they help cope with them such as pain killers.

Although it is very dependent on the patient, if someone were to tell me that Alternative Medicine does not help them, I will most likely tell them from personal opinion and understanding: "Bull!"


The reason why I say 'bull' is because there are more than 400 different kinds of other forms of medicine. There are so many focuses and unique practices that I doubt anyone could actually try them all.

Each person, as an individual, even responds differently to different medications and that is the same way with something like herbs. What may be good for one, may not be good for another.

Now, I really do think that Conventional Medicine (AKA Western Medicine) has a purpose. For one, sometimes we really do need help with that broken bone, dental care, and even cancers. There is a reason for technology and herbs cannot help the body with those problems.

However, Alternative Medicine has a way of even preventing health problems by means that don't even contain the word supplements.

Exercise and Eating in smart ways can be just as preventive as taking an herb or a supplement for that missing item in your diet.

So if that is all Alternative Medicine is, then why is it is own separate category?

Well, in all honesty, I couldn't give you anything factual at this current time. However, I can say this. It's just like any other subject of study. Everything can be science and then each practice is called something different. What makes Alternative Medicine so different from Conventional is the sought for independent nature of practicing therapy and healing outside of a clinic.

Alternative Medicine is that want to be able to live life without relying on something that we used to go so well without.

Each person is to their own and people choose to see Alternative Medicine in many different ways. Which is one reason why it has received nicknames as "Witch Doctor," "Shamanism," "Snake Oil," and being "Hippy." Which is very comparable to the names given to Conventional Medicine as "Poison," "Lies," "Chemical Drugs," and "Not Natural." There is truth in all names as well as it is interchangeable.

My hope is that you can see past any bias issues and understand the importance of both and to make your own opinion and to respect each practice in its own way. No one said you had to practice it or like it, but there is a reason why some things just don't die out. There is truth in both sides.

I believe this is why CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) has come about, because of this wanted distinction and positive influence Alternative Medicine can have on conventional medicine.

If it were my choice, I would put them both in the hospital, have unbiased doctors, and let the patients decided what they want to try based on their own personal situation. They may even find that combining the two different areas is better than just one. Also, it allows complete communication between doctors and patients as to what other contents are in their system before making final decisions on the direction of their health situation.

So, now that I have gotten off my soap box, I will state in my final conclusion that I chose Alternative Medicine because I feel there is great potential and knowing and finding other ways to enhance the healthy body with or without the use of conventional medicine. I want to work in a clinic or therapeutic office where I can help patients find what works for them no matter what form of practice they choose.