I believe it is instinctive to desire empowerment to help both yourself and to help others. This may be the reason why I am finding my present predicament of living in limbo, i.e. managing between treatment plans, so infuriating. I also imagine that this is one of the reasons that many compassionate, considerate friends have been suggesting alternative therapies or healers that they or others accredit. I am, at present, unwilling to begin to traverse the paths of non-conventional medicine but this is not on the grounds that I am completely closed-minded or consider it to all be hocus-pocus.
The term “alternative remedies” is hugely broad and in my opinion a rather useless nomenclature. It can be understood to include approaches ranging from gentle massage, which aims to relax, to African faith healers, who could suggest drinking dangerous concoctions including monkey blood. Furthermore, is prayer an alternative therapy? I have therefore reached the conclusion that it would be vastly ignorant to claim that I do not believe in alternative therapies. The real questions are which alternative therapies do I believe in and what do I believe they can achieve.
Having cogitated upon these questions, I have formulated no conclusive ideas. I do not find this to be remotely surprising, as these inquiries have opened the trapdoor to the whole world of ontology. The philosophical study of the nature of existence is an everlasting journey of exploration and I am only beginning to pack my bag. Cogito ergo sum.
Some folks use the term "complementary" medicine/therapies to describe the blending of traditional (ie. Western medicine) and nontraditional/alternative therapies such as acupuncture, naturopaths, etc.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of alternative therapies, there are some that have regulations, requirements, and training. (Not to suggest that a faith healer in other cultures doesn't go through a period of training)
Part of the problem, as you point out, is the broadness of the category; and the winding path you might take in exploring these.
Some traditonial physicans have incorporated alternative/complementary therapies into their treatment options. For example, my doctor has suggested therapeutic massage and acupuncture. Since these treatments aren't covered by my health insurance, I haven't been able to afford them. She also has suggested physical therapy which is covered (and not considered an alternative treatment by my health insurance provider.) While I would pay for each session, the cost is a co-pay, not the full price.
Good luck with your skeptical believing. I hope you find the kind of treatment that helps with your health issues!