Are you willing to try alternative medicine?

[Urbanangel]

I have noticed that whenever we have any ailment or even a small cough or cold we want to immediately get rid of it and thus prefer allopathic treatment. Though i do agree that in some cases, it is the best option available, but the after affects of these medicines are significant.

There are alternative therapies like homeopathy, Ayurveda and so on which hav far less after effects, but the results do take time to manifest.

Also these days there are a host of other therapies like Reiki, aromatherapy, colour therapy, flower therapy which are slowly but steadily gaining importance.

Given an option, would you prefer alternative therapies over conventional allopathic medicine?

I have also included a poll to get your views clearly on this issue.

[anshulseth]

Hi urbanangel,

Valid point,but some aspects need 2 b taken into consideration.
first of all, whether such therapies are freely and widely available, whether we have the required medical workforce to deliver on such therapies.
also, the cost involved in some cases are pretty high which sets off ordinary ppl.
Much distance needs 2 b travelled 2 make such alternatives available to the ppl.

[Urbanangel]

[anshulseth]

The more the options to the consumer, the more the market becomes mature and moves towards stability and healthy competition. The quality of services also improve as a result, and the cost comes down, coz the product has to sell in the market.

Similarly, as n when the market for such alternative therapies evolves in India, there will definitely be a sea change in perceptions abt such treatments.
Also, ppl have to be educated and made aware of the positives of all therapies so that they can come forward to try them.

Though Ayurveda has gained much ground in India, but it is marginal if compared with the allopathic treatment.
I feel Indian medical scene will take some time to mature.
Till then ppl will depend oin the usual Paracetamols, combiflams.

[usathyan]

Having good (is 5 years good?) experience in the Pharma field, and working closely with dealing with Clinical Trials and monitoring drug safety - I believe and know that there are potential side effects with every single drug out there. Trying alternatives may work for simple problems such as cold, cough, flu etc....but, modern day diseases are 21st century issues...age old remedies from the 15 century dont help....Diseases such as Diabetes, Aids, Cancers requires remedies that these alternative forms of medicine provide no benefits....(despite what the patient feels...i call it faith, nothing else). You might as well believe that GOD will take care of it...Just live to be 35 and be happy abou it

Gotta to to try damn pin cushion therpy (accupunture) for my stupid allergies....season coming up shortly...

[Aditi77_k]

[Editor]

Hey UA,

Nice question buddy!

My gutfeel says that i would try out the alternative therapies if the cost is not prohibitive and i am sure that the ailment would have a chance to be cured with that therapy in particular.

When i was in school, i had a chemistry teacher who used to treat her blood pressure with magnetic therapy. Wer were all in awe of that. But she said it worked for her. It all depends, like usathyan is going for an acupressure therapy to get rid of his allergies. People are now increasingly adopting aromatherapy, reiki, flower therapy, avurvedic medicine which have very less side effects.

Last year i had to undergo a urgery and i could not think that i would have done without the allopathic medicines, the host of antibiotics which the doctors suggested for a speedy recovery. Thus allopathic medicine is and always be the life saver of sorts.

[leeds]

In fact had never heard of alternative medicine...but thanks to Gutfeel, i am now aware of it. Will explore more before actually trying it. Good that it has no side effects.