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.