The Growth of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for the Elderly

When it comes to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), the elderly are taking a backseat to nobody. According to an AARP and NCCAM survey, over half (53%) of older adults use some form of CAM, making Scottsdale Alternative Medicine popular.

Who’s Driving the Trend?Studies report the use of CAM increases with education, and women are more likely to take advantage of CAM than men: 51 to 43%, respectively. Broken down by age range, a large percentage of the population is taking advantage of CAM’s many benefits:

• 44.1% of 50-59 year olds.
• 41% of 60-69 year olds.
• 32.1% of 70-84 year olds.
• 24.2% of those 85 and older.

What CAM Therapies Have Elders Hot-Rodding to Their Alternative Medicine and Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale?

• Herbs and SupplementsHerbal products and dietary supplements are commonly used, with just over a third (37 percent) of respondents reporting their use for maintaining health and managing illnesses.

• AcupunctureEffective and non-invasive, especially when compared to surgery, this ancient practice can restore and balance energy flow. A wonderful non-surgical treatment for many issues, from constitutional disorders to pain, and especially effective when used in conjunction with chiropractic and/or massage therapy.

• Dietary TherapyThe aging population is more frequently turning to CAM professionals for help implementing a more natural, holistic diet better suited to supporting a healthy constitution than today’s typical chemical laden, processed food fare.

• Mind-Body MedicineA variety of techniques ranging from patient support groups to cognitive behavioral therapy, meditation and prayer, as well as the use of other creative outlets such as art, music, and dance, have been shown both popular and effective for a wide range of health disorders.

Ready to jump on the CAM bandwagon? Find an alternative medicine and naturopathic doctor in Scottsdale today!

Role of Alternative Medicine in Modern Society

Naturopathic medicine, regaled in time’s past, has now found its home in the present. Naturopathic medicine in Phoenix is now commonly and frequently used to treat a variety of ailments. Cementing this trend: Ringing endorsements from the medical community and increased interest in studies seeking to prove the legitimacy of a host of alternative methods.

A melting pot of remedies
Alternative and natural medicine forms are many, including acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, hydrotherapy, chelation therapy, herbal medicines, homeopathy, aromatherapy, and meditation to name but a few. And the list of alternative solutions commonly accepted and endorsed by the mainstream medical community and public at large continues to grow at an ever increasing pace.

A cooperative approach
Thanks in part to alternative and natural medicine, gone are expectations of a co-pay given and prescription received. Today’s era of integrative patient care carries with it the boon of a more participatory role by patients. As patients continue to push to be in the driver’s seat, playing a direct role in reaching their goals of health and total well-being, the culture of medicine is shifting.

A more integrative future
A normal part of everyday life in other parts of the world, Americans are increasingly taking advantage of alternative medicine, choosing natural remedies over synthetic pharmaceuticals and surgical procedures. The mainstream medical community is increasingly taking notice, resulting in the weaving of these natural and alternative treatments into the fabric of healthcare, and in the creation of new norms as medical centers and insurance companies struggle to keep up with patient demand.
What’s your healthcare future look like? Change is here. Find a practitioner of naturopathic medicine in Phoenix today.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine is fantastic, but it’s not a miracle cure. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of alternative medicine when visiting your naturopathic doctor in Scottsdale can help you approach treatment with more realistic expectations, supporting a positive outcome and reducing disappointment.

Alternative Medicine in Scottsdale: Know Before You Go!

PROS

• A holistic approach…
  Alternative medicine emphasizes whole-person care, rather than traditional medicine’s sole focus on problem areas – one of the main reasons the use of alternative medicine is on the rise. 

• A personal touch…
  Alternative medicine offers more one-on-one attention versus the packed waiting room, time-strapped milieu you’ll get in conventional doctors’ offices. 

• A focus on prevention…
  Well visits, rather than sick care is stressed, emphasizing a proactive approach to whole mind and body wellness.
  
  “The superior doctor prevents sickness;
  The mediocre doctor attends to impending sickness;
  The inferior doctor treats actual sickness.”
  - Chinese Proverb
  
  

     CONS

• Limited scientific research…
  Though scientific research into alternative approaches is on the rise due to increased consumer demand, compared to traditional methods, evidence is more limited in scope and largely related to clinical outcomes. 

• Confusing jargon...
  For those not in-the-know, supplement, vitamin, mineral, and herb jargon can be confusing, as can the common assumption that “natural” means risk-free. 

• Potential drug interactions...
  Even in products with no artificial ingredient, vitamins, minerals, and herbs may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medication – or create side effects of their own. Opting for primary care physicians with a more integrative approach can reduce these risks. 

• Not for emergencies…
  While alternative medicine is great for palliative and preventive care, severe emergencies are best treated by conventional care.

It is possible to enjoy the best of both worlds – with the help of the right naturopathic doctor in Scottsdale. Experience superior health. Find an integrative alternative medicine center near you today.