Is Alternative Medicine Proven to Work?


The most common objection to alternative medicine from conventional physicians is that it is "not proven."

What doctors mean by this is that alternative medicine has not been rigorously tested the way pharmaceutical drugs have been.

A rigorous test according to a Western medical doctor means that the medicine must have gone through one or (preferrably) more randomized, double blind clinical trials. This is considered the gold standard of Western medicine.

Doing a clinical trial like this is expensive. You need highly qualified researchers, a good research methodology, a bunch of patients to test, and a long period of time to observe results.

But the doctors are wrong.

Alternative medicine has been rigorously tested in a multitude of ways.

That's right. Chiropractic adjustments have been tested. Massage has been tested. Acupuncture. Yoga. Reiki. Reflexology. Herbs. Vitamin therapy. You name the alternative therapy, it's been tested, probably many times.

Why haven't you heard about these results? Well, without going into some conspiracy theory, I can only say that there is no single corporation who benefits from having these studies published widely, so they are generally kept quiet and known only to people who read the medical journals where they were originally published.

Here are a couple of examples that are really amazing.

A study published in the medical journal Multiple Sclerosis - Clinical and Laboratory Research in August 2003, researchers evaluated the effects of reflexology on relieving the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

They found incredible results. Reflexology decreased the patients symptoms with paresthesias (burning, prickling, itching, tingling), urinary symptoms and spasticity (uncontrollable spasms). This was compared to a control group who received a kind of fake reflexology.

Another study, published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry in July 2002, aromatherapy helped patients suffering from severe dementia to be significantly less agitated and more interested in social interaction and participating in constructive activities.

Both of these studies were "gold standard" trials, that is, they were randomized double-blind controlled trials.

And in both cases, there were NO side effects of the treatments.

These two studies are two of hundreds that have been conducted around the world, many of them proving conclusively that alternative medicine works.

We have, on our hands, many types of alternative medicine, effective, proven treatments that can help people with a wide variety of illnesses, conditions and symptoms without causing the discomfort, side-effects and death that pharmaceutical drugs cause in so many cases.

I believe that the combination of alternative medicine usage and a better approach to health insurance will help all of us live healthier lives and pay much less for healthcare and insurance.


More Resources

Kundalini Questions
Alex Wrote;"What is the difference after the kundalini awakens, and how do you know if it did?About 25 years ago I was sitting alone by a creek in the morning, not formally meditating (which I've never done), just watching the water flow.Suddenly there was an extremely intense ball of energy that formed at the base of my spine, buzzed there for a bit, then shot up my spine and 'exploded' in my head and 'out my eyes' and turned what I saw into a sort of mosaic made of the colors of what was there, but not the exact forms anymore.
Why Do So Many People Seem To Have Allergies?
Allergies and asthma arise from loss of the body's natural resistance to allergens, often beginning with early exposure to secondary smoke, industrial chemicals and asbestos, and the incredibly intensive chemical farming and industrial treatment, of the foods we eat, and fabrics we wear and sleep on.Our ancestors did not suffer these maladies as pervasively as we do, because modern industry since WWII has chemically saturated everything: our homes, fabrics, foods, and air.
Herbe Fraiche Essential Oil : A Combination of Forest Essences
Herb Fraiche essential oil is derived from essential oils complex blended from plant substances such as pine, thyme and mint. The refreshing plant fragrance induces a calming effect and relieves fatigue after a long day.
Voice Care for Recovery from Colds and Vocal Strain
Every singer, no matter how careful they are of their instrument, has times when they have cheered a bit too much for their team, or had three weeks of cold and flu, and feel plain vocally awful.Here are some tips that will bring you back to health and ensure complete healing for your voice.
The Truth About Dandelions!
Dandelions are not weeds! They are wild vegetables. In Greek mythology, Hecate fed Theseus dandelions for 30 days so he would become powerful enough to defeat the Minotaur.
Injured Athletes and Acupuncture
I have always been amazed at the clinical results that I have seen with injured athletes and acupuncture. For a while, my wife and I worked closely with a number of athletes from a world championship athletic team, the Santa Barbara Condors At the world class level, these athletes would be compared to world cup soccer players in the way their body is used and abused.
Green Tea: An Oriental Panacea Revived
A medicinal beverage in Asia for almost 4000 years, green tea is creating a splash in Western society recently. The humble tea leaves belie a bittersweet taste, delicate texture and unique aroma that give rise to a wide array of health benefits.
Powerful Essential Oils Kill Nail Fungus
Fungal infection of the nails is the one of the most difficult of all disorders to cure. Both fingernails and toenails may be affected, although toenail fungal infection is the most common type.
Remedies for Asthma or Allergies
Remedies for Asthma or AllergiesA lot people have asthma. My daughter, 41 years, included.
Beating Your Neck, Back and Shoulder Pain
Suffering from neck, back and shoulder pain? If you are, you're in good company. Millions of people wake up every morning and endure every day experiencing pain in their necks, backs and shoulders.
Fruits and Juices Important for Relieving Hemorrhoids Part I
Foods to AvoidChili PeppersIt has been found that when you eat a lot of chili peppersthat you can get a burning sensation in the rectum or anus.It is best to avoid eating too many peppers, especially if youhave an advance case of hemorrhoids.
Why Use An Aromatherapy Diffuser?
We breathe 22,000 times a day, inhaling 400 cubic feet of air.We spend 80% of our time indoors where air may be no cleaner than outdoors air.
How To Find Your Way To Healthy Longevity
As the old saying goes, are you "a picture of health"? You may have a problem answering this question, but it's important to know just where you stand on this issue. I guess we all would like to be the healthiest person we can be but it's not always possible.
Gearing Up for Flu Season
Well, flu season is coming upon us quickly, and most people would love to skip getting sick this year. The biggest question is?How? Here are the easiest ways to keep yourself and loved ones free of the nastiest of colds this (and every) year.
Natural Health
Natural Health is a form of alternative lifestyle whereby individuals incorporate natural health remedies and therapies as opposed to conventional forms of living and health. Natural health encompasses utilization of bodywork; health maintenance programs; nutritional supplements and vitamins; exercise regimens including martial arts, tai chi, yoga, and Pilates®; mediation; herbology and other forms of natural healing and living.
The 7 Best Ways To Use Your Subconscious for Pain Relief
Your subconscious has influence over 7 different factors that could be causing your pain. Here's what you need to know about them so you can try to get relief.
Constipation and Toxicity
Having regular constipation can lead to some serious illnesses. Fecal matter should move through your colon easily and in a given time.
Evening Primrose Oil Benefits
The evening primrose oil which we use is extracted from the seeds of Oenthera biennis, a plant native to North America. The evening primrose plant resembles a primrose but is related to the willow herb group.
Constipation: A Serious Health Concern
How often do you go to the bathroom and have a bowel movement?I realize that this question may seem odd, but it the most basic sign of good digestive health. Over 95% of health problems start in the digestive system and constipation is certainly a culprit in many of these maladies.
10 Simple Ways to Naturally Increase Your Energy
1. Eat protein at every meal: One of the most important ways to keep your blood sugar balanced and energy levels high is to include protein at every meal, breakfast and snacks included.

More Alternative Information:

Related Articles

Herbal Therapy
Herbal Therapy, also referred to as Herbalism, is one of the oldest healthcare means known to mankind. Herbal therapy is the utilization of herbs for various therapies, remedies or medicinal purposes.
Anal Warts Treatment (Finally, a Medicine for Anal Warts Which Removes Them Completely!)
Anal warts treatmentAnal warts, otherwise known as genital warts or venereal warts, are just one of about 80- different strains of the Human Papilloma virus (HPV). Anal warts are extremely common these days.
Alternative Medicine vs Conventional Medicine - Pt 2
In Part 1 we discussed the fact that alternative medicine (so called) was being used in ancient times long before conventional medicine came on the scene. It is interesting to note that there were not so many diseases plaguing mortals in those days.
Boost Self Confidence Through Hypnotherapy
What is self confidence and how do you get it? The compact oxford english dictionary is simple in its definition: "a feeling of trust in one's abilities, qualities, and judgment". A positive sense of self confidence is more than just believing in you.
Reflexology Therapy
Reflexology therapy, (an ancient art practiced by early Egyptians), is also a science founded on the basis that areas of the feet, hands and ears are comprised of zones and reflex areas that correspond to all glands, organs, and bodily systems.Reflexology therapy is a technique whereby pressure is applied to these areas resulting in stress reduction by using thumb, finger and hand methods.
Aromatherapy Favorites: Patchouli Essential Oil
Patchouli's History and UsesAh, Patchouli oil - people seem to love it or hate it. This well know essential oil has a somewhat deserved reputation as the scent of the Hippy generation (according to one source, it's use began as a mask for the odor of a particularly cherished herb), though it's traditional use dates back hundreds, perhaps thousands of years.
5 Simple Steps For Ridding Yourself Of Back Pain
Millions of people suffer from back pain unnecessarily when there is actually a very simple solution, according to Jesse Cannone , certified personal trainer and back pain specialist. "Unfortunately, many people are led to believe that back pain is normal and were all supposed to experience it.
Too Clean-A Critical Look At The Alleged Link Between Asthma and Cleanliness
Americans are ridiculed around the world for our attention to cleanliness. Recently some natural health experts have suggested that the growing problem of childhood asthma is directly related to our obsession with clean homes and a handful of studies seem to confirm their suspicions.
CPT Codes; What are you Getting Billed for?
All of us visit some sort of medical office from time to time and some of us make the visit a routine. No matter how many times we go in for a checkup or treatment we usually end up paying a relatively inexpensive co-pay for the services rendered to us.
How Visualization Is Different from What You May Have Tried for Pain Relief
You've probably tried everything you can think of to ease your chronic pain. But chances are that in your search for relief you haven't tried anything quite like visualization statements.
Herbs For Protection
If you have never used plant matter in magic before, I explain in detail in the column Plants, Herbs and Roots for Prosperity the different ways these substances can be practically used in rituals and everyday practice. In brief, the main methods of using plant material to summon protection are: carrying the substance on your person in a locket or a sachet, boiling the herb and sprinkling the residual water around your residence, putting a sprig of it under your bed or pillow, bathing in a distillation of it or burning it as incense.
Natural Pain Relief Through Magnetic Therapy is Possible
No one can deny the power of magnets, racing pigeons find their way home across thousands of miles, and Salmon use the earth's magnetic pulses to travel through oceans to make their way back to their spawning grounds. The ancient Celts built their places of worship at points where the earth's magnetic ley lines intersect.
Green Tea prevents and fights the risks of Cancer, why you should be drinking Green Tea
Do you drink Green Tea?Then you should read the information below.Lately, green tea has been getting a lot of attention, recent reports and scientific studies found that green tea has the ability to reduce greatly the risk of many cancers and in some cases it has shown signs of reducing tumors.
Junk Food Is Not Easier To Eat
There is something to be said about fast food being more convenient then healthy food that helps you be thin. I will give you that.
The Truth About Smokers Pleasure Paradox
Smokers love excuses. Nothing makes them happier than, 'I can't quit because?'.
Herbal Products
HERBAL PRODUCTS are comprised of herbal care remedies, such as ointments like Tea Tree ointment. Tea Tree ointment has the ability to help and cure dermatitis, excema and fungal infections.
Hemorrhoids Remedy: Practical Diet Tips, Toilet Habits And Exercise To Prevent Hemorrhoid Symptoms
Some people say that prevention is better than cure. That is a wise statement indeed.
Treatment Options for Hand and Foot Eczema
There are many kinds of eczema, and too few people who can tell you how to cure them. Scientists are trying get a better handle on the causes of such eczema as hand and foot eczema, but they may still have years to go before they find a tested and sound way to prevent the condition.
Natural Alternatives vs. Prescription Drugs
Natural Alternatives: A growing phenomenon across this world which is a very diverse concept yet very divine and instrumental in healing health diseases. It might be thought as any health care which is not a part of the mainstream medical establishment.
Snoring - A Small Change Can Make A Big Difference
We all know how annoying snoring can be, both for the snorer and the partner. The effects and seriousness of snoring are becoming more apparent with snoring being linked to conditions like high blood pressure and coronary disease.