Beyond a placebo effect?
2006-09-23 06:51:28 · 18 answers · asked by presidentrichardnixon 3 in Health ➔ Alternative Medicine
Yes. They all work. Unfortunately, they don't all work the same way for everybody. Some people will respond more to massage than their neighbor will. Echinacea is supposed to be the greatest all-around immune builder; doesn't work for me, I need the Chinese counterpart. I've treated blood poisoning, bronchitis, ear infections, strep throat, and many other incidental imbalances all with alternative and complimentary medicine. Yes. It works.
As an added note: Who cares if it's just a placebo effect? If it works; it works. 'Nuff said.
2006-09-23 10:20:20 · answer #1 · answered by Bob K 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Yes, but one needs to define "alternative medicine" and "work".
Let's take this from a pure and simple nutritional standpoint...
If you've ever wondered whether the vitamins you're taking are doing any good...
Unless a company can produce Gold Standard* research which specifically references their product(s) along with documented proof of bioavailability and efficacy, they only have embellished claims.
While some people may say they're not interested in hearing the research, those same people soon question whether they're wasting their money on the supplements they ARE taking.
Stay well,
Andy
* Gold Standard means:
1. Randomized study: used in medical studies to directly compare two or more treatment groups. Subjects are chosen at random into differing treatment groups, and the patients are followed over time to observe the effect of the different treatments.
2. Placebo controlled: both actual product and placebo alternative are introduced to study group.
3. Double blind: neither doctor nor patient know which is the actual product or placebo (which can possibly slant the results).
4. Cross over: after results are tabulated, the product and placebo are reversed and the study repeated.
5. Peer reviewed: anonymous, third party research is performed on the results of the study to evaluate it's level of integrity.
6. Results of the study are published in a credible nutriceutical or medical journal. It's essential that the study specifically name and credit the product, not simply mention that 'any particular component' did this-or-that.
Conclusively - proven health demands proven research.
For our edification, go to www.PreventionProof.com and enjoy the education.
2006-09-23 07:07:20 · answer #2 · answered by puz 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
One has to define alternative medicine - which is difficult. And as alternative medicine becomes more proven it becomes allopathic and more main stream.
Studies are expensive .. but more research is being done. Duke University and the University of Arizona are two places that come to mind.
As mentioned by other posters - the effects are often more subtle and take longer to take effect and some don't work on some people and some just don't work at all. :) Isn't that re-assuring.
I like to think of it like the layers of an onion....
acupuncture/acupressure are pretty main stream and work for most people.
My sis was on all sorts of anti-depressants .. but surprisingly what worked was high doses of calcium. It was worth a try.
Chiropractic and its more legitimate Osteopathic medicine can make you feel better, but Chiropractic has more "alternatives" that some explore that I think are silly.
It really surprised me -- but with my training -- I can feel when someone is extending KI/Chi say in Reiki or Kiatsu .. and I when I get a treatment (which was years ago) I can feel it as a soothing warming energy. Most cannot feel the KI, but they do get benefits. Others say they sat there for 20 minutes.
There are studies by reputable places that show that echinaea, elderberry and perhaps blackberry improve the immune system - and I think that they work for me. But the effects are subtle and take a few days to build up.
I have a friend who was put on a strict diet by a naturalpath .. and it worked for her .. but we think that the placebo effect is also working. Does it matter .. maybe .. but she got relief here where others had failed.
I personally dislike the notion of homeopathy.
2006-09-23 07:47:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
See: Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine - Pizzorno & Murray
Prescription For Natural Cures - Balch & Stengler
40% of Americans now use some kind of alternative
medicine. That means it either works pretty well or it has
one HECK of a placebo effect.
2006-09-23 15:59:57 · answer #4 · answered by Mad Roy 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
nothing in this world can be cured. even western medicine dont do that. if its cured, why do people have headaches now and then?.. alternative medicine is similar to western medicine. it improves someone condtion. if its really cured, then all the better
some alternative medicine are scientifically proven. but there are always people sceptical about it, particularly peple in the drug companies. if they were supportive of it, their drug companies will surely close down right?
i have heard stories and seen it for myself bout the benefits of alternative medicine. and its beyond the placebo effect. its scientific. its up to your descretion to make your call whether its true or not.
2006-09-23 19:25:49 · answer #5 · answered by fyrdaus 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Accupuncture. Accupressure. Both work.
I also have meditteranean oil of oregano on hand at all times (from Turkey, not Spain or Mexico). 4 drops under the tongue, a glass of water, 3 times a day when you feel an infection of darn near any kind coming on - this is a natural antibiotic.
I have not been to a traditional md for many years, (Except the gyny - gotta go there for yearly exams) nor have I taken antibiotics or medication for as long.
Oh - and get the heavy metal outta your mouth if you have fillings, etc. - metal is baaaaad.
2006-09-23 09:39:53 · answer #6 · answered by iguana 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
My group falls under the heading of alternative medicine. We have healed several terminal, incurable people from juvenile diabetic coma in which the doctors told the family it was out of their hands and the child would die before day break. A Multiple Cirrhosis lady who is now not only walking but teaching at a local University. A woman with breast cancer in both breasts, they were black and she was told it was " too late". She is now happy and looking for another man. Her old one left her as she was "no longer a woman". She sure is now.
We are a free group dedicated to helping those in need. www.internationalhealers.org
Vaya con DIOS
2006-09-23 06:59:48 · answer #7 · answered by chrisbrown_222 4 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Yes, in fact many modern drugs are derived based upon naturally occurring "alternative" substances. The two keys to health are Assimilation and Elimination. Take care of those items and you will go far to not needing drugs in the first place!
2006-09-23 07:03:06 · answer #8 · answered by HowE 1 · 3⤊ 1⤋
If you consider that no scientific research is done to prove effectiveness, there is no way of being sure. Scientific proof that it works would be a great argument for selling it. It is strange that the producers never seem to want to investigate. A lot of alternative medicine is based on the priciple of dilution. Sometimes the dilution is as much as a molecule in a swimmingpool! How can that ever work? Belgian sceptics have collectively tried to commit suicide with lots of alternative medicine. They survived without any side effects, only an urge to pee. So if you are sick. See a real doctor first.
2006-09-23 06:59:33 · answer #9 · answered by Enduringwisdom 4 · 1⤊ 6⤋
I have to swear by Acupuncture . I had done for three years and actually used it to become pregnant . I swear by it . It is a science that many of the regular Medical doctors are starting to look at. My obgyn told me to go and get acupuncture while pregnate. This form of healing helps your body to help its self work better , It is expensive but if you go to a college ... It will be significantly less and they are expirenced to do it just as good as a regular therapist. I SAY ACUPUNCTURE .. Try it you might LOVE IT ,,,
2006-09-23 08:58:32 · answer #10 · answered by zachs mom 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋