Which Doctor / Witch Doctor, Part II

My last entry covered my frustration with traditional physicians and their lack of treatment on my sore shoulder.  At the end, I declared my intention of turning to alternative medicine next, if necessary.

Unfortunately, I don't see going 'all-in' on the alternative medicine stuff.  That isn't because I question the therapeutic benefits -- I accept that there are scientifically understandable aspects to things like chiropractic care, acupuncture, even natural foods/oils,

The problem is, so many of the practitioners of alternative medicine, ARE all-in.  When I see and hear them rejecting any benefits of modern medicine, they and their beliefs lose credibility.

I think the best example of this is treatment for the flu.  So many people are affected by it each winter (with this winter being one of the worst), you'd think everyone would get on board with the idea of a getting a flu shot.  The science is clear -- introduce the dead virus to the body, essentially training it to attack the virus strain.

However, the alternative medicine folks want you to believe the flu can effectively be avoided, or its impact lessened, by going to the chiropractor or inhaling/ingesting/applying some natural element.  They feel the body is already able to counteract any viral or bacterial attack as long as it's in optimum working order.  And why introduce something unnatural into the body.

That's mostly crazy-talk.  Our bodies are exposed to so many non-natural (chemical) elements these days, it doesn't follow that the body should be expected to manage it on its own, without some non-natural (chemical) elements like over-the-counter or prescription drugs.  [Aside: Maybe here we can at least agree that natural but currently illegal elements like cannabis / marijuana would be helpful?]

Here's another way I've framed it for my hard-core alternative medicine friends;  Why is it that I'm willing to compromise and accept alternative medicine as part of a holistic health program, but they are so adamantly opposed to any type of modern medicines?  Is it because it makes sense, or is it because others who've convinced them to believe in it so much will also profit from that belief (e.g. chiropractors, natural element sellers, etc.)

And finally -- how come I never hear the alternative medicine folks talking about the role of exercise in health?  You'd think this would be right down their alley, I mean, what could be a better way to naturally keep the body in top form?  I think the answer is the same as it is for everyone else -- it's easier to inhaling/ingest/apply something to the body than it is to spend 30 minutes sweating. Ergo, alternative medicine.

In conclusion, both modern and alternative medicine practitioners (and exercise!) play a role in good health.  Also, both modern and alternative medicine practitioners are trying to gain financially from what they say/do, so it's probably a good idea not to believe everything they say/do.