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WebMD Health News

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Wading Beyond the Mainstream
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How much are you willing to endure? A person's symptoms often outlast a dedicated physician's attempts to identify the cause. Some doctors may choose to follow the path of 'cautious observation' once all of the serious, life-threatening diagnoses have been eliminated.

Most folks can discern when their physician is ready to throw-in the towel. This happens frequently when pain is the chief complaint: pain following surgery or trauma, pain following serious inflammation (like Shingles), or chronic pain like headache.

Before your doctor reaches for the prescription pad consider asking this question:

"What are my alternatives?"

There is no reason to live in misery, and you may not need daily doses of mind-numbing, potentially addictive narcotics to experience temporary relief. There are alternatives worth exploring within the practice of Integrative Medicine.

Whereas traditional, mainstream medicine is allopathic (meaning remedies are prescribed to reverse the specific disorder), Integrative Medicine simultaneously treats the body, mind and spirit at the same time.

Phobic about herbals? Although Integrative Medicine often employs unconventional treatments, they are based on high-quality scientific evidence.

Acupuncture was ridiculed a generation ago. Nowadays it is covered by health insurers to the great relief of millions of Americans. I have relied on hypnotherapy and biofeedback to help many of my patients and I am an eye surgeon - about as mainstream as one can get. I am excited to be able to offer options to my patients - proven approaches that can help lower blood pressure, relieve discomfort, and deliver a better night's sleep.

There are plenty of alternatives that can complement your current medical treatment or recovery program. Remember, Integrative Medicine is meant to complement (not compete with) traditional health care. Visit WebMD's new Integrative Medicine Center to learn more. It may be the most satisfying surfing you've done in a long time.

Related Topics: Using Imagery For Comfort and Rest, Headaches and the Mind/Body Connection

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Posted by: Dr. Lloyd at 8:32 AM

3 Comments:

Anonymous Pradeep Aggarwal said...

Nice blog with good information on articles.

Thank you for providing relevant information. I’ll keep visiting it for updated information.

Keep it up.

2:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

How wonderful to hear about some of the other treatment options available to patients.

I find chiropractic approach using myofascial release, manipuation and excercise very effective. Why is it no mentioned?

Bryan Ales

1:42 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm surprised that osteopathic medicine was not mentioned in the Integrative Medicine section. The osteopathic philosophy (over 130 years old) has always taken a mind, body, spirit approach to patient care. Intergrative Medicine is not new - ask any D.O.

11:56 AM  

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