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May 16, 2006 by William Loeliger, MD, R.Ac.
Two studies completed at Harvard Medical School in the 1990's demonstrated that Americans are utilizing complementary and alternative medicine at surprising rates and that the trend is growing rapidly. In 1997, over 42% of Americans used some form of alternative medicine at an out-of-pocket cost of over 22 billion dollars. Among well-educated women, the rate of utilization is over 50%. What is driving this trend?
Many people are realizing that doctors don't have all the answers, especially for many types of chronic illnesses and that they want to take more responsibility for their own healing process. Also, they're tired of the side effects of many types of medicine or surgery, and they are interested in more natural healing methods. The medical establishment is beginning to take note. Holistic therapies such as acupuncture, herbal therapies and mind\body medicine are being assimilated into conventional hospitals and medical schools.
The science of modern medicine, providing the best tools for diagnosing and treating acute disease, is merging with the art of medicine- alternative and complementary methods, that treat the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. This integration of conventional medicine with alternative healing techniques provides the best of both worlds. Many are calling this 21st century new medicine integrative medicine.
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