Xenocentrism - why people turn to alternative "medicine" when ill.
I don't do alternative medicine but I understand the appeal to control. I also understand why some doctors would suggest it. Much easier to deal with patients that "own" their recovery - or lack thereof. No one likes to be the bearer of bad news.
It amazes me how resistant people are to their alternate therapy not working. A guy at work was going to a chiropractor for years about his shoulder. He finally went to a doctor who put him in for physiotherapy (covered by our health insurance) and he regained most mobility in months. And that's a minor thing. Recently parents killed their child by choosing naturopathy over universally provided health care. They thought vinegar and ginger was as effective as medicine. Chillingly, they still do and they have more children.
I get people want to feel control - especially over a life changing illness - but this pretense that life is controllable can interfere with embracing their remaining time with friends and family.
https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/the-harm-of-integrative-medicine-a-patients-perspective/
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I went to my chiropractor and all I got was another lousy appointment.
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This is a serious look at a very serious issue. I have a G+ buddy (Michael Ringland ) who often posts, usually satirically, about alternative medicine. This isn't to say that all alternative medicine is complete bunk, it's just that there is so much that is, and it's really hard to tell the difference between one or the other.
ReplyDeleteOn the other side of the coin, there's WebMD (and its ilk). Totally legit, great information. But horrifically misused by patients or people who think they are sick.
Oh gawd, FTA, "Reiki is an ancient, gentle hands-on healing technique originating in Japan. Reiki promotes relaxation, eases pain, and reduces anxiety and stress. It also assists the body in cleansing toxins and balances the flow of subtle energy."
ReplyDeleteWTF is subtle energy?
A good read, unfortunately I've heard, read and said it all before.
ReplyDeleteI 'studied' acupuncture, was good at it, knew all the mumbo-jumbo, went on Sydney media and made quite a good business, providing a service at 'making patient's better'. I had Chinese mainland qualifications as well, with diploma's and fancy stuff...then came a patient that thing's did not add up, I had no explanation for why things fucked up.
I did 4 years at Sydney University doing physiotherapy. The vastness of my ignorance was then apparent.
My point ? Alternate therapists have no idea of how much they DON'T know. If western medicine had one solution to all problems the idiocy would be immediately apparent, but 'detoxification' (a meaningless idiotic notion) seems to cover most alternate treatments.
Should you want a well meant deeper personal encounter, alternate therapies would be the go.
Most oncologists are
a) too busy
b) too protective of their own emotional health
c) just way too busy to hold your hand for half an hour, look deeply into your soul (???as if we have one), and speak positively of the experience.
Some need that, but minus the bullshit.
I'll leave the last word to Tim Minchin
"what do they call alternative medicine that has been shown to work ? Medicine."
If you are unaware of Tim, check this out (but be warned 'fuck' is an expressive word that is well used in Tim's world (another reason I enjoy him).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtYkyB35zkk
Tim Minchin is awesome on many many levels!
ReplyDeleteSo true! Oncologists do have better things to do. But I also understand that there is a special risk going on when a respected medical facility starts to peddle alternative medicine as an alternative with implied similar efficacy. In the US, it seems the medical system is a for-profit industry interested more in how to squeeze the maximum financial gain from sufferers as opposed to making them better. This avenue of alt-med just seems like a way to make more profits (instead of saying, "sorry, we are swamped and don't have the resources to help everyone"). They'd rather say, "we have this other service you can buy."
ReplyDelete"Yoga is associated with the primary obtainment of complete spiritual unification connecting mind, body and soul with comprehensive yoga session for the complete wellness program that uplifts mental and emotional balance releasing innate source of profound energy." "Chandra Yoga International" create an event on "International yoga day 21st June 2017." facebook.com - International Yoga Day With Chandra Yoga International
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