Alternative medicine

I hear so much about alternative medicine, but it’s all so confusing. How can I get more information?

Alternative medicine (AM) is a very broad category that includes the following:

  • Folk medicine
  • Herbal medicine
  • Diet fads
  • Homeopathy
  • Faith healing
  • Ayurvedic medicine
  • Chiropractic
  • Acupuncture
  • Naturopathy
  • Massage
  • Music therapy
  • and others.
Because it includes such a wide variety of therapies and products, there is a lot of information in books, magazines, and on the internet.  (FAQ on different types of complementary and alternative health practices)

Not all alternative therapies and products are the same.  Scientific studies have shown that some therapies and products are effective, while others are not effective.  It is important that you look for information that comes from a reliable source using scientific methods.


Why do people use alternative medicines?

More and more people are turning to alternative medicine, either to treat certain conditions, or as prevention.  People use alternative medicines for many different reasons:

  • They are encouraged by friends or family who are using alternative products.
  • They are afraid of side effects of prescribed medications.
  • They have a chronic medical problem that has not improved by using conventional or regular medicines.
  • They are unhappy with their regular medicines.
  • They like the more personalized attention given by alternative medicines.

How can I get reliable information about an alternative therapy?

Take charge of your health by being informed.  It is important to learn what scientific studies have been done on the therapy or product in which you are interested. It is not a good idea to use an alternative therapy or product simply because someone has told you that it has worked for them or because you saw an advertisement about it.  Here are some ways to find scientifically based information:

  • Talk to your health care provider.  Tell them about the therapy or product you are considering and ask them about safety, effectiveness, or interactions with medications.  If they don’t have answers to your questions, they may be able to refer you to someone who does.
  • Use the internet to search medical libraries and databases for information.  Use reliable websites such as those sponsored by government, university or a reputable medical or health-related association.  Beware of sites sponsored by product or drug manufacturers.  Make sure the website has up-to-date information.

Are alternative medicines safe to take?

Just because something is labeled as “natural” doesn’t mean that it is safe or doesn’t have side effects.  Natural Doesn’t Mean Safe.

There have been many cases of dangerous reactions from using alternative therapies and products.  It is important that you receive the most up-to-date and reliable information on any product that you may want to take or therapies that you may want to use.  You should also let your alternative medicine practitioner know of any existing medical and health conditions, and if you are already taking any medications since there may be serious interactions between alternative products or therapies and prescription medications.  Your regular doctor or health care provider should also be consulted before you decide to start alternative products or therapies.

What are some reliable sources on the internet for information about alternative medicines?

Make sure that you are getting objective information that is not commercially based.

  • The Alternative Medicine Home Page – www.pitt.edu/~cbw/altm.html - provides information about alternative medicines with access to databases, internet resources, mailing lists, and government resources.
  • National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine – NCCAM – National Institutes of Health – NIH - http://nccam.nih.gov/health/ - conducts and supports objective research and training, and provides information to practitioners and the public.
  • Heath Canada  - provides advisories and health warnings for various products including alternative medicines.

Website developped and offered by the Canadian Association for Adolescent Health
Last modification: 2006-02-02