Finding Your Way in the CAM World

The number of modalities and options for treatment available in complementary and alternative medicine can be quite daunting to those who are looking into this field for the first time. With names like craniosacral therapy, acupuncture, SCENAR, rolfing, chiropractic, homeopathy, herbalism, etc. selecting what might work can be challenging. In any medical field, one therapy does not necessarily fit all. In traditional medicine seeing a specialist may actually narrow one’s choices. When you see a orthopedic surgeon, likely surgery will be the main option.

So what are some guidelines for exploring the natural, holistic options?

1. Understand your complaint.

Is it pain related? Is it in a specific location in the body (low back, shoulder, wrist, etc.)? Does it seem more muscle and joint related, or does it seem to be located within the body (stomach pain, infection, fatigue, etc.)?

For structural issues (joints, muscles) chiropractic care may be a good first step. Talk with people who are satisfied with their chiropractor to get a referral. Often, chiropractors have a number of healing modalities that they use in conjunction with their adjustments, and are generally pretty knowledgeable about the world of holistic medicine. Osteopathic doctors are MDs who use manipulation and adjustments similar to chiropractors, but also have the prerogative to prescribe if needed. Most of them are very holistic in their approach.

For internal issues (gut distress, colds, diseases) a naturopathic doctor or a homeopathic doctor may be a good place to start. Their orientation is to assist you in restoring your own health, not “fixing” you, and that alone is a great asset when exploring natural health options.

If you don’t want to stray too far away from traditional medicine, you may want to look for a doctor of integrative medicine. They are trained in traditional medicine, but also have training in natural modalities.

2. Research the options.

The internet is a wonderful tool to explore the various natural health options in an effort to see where to begin. All the information you need to get started is there. Be sure to explore the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. They specialize in supporting scientific research into natural health approaches and the information can give you some guidance about which options may work for you. By doing the research you are taking the first step in getting control of your health and well being. Use any practitioner as a consultant in your effort to achieve health. By learning about all of the options you increase your ability to understand which modalities might be helpful. Ask your practitioner if they know of other natural options that might be helpful to your healing. If a practitioner tries to tell you that their modality is the only one that works, find someone else. You are looking for someone who is interested in helping you to heal, whatever that may take.

3. Understand the financial considerations.

Except for chiropractic care and to some extent acupuncture, health insurance does not cover CAM modalities. Look at how many sessions might be required and their cost, as it will likely come out of your pocket. However, the cost may pale in comparison to the invasive and drug dependent interventions offered by traditional medicine, even though insurance may cover a part of those expenses. The true expense to you may be in recovery time and possible drug reactions which you want to be aware of.

4. Take charge of your health and well being.

It is your body. Have confidence in its ability to heal. You are the expert in your experience of healing, so don’t let anyone try to override your own judgment. Learn to listen to what your body is telling you. Symptoms are messages about what you may need to change in order to return to health. Rather than fear them, open to what the symptoms may be saying about what you and your body may need. What our bodies do best is heal, if we can learn to listen and get out of the way.

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