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What is alternative medicine?

Alternative medicine is often used by the general public and some healthcare practitioners to refer to medical techniques which are not known or accepted by the majority of conventional or allopathic medical practitioners, usually M.D.s. Such techniques could include non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical techniques such as medical herbalism, acupuncture, homeopathy and reiki. However, the term can also refer to any experimental drug or non-drug technique. As non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical techniques become popular and accepted, these techniques will no longer be considered alternative medicine.

Complementary medicine is often used by conventional medical practitioners to refer to non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical techniques used as a complement to conventional medical treatments such as drugs and surgery. The term implies that conventional medicine is used as a primary tool and the techniques are used as a supplement when needed. Natural healing usually refers to the use of non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical techniques. Natural healing usually refers to physical healing techniques only.

In many cases, properly chosen non-invasive and nonpharmaceutical healing techniques plus properly chosen lifestyle changes can completely and safely heal both acute and chronic illnesses. Conventional medicine is only needed in emergencies or when the safer non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical methods fail. In some cases conventional medicine will be a major part of a holistic healing plan, but in some cases it is not needed at all.

Do sanitizers prevent colds?

Many sanitizers, whether brand names or generic versions, work well and are increasingly found in hallway dispensers in hospitals, schools, day care centers and even atop the gangways of cruise ships as a safeguard against the hand-to-mouth spread of disease. Several studies from such settings have shown that use of the alcohol-based rubs on hands that aren't visibly soiled seems particularly helpful in curbing the spread of bad stomach and intestinal bugs, but in all instances they do not prevent colds.

The patch didn't work for me. What could I do to quit smoking?

There are numerous techniques that can be put into place. Counseling, acupuncture and hypnotherapy are a few, but a person first and foremost has to want to quit. There is no magic wand that is the cure-all.

Licia Johnson is a health educator at De Anza. If you would like your health question answered in Licia's Health Corner, e-mail features@lavozdeanza.com. La Voz cannot guarantee that every question will be answered or printed. Licia can be reached confidentially at 408-864-8732.

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