Personal stories about complementary medicine
Content provided by Healthwise
Personal stories about complementary medicine
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
Dan, age 51: I am generally healthy, but I have a family history of heart disease. I decided I would try complementary medicine to help prevent any heart problems. I use meditation and yoga to help manage my stress, and I take antioxidants. I have read some research that says the damage caused by free radicals may be a factor in the development of atherosclerosis. But I continue to work closely with my doctor so she can monitor my health and progress.
Sara, age 28: I am overweight and have high blood pressure. I looked into some herbal diet remedies that were supposed to help speed up my metabolism and help me lose weight. When I did some research, I found out that people with high blood pressure should not take certain herbs—like the one I was considering. I did not want to risk worsening my high blood pressure or, worse yet, put my life in danger by taking the herb. I decided to work on my diet and struggle through weight loss the old-fashioned way.
Jeneane, age 36: I prefer to use complementary therapies whenever they are available. They are my first choice in most cases. However, I do see a general family medicine doctor who supports my use of complementary therapies but suggests a “standard” treatment when he feels it's necessary—like when I had a small skin cancer surgically removed. It was clear to me that this tried-and-true and possibly lifesaving treatment was best. For everyday health and wellness, though, I use a variety of complementary therapies—everything from tea tree oil for fungal nail infections; to aloe vera, straight off the plant, for mild burns; to acupuncture for low back pain.
Charles, age 42: I have had great success keeping my cancer in remission using conventional cancer treatments. At this point, I don't want to upset the apple cart. If it ain't broke, I'm not going to try to fix it.
Credits
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | June 27, 2007 |
| Last updated: | June 27, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
