Holistic medicine encompasses alternative and complementary medicine, offering a dizzying array of treatment options beyond conventional medicine. Some of these options have scientific merit, but others have little evidence aside from a history of folk medicine practice. The dangers of holistic medicine involve misinformation, but the careful consumer can find holistic treatment safely and economically.
Misplaced Mistrust
The greatest danger of holistic medicine is the public misunderstanding that holistic treatment is a substitution for conventional medicine. This mistrust of the medical field can lead to an avoidance of seeking timely treatment to life-threatening diseases. Actually, the principles of the American Holistic Medical Association (AHMA) emphasize that many holistic treatments are complementary, not "alternative." The major exception to this includes alternatives to end-of-life care, such as incurable cancer treatments. In general, holistic medicine augments traditional care with a focus on preventive medicine and individualized attention. According to the AHMA, "Holistic physicians expend as much effort in establishing what kind of patient has a disease as they do in establishing what kind of disease a patient has."
Snake Oil Salesmen
A secondary danger to the public is the infiltration of snake oil salesmen who prey on the public's confusion of the legitimacy of holistic medicine. Always work with medical practitioners whose certifications and educational credentials are clearly labeled. In the United States, board certification is established through the AHMA as well as the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine. Practitioners of chiropractic care, Chinese medicine, acupuncture and massage also have their own board certifications. However, no one owns the designation "holistic," and unlicensed practitioners, regardless of their education and credentials, may co-opt the word.
Insurance Costs
An unfortunate danger of holistic medicine is that many practices are not covered by medical insurance. This can create a double bind for those who avoid the doctor's office but cannot afford either to see a licensed naturopath. HMO plans generally do not cover complementary practices such as acupuncture and herbal medicine, but according to the American Holistic Medical Association, many PPO or POS plans can allow for reimbursement for a percentage of medical fees. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a branch of the National Institutes of Health, recommends reviewing your current insurance plan before scheduling an appointment with a holistic doctor or practitioner. If looking for insurance that covers holistic medicine, contact your state insurance board, which may offer a profile of insurance companies and their coverage options.
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