So often I hear from a patient “I wish I would have come in for care long before this, but I didn’t know it was available!” So many have searched for answers to their health challenges, trying this internet recommendation or that blog advise, only to wind up even more frustrated. They go to their assorted doctors because “something is off” – they don’t feel very well… and they can’t find anything wrong, or their answer is drugs or surgery.
The search for health can be daunting. For every plausible suggestion, there is conflicting information, causing doubt and more confusion. My hope is that this article clarifies things for you.
First, you need to ask questions. The number one question is “why?” “Why do I have this symptom?” “What is my body trying to tell me?” “What compensatory mechanism is in play?” The body doesn’t do something for no reason. Symptoms are red flags. What are they trying to tell you?
Medicine today has changed the way we see health and illness. In ancient China, doctors only got paid when their patient was well, and did not get paid when they were sick. That worked then, but with all the bad stuff we do to our bodies today, we practitioners don’t have enough control for that to work. Too much nasty stuff around us! So, it’s up to us to take control of our own health.
Conventional medicine has done wonders for saving the lives of babies born with defects that otherwise would have died, for saving the lives of people with powerful drugs after traumatic injury or illness and extended the lives of others who otherwise would have died sooner of a chronic illness. So why is there a need for clarity in health, or even a question as to which direction to go?
Because some want to take greater responsibility for their health and just need direction. Some prefer not to mask their symptoms with drugs or take drugs to counteract the side effects of the other drugs they are taking. Some prefer to eliminate the problem, not just take a medication to enable them to live with their problem.
Asking “why” is often the first step. You can take any of 2 or 3 dozen medications for heartburn and reflux, but wouldn’t it be better to take care of why you have it in the first place? If your body has become a resting place for a chronic viral infection, why not make it less hospitable and push the unwanted guests out?
Alternative medicine is for those who are listed above. If you are one of those who are willing to give up or tweak some of your lifestyle habits for better health, then acupuncture, nutritional therapy, herbal medicine, naturopathy, chiropractic and the many other natural care modalities are probably for you. If you want clarity for your health, ask the question, “What am I willing to do to get well?”
©2018 Holly A. Carling, O.M.D., L.Ac., Ph.D.
