Why are you passionate about alternative medicine?

Question

Delving into the world of alternative medicine uncovers a landscape rich with expert insights and time-tested wisdom. This article explores various healing modalities that prioritize natural remedies and holistic care, offering a fresh perspective on health and wellness. From Ayurveda to medical cannabis, learn about the empowering options for disease prevention and control recommended by leading authorities in the field.

Dr Salini L S · Answer

I am so passionate about alternative medicines like Ayurveda because they primarily utilize natural herbal remedies. The majority of these medicines are very safe to take and generally free from significant side effects. As an Ayurvedic physician, I am always fascinated by the magical cures Ayurveda offers for many diseases. Ayurveda addresses not only the symptoms but also the root cause of the problem. 
Moreover, Ayurveda is not solely applicable when you have a disease. It offers numerous medicines to prevent disease and promote rejuvenation. This is one of the aspects I appreciate most. Prevention is always better than cure, and these medicines help to boost immunity and prevent us from getting sick. Therefore, I believe that if everyone could follow the Ayurvedic way of living, it would be highly beneficial for leading a healthy life.

Elisha Peterson MD MEd FAAP FASA · Answer

I am passionate about alternative medicine because it allows me to provide patients with a holistic approach to healing. As a pain management doctor, I recognize that chronic pain is complex and influenced by physical, emotional, and social factors. Alternative treatments such as mindfulness, acupuncture, and physical therapies complement traditional medical care by addressing the whole person rather than just symptoms. Evidence-based approaches in alternative medicine ensure safety and efficacy while giving patients more options for individualized care. Additionally, alternative therapies empower patients, offering them tools to actively participate in their healing journey.

Tom Ingegno · Answer

I don't love the term alternative medicine as it denigrates the value of non-western/non-modern practices. East Asian Medicine is a complete system of medicine that considers not only the patient's physical complaints but also their emotional and mental well-being. Perhaps this "whole being" approach makes me passionate about East Asian medicine. Having the time to understand and work with the patient to help alleviate the symptoms and improve the areas of their lives impacted by their disease is so rewarding. Our classical text says, "Acupuncture is the expression of humanity." Perhaps they meant helping them improve not only their physical health but their relationship with others and the community as well.

Dr. Sheila Walker-Carroll · Answer

I'm passionate about alternative medicine because I experienced a profound healing from terminal cancer through supernatural means, which opened my eyes to the power of natural and holistic approaches to health. In addition to this, I've had negative reactions to several prescription medications, which made me more aware of the limitations and potential risks of conventional treatments. This journey has deepened my belief that there are alternative options that honor the body's ability to heal itself, without relying solely on pharmaceuticals. I am driven to explore and share these alternatives, as I believe they can offer a safer and more balanced path to wellness for many people.

Dr Vijaykumar Mane · Answer

My passion for alternative medicine stems from its holistic approach to health. Unlike conventional treatments that often focus solely on symptoms, alternative medicine considers the individual as a whole—mind, body, and spirit.
I've seen firsthand how homeopathy and other alternative therapies can provide safe, gentle, and effective solutions for chronic and acute conditions without harsh side effects. It's especially rewarding to see patients regain their health, not just through treating their ailments, but by addressing the root cause and empowering their bodies' natural ability to heal. Here are the key reasons:
Holistic Healing: Alternative medicine treats the individual as a whole—mind, body, and spirit—rather than focusing solely on symptoms. This integrative approach creates balance and promotes overall well-being.
Safe and Gentle Remedies: Homeopathy and other alternative therapies rely on natural solutions, making them safe for all ages with minimal or no side effects.
Root Cause Approach: Instead of masking symptoms, alternative medicine seeks to identify and address the root cause of health issues, leading to deeper and lasting healing.
Personalized Care: Every person is unique, and alternative medicine recognizes this by tailoring treatments to individual needs, creating a more effective and compassionate approach to healing.
Preventive Focus: By emphasizing prevention and lifestyle adjustments, alternative medicine helps individuals avoid illnesses and maintain optimal health.
Empowering Self-Healing: It harnesses the body's natural ability to heal itself, encouraging patients to take an active role in their health journey.
Emotional and Mental Wellness: Beyond physical health, alternative medicine addresses emotional and mental well-being, promoting harmony in all aspects of life.
Sustainable Health Practices: With its reliance on natural remedies and holistic practices, alternative medicine supports long-term health without over-dependence on pharmaceuticals.
Strong Patient-Doctor Connection: The personalized nature of alternative medicine fosters a deeper connection between doctor and patient, based on trust for well-being.
In a world increasingly burdened by stress, lifestyle disorders, and over-reliance on medication, alternative medicine offers a path to harmony and empowerment. It's this promise of holistic, lasting healing that fuels my passion every day.

Dr. Matthew Bortolussi · Answer

I realized as a young adult that conventional medicine doesn't have all the answers, and some of the answers it does offer aren't that great. Conventional management of high blood pressure tends to be an ever-growing cocktail of pharmaceuticals combined with the reduction of salt. Salt consists of electrolytes that support normal human physiology, so is limiting salt as much as possible really the best strategy? What happened to lifestyle intervention? 
Conventional management of low back pain used to be immobilization, or “rest,” but if we understand that joint motion helps maintain joint health, immobilization is one of the worst things you can do beyond perhaps the most acute situations. 
There are so many effective alternate options available when dealing with most health challenges we face. Simply accepting one opinion as the be-all-end-all doesn't make sense to me. People being told that a given condition must simply be “lived with” because their conventional medicine provider doesn't offer a solution for them is simply not fair to that person, and simply not right. 
While it may be true in some cases, I meet new patients all too often who've been told that of their own situation, when it's simply not true. Alternative medicine offers answers and solutions that can give people their quality of life back. That's why I am passionate about alternative health care.

Aspen Noonan · Answer

I'm passionate about alternative medicine because it gives people more options for relief when traditional treatments don't work. Medical cannabis, in particular, helps with issues like pain and anxiety in ways that can improve daily life. Seeing the positive impact it has on individuals motivates me to continue this work. Everyone deserves safe and effective care that meets their needs.
Alternative medicine is important because it can work alongside regular health care to give people more choices. It allows individuals to find solutions that fit their specific situations. Medical cannabis is a natural option that supports many conditions, and its ability to help so many people inspires me to stay focused on making it accessible.
I'm also driven to change how people view alternative medicine. Too often, treatments like medical cannabis are misunderstood or undervalued. Helping to remove the stigma and ensure people feel confident exploring these options is a key part of my mission. I want to create a health care system where everyone can choose what works best for them without fear or hesitation.

Dawne Christine · Answer

Alternative medicine is a passion of mine because it empowers individuals to take an active role in their own healing. It goes beyond treating symptoms and focuses on addressing the root cause of imbalances, allowing for true and lasting wellness. I love how it embraces a holistic approach, considering the mind, body, and spirit as interconnected elements of health. Alternative medicine offers natural and non-invasive therapies that align with the body's innate ability to heal itself. 
I'm inspired by its emphasis on prevention and creating a lifestyle that fosters well-being rather than reacting to illness. It values ancient wisdom while integrating modern knowledge, offering a beautiful balance of tradition and innovation. For me, alternative medicine is about providing hope and options, especially for those who feel unheard or unsupported by conventional methods. Ultimately, it's a way to honor the whole person and help them thrive in harmony with their own unique journey.

Benjamin Matheson · Answer

Alternative medicine can have the capacity to reach people whose problems cannot be addressed in conventional healthcare environments. While biomedical models of care have a very important place in healthcare for many different types of injuries, they don't often explain problems for those suffering from painful conditions with persistent symptoms. The pursuit of excellence in areas of alternative medicine, that is practiced ethically, can provide hope for those who have not been able to find relief in conventional healthcare approaches.

Talwinder Sidhu · Answer

My passion for alternative medicine stems from its rich history and deep ancestral lineage. While modern medicine has only been around for a few hundred years, most alternative medicine practices date back thousands of years, evolving alongside humanity and forming a critical part of our survival. These ancient practices represent the collective wisdom of generations, offering a holistic approach to health that often focuses on harmony between the mind, body, and spirit.
As a child of immigrants, my connection to alternative medicine is also deeply personal. In my community, alternative medicine was not just a preference but a necessity. When modern healthcare was inaccessible or unaffordable, we turned to time-honored remedies and traditions that had been passed down through the generations. These practices were a testament to resilience, resourcefulness, and the power of natural healing.
Through my experiences, I've come to see alternative medicine not only as a practical approach to health but also as a cultural and historical bridge that connects us to our roots and reminds us of the importance of balance, prevention, and the innate wisdom of nature.

Doreen Nunez · Answer

As someone who has struggled with managing rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune illness, I've experienced incredible outcomes from alternative medicine. It started when I sought complementary therapies alongside conventional treatments to help mitigate side effects. However, the unfortunate reality of chronic illness is that remission isn't always permanent. After experiencing a few disease cycles, I began searching for alternative ways to reduce my inflammatory markers, like sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. 
I'm proud to say I achieved my second round of remission through dietary interventions like juicing, following an anti-inflammatory diet, exercising, and physical therapy. That remission lasted roughly under two years. When symptoms returned for a third time, I decided to work with a functional practitioner. I was given supplements to address nutritional deficiencies and took the KBMO food sensitivity test, which identifies foods that trigger the immune system which funnels into excess inflammation. 
I also incorporated a pro-resolving mediator, like SPM Active, to help my body clear excess inflammation, and thankfully started feeling great again. My inflammatory markers are coming down, and I'm no longer reliant on medications that suppress my immune system or leave me scrambling to manage side effects. So, when asked if I'm passionate about alternative medicine; I'd have to say: 100 times yes! It's given me empowerment and control; ultimately leading to the path of healing.

Dr. Jo L · Answer

I am passionate about alternative medicine because it emphasizes prevention and holistic care, addressing the root causes of illness rather than simply managing symptoms. It supports the body's innate ability to heal itself, using natural and integrative approaches rather than relying solely on pharmaceuticals, which can often come with harmful side effects.
Practices like yoga, reiki, acupuncture, and massage profoundly benefit the body, mind, and spirit. They enhance physical well-being and promote emotional balance and spiritual connection, which are often overlooked in conventional medicine but are critical to overall health.
Alternative medicine aligns with my belief in treating the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—and fostering a deeper connection between individuals and their health. It empowers people to actively participate in their well-being, a cornerstone of lasting health and vitality.

Why Are You Passionate About Alternative Medicine?