💬 Discussion Topic: If you prefer alternative healing practices to Western medicine, does it affect how you use the healthcare system?

[AnnaHU]

Happy Friday

If you prefer different or alternative healing practices to Western medicine, how do these preferences affect how you use the healthcare system where you live? If you are comfortable, feel free to share your experiences.

[Teaching]

Not at all. I'll still use the healthcare system but may go with more natural means of treatment if applicable.

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

Healing of all sorts of grazes, post-op, sores and rashes I use aloe Vera. Scars are invisible. Post-op I am using it on the 3 holes on my shoulder!

I also used it after my thyroidectomy.

Well, I did not get any Western ointment. Use my growing plant.

Better for a rash from Synthroid meds than a rash cream. I used it on a flare up of Covid No.2 shot. Big red spot and itchy.

I use Tumeric as an anti-inflammatory. I'm not allowed my best anti ifuprofen!

cheri JOY. 74. (NZ)

[Thrones12]

Hi AnnaHU..I try to use the more natural routes when I can thes3 days simply because I have no hope of getting the evasive gp appointments and n the rare occasions I do it’s a “one symptom only “ appointment which is just ridiculous so I therefore have to self treat in the safest manner I know which is by using natural previously tested methods, ie coconut oil for v.a and vitamins ie b2 for chronic migraine which I see Nice now recommend as a first line treatment ,or counting sheep in preference to drugs lol. Many thanks

[muddledme]

Hello AnnaHU

Having had Drug Induced Lupus from antibiotics about 20 years ago , I now have many allergies to conventional meds. Many G.P's seem oblivious to these problems and often advise drugs that are contra indicated with my medical history.

I suppose drugs are a quick fix and sadly lifestyle and simple treatments often ignored.

These days Google and especially the NHS website is very useful. I find many solutions to medical problems.

Following referal for Giant Cell Arteritis which was negative , I managed to persuade my dentist to fit a mouthguard for night use as I grind my teeth when asleep...now no more head pain and no fillings for years.

The Health unlocked forums are also very helpful with all sorts of tips. Self help I feel is extremely important these days.

Best wishes

[BigH63 in reply to muddledme]

Hi Muddledme

Unfortunately most people just want a quick fix and they think it all goes away! Unfortunately docs do not use a root causes affect analysis approach ie pre diabetes, Oh you can take Metformin in the first instance instead of looking at a gym pass and nutrition?

And where did big pharmaceutical come from, natural remedies

👍

[Nikul]

well, it would be a miracle if I could actully get a face to face appt with a dr, have been prescribed 2 medications for osteoporosis, after low dexa score,thro the clinical/pharmacy dept who called me to discuss. After hours of doing my own research I have decided not to take them. I feel in control of my life at 75 yrs, I will find my own treatment, not given medication from the pharmaceutical industry paying drs to use outdated medication. None of my past history was taken into account.

[muddledme in reply to Nikul]

Hello Nikul,

Interested to hear about your decision re Osteoporosis. I am also 75 and was diagnosed with this condition many years ago. It can be familial. For many reasons , mostly side effects of treatment I have been without osteoporosis treatment for years. After a struggle I have managed to get a few Dexa scans, but these are difficult unless on treatment or having already sustained a fracture.

The Osteoporosis Society have been helpful and I exercise regularly, they have some special exercises to strengthen back muscles etc. Since doing these I no longer have much back pain. I also try and keep active and maintain my weight to stop it dropping my BMI.

I do fall rarely but have never had a fracture and practise standing on one leg alternately to keep my balance. I think 'Tai Chi' is helpful.

Best wishes

[Ailes99 in reply to Nikul]

Check out “ Osteoporosis UK -Friendly Support and Natural Options “ on FB , for alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs.

[Dixie9326]

I also have diagnosed osteoporosis at 76 and I chose not to take the meds. I fell on watery ice trying to ice skate at my age!!🤦🏻‍♀️ I hit the ice so hard landing on my left side. I went down so hard that my Apple Watch , that recognizes severe falls, was calling the ambulance for me automatically.. I shut that off and was helped up…no injuries noted, just pure Embarrassment .. I would have expected a fracture from hitting the ice so hard with a history of osteoporosis. I also fell flat on my stomach when my dog pulled me over trying to get to a squirrel.. she was jumping up and pulling and lunging…I fell but never let her go…so my decision to not go the med route was probably the right one for me. There are too many side effects from them that I don’t want to risk. Everyone is different and make their own decisions. I practice balance exercises at least a few times a week, I do stretching exercises everyday and ride my bike 8 to 10miles daily.. (which doesn’t build bones but strengthens my lower body….and hope …🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻So far, 😊 and good :)

Good luck with your decision:)😘

[muddledme in reply to Dixie9326]

Hello Dixie9326,

So pleased to hear that even with Osteoporosis you seem to bounce back !

At this time of year I sprinkle Washing Soda on any green ,slippery stone paths and try to sweep leaves away. Dry sand is also very useful on areas covered with algae. Salt goes down before frost or snow is forecast onto main pathways. All these products do not seem to hurt the garden plants, although they will help with moss and weeds between the slabs.

I also get a good bit of exercise. Hope this winter is mild.

[Fuunycat]

I have found that a lot of people in the medical field right now want to increase the use of non western medicine but I have found it detrimental e.g. I am unable to do traditional meditation or had more of a focus on mental health side rather than physical. This went so far a I had to wait 10 years for MRI but was told to go to mental health therapy for pain several times. I understand going a natural route is better, I am very pro as little meds as possible, but sometime medication is necessarily and shouldn't be overly seen as negative.

[Sunset]

Behçet hastalığının radikal bir tedavisi olduğunu, hastalığın kesin tedavisi için ülkemde doktorlar ile görüştüm fakat inandırıcı olamadım. Behçet Hastası olarak 1988 yılından şu ana kadar ilaç kullanmıyorum.

[KingkittyS]

I prefer alternative healing practices. My grandma’s sister is licensed doctor in Mexico and is a true believer of natural remedies versus western medicine.

[FrenchRonin]

Well I have been in a few discussions about esotericism and other alternative wellness practices here on the forum but my way of seeing the issue is more: cost/benefits, or the path of least resistance/ efforts on my part.

As a French national, I do benefit from not very expensive healthcare relative to other countries, but we do still have a few cases where we still get a costly expense. For example my glasses that I had to change were still more than 300€ after national health coverage, and my own private coverage but it wouldn't cross my mind to try untested (and unproven) alternative medicine for my vision. For minor ailments, like a regular flu, I do have a few herbalist cures that I like to use in lieu of "regular" cold medicine, or combined to them, as there isn't a lot more alleviation of symptoms and I can use what I have in my pantry instead of going out to the pharmacy if I didn't hav leftover stock from a prescription.

But for more major ailments like my migraines, I do have to depend on western drugs that do have secondary effects as the benefits are REALLY noticeable with the auras...For my slew of mental ailments...as you may guess, there isn't a lot of effect of medication on the depression itself, but in crisis antidepressant can have a bit of stabilisation for me, and hypnotics can help me rest (not too well but better than left to my own devices) in the periods where I have either too many insomnia or too many nightmares.

TLDR: if cheaper and less side effects I rely on routines and natural remedies, but for big ouchie, French social security makes my meds accessible enough.

[DizzyD]

Ohhh what a blessing to come across your post. Over the years western medicine has messed my health up good style. So many disasterous outcomes at numerous times in my life have harmed me so much. Main one is i was over treated with thyroid medication for 30 years which has damaged my heart. Endocrinologist, asctually told me this. Recently, i was disgnosed with PTSD due to past harms caused by treatment with conventinal medicine...now seeing a therapist. I am literally terrified of western medicine, but unfortualetly i have to take certain meds for heart problems which causes me to have extreme anxiety.If i could find an holistic alternative medicine doctor, who treats the whole person, nearby to where i live, i would gladly pull away from western medicine treatment.

My GPs get very annoyed because i will not take all the pills they prescribe. Have to take heart meds though (anti coagulants) because at tbis point, i do not have an alternative natural option.

[Charlysangel]

so far the healthcare system has landed me in hospital more times than natural health options.