Is there any proof that alternative medicine works?

Question

Just curious if there is any firm proof that alternative medicine practices actually work. I need *hard evidence*, preferably documented studies by a reputable organization. Anecdotal evidence and user opinion such as "I felt better" or "the Chinese have practiced for thousands of years" does not qualify as proof.

Answer 1

You know, its amazing how many people here don't understand the idea of scientific 'proof'. The original question specified that they didn't want 'anecdotes' or other non-proof, yet a bunch of people have written in to say "it worked for me...".

To anyone who claims that the effectiveness can't really be measured... that's bunk. If 'alternative medicine' (homeopathy, reflexology, etc.) actually did work, you could tell using a proper DOUBLE BLIND study, even if you didn't know the exact mechanisms. The fact is, there hasn't been ANY reputable studies done that show these things work, so we're left with more anecdotes. As the saying goes, "The plural of anecdotes is not 'date'".

To anyone who has claimed success with such 'alternative medicine'... Why are you assuming that the alternative medicine was what healed you? Remember, the human body DOES have the ability to heal itself over time, and there is a very good possibility you would have gotten better even without such 'cures'.

Oh, and the fact that homeopathy is 'recognized' in certain countries doesn't necessarily mean it works... a foolish belief is still foolish even if many people believe it. (Remember, it was once 'accepted' that the sun revolved around the earth.)

Answer 2

I really think it depends on the person. I get really bad migraines and western medications don't work for me, so I started trying some different ways reduce them. After trying a lot of things that didn't work, I found acupuncture and acupressure did. Now my migraines have been reduced from two or three a week to two or three a month. For me alternative medicine gave me an option that traditional couldn't.

On full length studies. Try downloading National Geographic Vidcast. There is a few videos that actually show them using it in extreme causes, like surgery.

Answer 3

"Alternative medicine practices" is such a broad, vague term that no one will be able to satisfy you. Homeopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic, reflexology, iridology, reiki, structural integration, Feldenkrais, Trager.....there are so many different practices, and the kinds and amounts of evidence of effectiveness vary tremendously.

Homeopathy, for example, is a recognized practice in Norway, the Netherlands, Germany, England, and many other countries....but the WAY homeopathy works is such that you cannot test its effectiveness in the same manner as you would a drug designed to kill a particular pathogen.

As a person who was a biochemistry/molecular biology major in college, now a lawyer, and mother of two children for whom alternative medicine was the ONLY thing that worked in several critical instances, I say yes, several of the practices that I tried that most allopaths (MDs) would not know about or want to hear about DID work.

In order for YOU to form an opinion, you may want to gain a broad base of knowledge about the practices first, and then think about what would constitute "proof" sufficient to convince you. Remember that many of the things that the regular medical establishment tells us are Proved turn out not to be true ten years later....

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Is there hard proof that conventional (Western Medicine) works?Have you seen the mortality statistics for cancer,heart disease in conventional medicine?Western medicine treats symptoms mostly.Medicate,cut,burn-that's their claim to fame.The hard proof is in the many coffins.Alternative medicine searches and treats the cause and promotes prevention.Usually when people are sentenced to death by their docs, then they start reaching for alternative medicine.Unfortunately it's too late.Listen to the Chinese

Answer 6

There are plenty of people that were healed by "Alternative Medicine" when western med. couldnt do it. It simply works better. Sorry I don't have any websites or anything.

Answer 7

Is there any proof that regular medecine works?
I need *hard evidence*, preferably documented studies by a reputable organization. Anecdotal evidence and user opinion such as "I felt better" or "the Chinese have practiced for thousands of years" does not qualify as proof

Answer 8

Years of experience and physical results are the proof. The only proof that will satisfy your question is your own benefit. Stop looking for empirical evidence to your own solutions. Make a decision to be healthier and find your own answers. Now the shoe is on the other foot. Start walking your path.

Answer 9

There is much proof and from various countries.

I have a link for you. It will lead you in the right direction.

Answer 10

there is a mountain of documentation on "alternative" or traditional therapies, but you have to look for it. a good place to start would be the American Botaniclal Council's website or W.H.O website http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs134/en/
try the book "Medical Herbalism" by David Hoffman, check the bibliography.