There are many reasons Americans are choosing alternative medicine over regular health care, including costs and disillusionment with traditional medicine. But is alternative medicine for you? Four out 10 Americans believe so.
Most people who practice Complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM, do the following: Alternative medical systems such as homeopathic medicine, meditation, prayer, biofeedback and hypnosis. Some use herbs, supplements and aromatherapy, or even acupuncture and chiropractic care.
What many people don’t know however is that alternative medicine can have side effects like traditional medicine. Peppermint oil is taken to relieve abdominal cramps, but a side effect of peppermint is acid reflux.
And now traditional medicine is embracing alternative medicine because of how it is used to combat stress. Irritable bowel syndrome and high blood pressure are caused by stress. Anything that can lower stress levels is good for the body and cheaper in the long run if treated now.
