Human beings are naturally a suspicious species.  This suspicion of anything new is one of the reasons humanity has survived for so long.  The suspicion even carries to anything not normally seen in a human’s environment.  Although complimentary and alternative medicine have been used for thousands of years, since they fell out of favor in the last hundred years, these ancient and proven methods of healthcare seem new and therefore suspicious.

What’s Old Is New Again

Once upon a time, there were no pharmaceutical conglomerates that pumped out millions of pills and serums.  And yet, our species not only survived, but thrived.  How did that happen?  By using the science of what today is called complimentary and alternative medicines.  Acupuncture, herbal medicines, massage, aromatherapy – they have all been around for far longer than modern medicine.  In fact, according to author and doctor Earl Mindell, in his book Earl Mindell’s Herb Bible, about 75% of the world’s population still rely on herbal, complimentary and alternative medicine.  So, in reality, the pills and laser treatments of today are actually the alternative and not the norm.

Everything comes in cycles – fashions, kingdoms and sciences.  Make no mistake – complimentary and alternative medicine is a science.  It is not just based on myth and superstition – although they can help you remember what an herb, aromatherapy oil or whatever is for.  Complimentary and alternative medicine has been developed carefully over thousands of years.

However, you are also expected to be a fellow scientist in complimentary and alternative medicine.  Just like with any kind of pill or modern medical treatment, there can be side effects or allergic reactions.   For example, the popular herb St, John’s Wort CANNOT be used with prescription anti-depressants.  They clash and cancel each other out, so you run the great risk of becoming even more depressed than you were before.  Take one or the other, but not both.

When you go see a practitioner of complimentary and alternative medicine, they need to know your entire health history and what life-saving medications you are on (and antidepressants count as life saving medications!) and also what you are allergic to.  This way, they can eliminate anything that may react badly with your unique make up.

You need to be a patient patient when under the care of a complimentary and alternative medicine practitioner.  The treatments are not instantaneous.  They take time to get in sync with your body’s chemistry.  It is like you are training your body in a new skill.  You can’t learn to play the piano in one hour – well, 99% of us can’t.  And your body needs to learn how to get the best benefit from your new treatment.

You will also be expected to make any necessary lifestyle changes.  No pill or herb or magic spell will work for you if you chain-smoke, eat only at fast food joints and never exercise.

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