The March of Alternative Medicine

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My question to Mr. Comarow is this: What good is evidenced based medicine if the evidence is flawed, misrepresented or ignored?
Example, I am a medical hypnotist and there is considerable evidence that teaching some one self-hypnosis, meditation and guided imagery can help relieve their pain and yet doctors and their patients are always surprised to learn pain can be treated without toxic and potentially addictive drugs.
Sounds like malpractice to me.

Michael Ellner of NY 3:13PM September 17, 2008

In a medical system dominated (80%) by specialists is it any wonder so few hospitals take advantage of CAM? Most of these therapies are based on prevention and treat patients as a whole being of body, mind and spirit/energy which is the exact opposite of the current model. With so few general practitioners, and fewer joining the ranks each year, health care continues to grow more polarized between CAM and mainstream medicine.
The other issue is money. Few insurance companies pay for CAM treatments so there isn't a financial incentive for hospitals to offer the service.
Is it any wonder more and more American are turning to CAM on their own?

Alan Smith of TX 12:33PM September 17, 2008

The best medical system whether one uses allopathic medicine or alternative medicine is a preventative model. However a preventative medical system means reduced profits for a number of health care agencies and employees. Therefore one should not hold one's breath waiting for a preventative health care system.
In addition our present medical system is not a holistic model.
Until our medical system takes into account past lives and the disease connected with past lives it will "remain in the dark"
and not get at the true cause of disease.

Donald of WI 9:39AM September 17, 2008

The best "alternative" medicine is that which one administers to one's self. Read, learn. Pet therapy is good. Get a small dog. Self-medication is good. Take your vitamins. Excercize is good. Walk. Walk. Walk. Diet is important. Love your veggies. Massage is good. Rub. Rub. Rub.

of 5:05PM September 16, 2008