Which is Better: Traditional or Conventional – or Integrative Medicine?
Individuals can seek out skilled herbalists or naturopaths who are trained to work alongside conventional medical treatments, providing integrated health solutions
Many individuals find themselves frustrated when discussing the integration of natural medicine into their healthcare with their doctors. This frustration partly arises from the educational focus in Western medical schools which emphasize pharmacological treatments over the use of nutritional supplements and botanical remedies.
Consequently, many conventional medical practitioners may not be well-versed in the efficacy or scientific support for natural medicine. This can lead to a dismissive attitude towards these treatments.
Furthermore, some medical professionals might express irritation or skepticism about natural medicine, advising patients against using such treatments by suggesting they could be harmful. This contrasts with the perspective that natural medicines have significantly fewer adverse effects than pharmaceuticals – which are linked to significant side effects globally!
The Beauty of Integrative Medicine
Realistically, the average medical doctor may not be equipped to offer natural medicine treatments unless they have undergone specialized training in this area.
However, individuals can seek out skilled herbalists or naturopaths who are trained to work alongside conventional medical treatments, providing integrated health solutions. These practitioners of natural medicine are often more than willing to collaborate with medical doctors to ensure a comprehensive treatment approach.
As many turn to the internet for health information it becomes crucial to discern reliable advice from the overwhelming options available online, especially regarding natural medicine. For complex or serious conditions, consulting both a medical doctor and a qualified natural medicine practitioner is advisable to ensure a safe and effective dual approach to health management.
Professionals trained in both conventional and natural medicine, known as integrative or holistic physicians, can offer valuable insights and treatment that encompass both domains of healthcare.
There is a trend worldwide that more integrated clinics are opening up to the benefits of the patients! They understand the therapeutic uses of herbs, the potential for drug-herb interactions, and prioritize a holistic view of health that addresses root causes rather than just symptoms.
Navigating the world of natural medicine can be confusing to various terminologies and the broad range of qualifications among practitioners.
The WHO - World Health Organisation shows on their website that 80% of the world population uses herbs and herbal remedies for healing! Does that tell you something?
Here is a quote from Dr. Carolyn Dean, Medical doctor, Naturopathic doctor, certified dietician-nutritionist, Chinese medicine herbalist, bestselling author of over 50 books including "Death by Modern Medicine" and "The Magnesium Miracle", 110 kindle books. She calls herself "The doctor of the future:"
"It is against our belief to use terms such as alternative, complementary or CAM (Complementary and Alternative) except when quoting. It is unfortunate that the medical establishment and all too many of my colleagues who practice conventional allopathic medicine have fallen into the habit of calling the oldest and most successful form of healing by what are, in fact, demeaning names, such as complementary and alternative. We must always remember that allopathy is only a medical model born in the industrial age, and to suggest that the oldest and most used healing arts in the world are secondary to allopathic is not only insulting but inaccurate as well. These traditional methods of restoring and maintaining maximum health, by virtue of their track record of safety and success, take second place to no other medicine model!”
Choosing Wisely
When considering integrative or holistic approaches to your health, it's essential to consult with professionals who are trained and knowledgeable in both conventional and natural medicine practices. These practitioners often hold qualifications that allow them to incorporate various modalities into their treatment plans effectively. Here are some of the types of practitioners who might be involved in an integrated holistic approach to healing:
INTEGRATIVE PHYSICIAN (MD): Doctors who are trained in both conventional Western medicine and various alternative treatments. They integrate these approaches to optimize patient care.
HOLISTIC PHYSICIAN (MD): These medical doctors (MD's) approach patient care from a holistic perspective, considering the whole person rather than focusing solely on the disease.
NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR (ND): Like qualified naturopaths, they have extensive training in natural therapies combined with a foundation in Western medical science.
OSTEOPATHIC PHYSICIAN (D.O.): These Physicians are trained in the traditional curriculum of medical education along with the osteopathic approach, which emphasizes the interrelationship of the body's nerves, muscles, bones, and organs.
REGISTERED HERBALIST (RH): Specialists who have extensive knowledge and formal education about medicinal herbs and their application for various health issues.
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE DOCTOR (TCM): Professionals who use methods such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other modalities unique to Chinese medicine.
AYURVEDIC PHYSICIAN: Practitioners who are trained in Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine from India that includes herbal medicine, diet, meditation, yoga, and other holistic practices.
DOCTOR OF NATURAL MEDICINE (DNM) specializes in holistic and noninvasive healthcare practices, focusing on natural remedies and therapies to promote healing and wellness. These professionals have extensive training in various disciplines such as herbal medicine, nutrition, acupuncture, and homeopathy, among others.
Each of these practitioners brings a unique perspective and set of skills to the healthcare environment, offering treatments that can be tailored to individual needs and conditions.
It is important for patients to ensure that any doctor or health practitioner they choose is properly credentialed and experienced in their specific field to safety and effectively incorporate natural and conventional treatments.
Over the years, there is a trend towards globally Integrated medical clinics that benefit patients rather than any corporate agendas, and it looks like that this trend will continue in the future!
I am happy to announce that I was recognized by the Canadian Council of Herbalists Association as an HERBAL ELDER of CANADA due to the contribution to the field of herbal medicine for over 32 years!
Word of Wisdom - "The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease." Thomas Edison, inventor 1847 -1931
Author bio: Klaus Ferlow, Master Herbalist (HMH), Herbal Advocate (HA), educator, formulator, lecturer, researcher, writer, founder of Ferlow Botanicals & Neem Research, author of four neem books https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/klaus-ferlow, Neem Research, Roberts Creek, B.C.
http://neemresearch.ca, https://www.ferlowbotanicals.com, www.worldneemorganisation.org
Disclaimer: Content of this article is for educational purpose only and should not be used to diagnose and/or treatment or cure of disease, please contact your health practitioners.
