4 Benefits of Combining Alternative Medicine With Conventional Treatments
Imagine unlocking the full potential of your health by merging alternative and conventional medical treatments. In this insightful Q&A, a Doctor of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine and a Naturopathic Doctor share their expertise on this integrative approach. Learn how acupuncture can ease chronic pain and discover the benefits of chiropractic care in restoring mobility. Explore these and four other expert insights, making a total of four insights, to understand the holistic benefits of combining these treatment methods.
- Acupuncture Eases Chronic Pain
- Holistic Fertility Approach Enhances Outcomes
- Probiotics Support UTI Treatment
- Chiropractic Care Restores Mobility
Acupuncture Eases Chronic Pain
One example where Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine complement conventional medical treatments is in the management of chronic pain, particularly for patients undergoing physical therapy or recovering from surgery. Chronic pain is often addressed with pharmaceuticals, which, while effective, can have side effects such as dependency or digestive issues. Acupuncture offers a drug-free, evidence-based adjunctive approach. Research has shown that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, releasing endorphins and modulating pain pathways. For instance, a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine (2012) found that acupuncture provided significant pain relief compared to placebo for conditions like osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal pain. The mechanism involves increasing local circulation, reducing inflammation, and calming the central nervous system. One patient example involved a person recovering from knee replacement surgery. While physical therapy improved their mobility, residual pain limited their progress. Acupuncture sessions focused on local points around the knee and distal points that enhance pain relief and systemic recovery, such as ST36 and SP9. The patient reported reduced pain levels, improved sleep, and an enhanced ability to participate fully in physical therapy. This combination expedited their recovery and improved their overall quality of life. The integration of acupuncture into their post-surgical care plan not only addressed their physical pain but also reduced their reliance on pain medications. As a result, they experienced fewer side effects and greater autonomy in their healing process. This case highlights how evidence-based acupuncture can support conventional treatments by addressing gaps in care, optimizing recovery, and promoting overall well-being.
Holistic Fertility Approach Enhances Outcomes
As a naturopathic doctor specializing in holistic fertility, I bridge the gap between conventional and natural medicine to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care. I collaborate closely with fertility clinics, ensuring that essential testing—such as DNA fragmentation analysis—is completed. This testing plays a crucial role in identifying potential factors contributing to pregnancy loss at any stage and the health of the baby or child. While I advocate for thorough conventional diagnostics, I treat aggressively with natural approaches, including botanical medicine, targeted supplements, and lifestyle strategies, to address the root causes. By optimizing egg and sperm quality, regulating hormones, and reducing stress, this integrative approach enhances fertility outcomes. Patients often experience improved health, greater emotional support, and a higher likelihood of successful pregnancies, benefiting from the strengths of both conventional and alternative medicine.
Probiotics Support UTI Treatment
I collaborated with a conventional physician in the treatment of a urinary tract infection (UTI). The physician prescribed Bactrim (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) to target the bacteria responsible for the infection, while I recommended probiotics to help restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in the body, which antibiotics like Bactrim can disrupt. Probiotics were taken several hours apart from the antibiotic to prevent any interference with its efficacy, while supporting both gut and urinary tract health. This combination helped mitigate common antibiotic side effects, such as diarrhea or yeast infections. Additionally, I recommended incorporating probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt, or supplements containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. Adequate hydration and the avoidance of bladder irritants, such as caffeine, further supported recovery. The treatment plan was coordinated with the client's primary care physician to ensure the interventions were safely integrated. This approach effectively managed the infection while minimizing side effects and promoting long-term urinary health.
Chiropractic Care Restores Mobility
Alternative medicine can be a very helpful complement to conventional treatment. For one lady in her sixties for example, she'd been suffering chronic pain and joint stiffness from degenerative joint disease in her spine and hip joints. Her quality of life stems from being physically active with gardening, skiing and kayaking. Whereas conventional pain management injections helped her manage the pain, they couldn't restore and maintain the mobility she needed to continue her hobbies. By combining what she calls her 'cocktail' of chiropractic care, physical therapy and pain management injections, she is able to continue enjoying all of the activities she enjoys with her husband and their adult children.
