Written by Patrick Massey, M.D., Ph.D. One-sided news articles, either in favor or against alternative and complementary medicine, do not contribute to meaningful dialogue.
Last week, I gave a lecture at the Arlington Heights library on ways to improve one’s health. It was a well-attended lecture and afterward, one question from the audience really stood out. One person asked me why there are so many recent, negative news articles on alternative and complementary medicine.
Every year, there seems to be a number of news articles that focus on the flaws of alternative and complementary medicine. I agree with some of the conclusions, such as statements that alternative and complementary therapies have not cured any disease, that cancer patients should not depend on these therapies as their only treatment, that there are some manufacturing problems with some supplements and that all that is “natural” is not safe.
However, I do not agree with many of the implied “facts” in some of these news articles. For example, bioenergy fields are real and measurable. The study of bioenergy fields has been going on since at least the 1970s. It is not placebo nor is it “self hypnosis.” I also feel that physicians with no training in alternative and complementary medicine are not reliable sources. No one in the news media would or should ask me about anesthesia. It is not my area of expertise.
Some news reporters do their readers a disservice by reporting facts out of context. Although herbs and dietary supplements have not cured any disease, outside of antibiotics, neither have most medications – but I still prescribe them. Some have reported that herbs and supplements have the potential for adverse reactions – and I strongly agree. But again, in context, they have fewer and less-serious adverse reactions than non-steroidal medications.
There are problems with a few of the manufacturers of supplements and herbs. They have poor quality control and problems with labeling. Some have added prescription medications or are contaminated with heavy metal. However, the quality brands are leading examples of excellence in manufacturing standards. Several are owned by drug companies.
The Food and Drug Agency (FDA) does regulate herbs and supplements. The FDA has the authority to regulate manufacturing standards and labeling, but truth be told, the FDA – overworked and understaffed – has been slow to establish complete manufacturing standards. When authorities do identify a problem, they act quickly to make sure the public is safe.
Research in alternative and complementary therapies is just beginning. Research is getting better and the potential for health benefits are significant. As an example, we now realize the clinical benefits of vitamin D supplementation on many conditions, from heart disease to Alzheimer’s.
All medical therapies need to be scrutinized and alternative and complementary therapies are no different. We need to use those therapies that help and discard those that do not. However, one-sided news articles – either in favor or in opposition to alternative and complementary medicine – do not contribute to meaningful dialogue.
Posted June 24, 2009.
