Should I Use Traditional Medicine or Complimentary?

July 2006
by Rebecca Rengo-Kocher
http://www.beyondchronicpain.com

Complimentary medicine is a fairly new term to describe "alternative" techniques. Many people are now using options from herbs, massage to acupuncture in conjunction with their physician's treatment that it is no longer considered alternative, because it doesn't replace your doctor's care, but is used to compliment it. This combination is called "integrative care." As a consumer, it's important to be as knowledgeable as possible about any complimentary medicines as well as traditional medicines.

There are many complimentary treatments for chronic pain, including herbal medicines and alternative procedures. It's increasingly popular for people to pay out of pocket for complimentary treatments. However, unlike medicines prescribed by your doctor, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate vitamins, supplements, herbs and natural products, unless there is evidence that the product is bad.

It's to your health advantage that your physician know what treatments you are using or considering, Herbs and other options can affect blood glucose levels and medications you're already on. Get medical advice and make an informed decision. Don't take anything lightly just because it can be purchased without a prescription.
When looking for the best care with either traditional or complimentary medicine, do your research.

• Check training and credentials.


• Call the health organization for your diagnosis for referrals.


• Ask others with the same diagnosis who they use and what they like or don't like about them.


• Before trying a medical procedure or any kind of complimentary techniques, find out everything possible about it. Has it been successful for your diagnosis? What are the contra-indications?

Western medicine is very good at acute care needs, treating what can be felt, seen or put into a chemical equation. Complimentary approaches include the inner healing of mind and spirit, through nutritional foods, bodywork, energy releases and cognitive/behavioral techniques. When both approaches are combined a person can receive optimal healing, drawing from the best from both worlds.

© 2006 Rebecca Rengo-Kocher. All rights reserved.
Please forward this newsletter to anyone who can benefit from these ideas. A life with chronic pain can be lived well and enjoyed.