Recent Research Supports the Effectiveness Claims of Some Natural and Alternative Health Care Treatments

It took decades for alternative and natural health care to make inroads into mainstream America, but that time has finally come. Today, despite its humble roots, the natural and alternative health care industry is big business, pulling in annual revenues in the range of $30 to $50 billion.

However, in spite of the growing popularity of alternative medicine, many people continue to harbor doubts and reservations about the prospect of seeking health care outside of the mainstream channels. Experts say that this hesitation is probably beneficial to patients, because the relative lack of regulation and governance in the alternative health care industry makes it a target for charlatans and scammers.

Still, the presence of a few bad apples should not serve to repudiate the industry as a whole. There are dubious practitioners in virtually every sector of the economy, and by exercising the proper precautions, it is possible to separate the talented experts from the possible scam artists.

Experts recommend asking for credentials, proof of training, and references from past clients when working with an alternative medicine practitioner. In addition, it is recommended that you develop a treatment plan that incorporates both traditional and alternative medicine, rather than relying solely on alternative approaches. Lastly, if anything that arises during the course of treatment that makes you feel uncomfortable or distrustful, it's important to bring the treatment to a halt immediately.

The jury is still out on the long-term impact of many alternative health care treatments. However, recent research has identified a number of natural and alternative treatment methods that appear to have some beneficial results. These treatments have been singled out by both conventional and alternative practitioners as the best bets for patients who have an urge to explore the world of holistic, natural, and alternative care.

• Natural Supplements. The supplement industry has exploded over the last several decades. Today, many people take extra supplements to make up for perceived deficiencies or to treat the symptoms of known health problems. Although some natural supplements make unsubstantiated -- and likely, untrue -- claims about their effectiveness, there are a select few that have been singled out as uniquely beneficial. For example, years of clinical trials in Europe have established the herbal supplement St. John's Wort as a highly effective treatment for mild to moderate cases of depression and anxiety. Before selecting a supplement, steer clear of anything too outlandish, do Internet research, and talk to your doctor to eliminate the possibility of harmful interactions with any prescription drugs.

• Acupuncture. Although recent studies have suggested that acupuncture's success may be in the mind of the patient, rather than the result of any real physiological impact, experts agree that it is a uniquely effective treatment for many patients. In particularly, patients suffering from chronic or difficult to manage pain seem to benefit from acupuncture treatment. On the other hand, treatments for smoking cessation, weight loss, and other lifestyle changes have less success. Make sure you select a qualified practitioner with extensive references, and check with your primary care physician to make sure you're a suitable candidate for acupuncture before proceeding.

• Guided Imagery Therapy. When it was first introduced, the concept of using mental images to improve mood, ease the symptoms of depression and anxiety, and even to fight illness and disease seemed to many to be outlandish. However, after several decades of successful practice, the technique of guided image therapy has achieved a level of acceptance. Indeed, even some mainstream physicians and psychologists have adopted this practice as part of their regular treatments. It has been shown to have beneficial applications for a wide array of problems and ailments, ranging from anxiety to panic attacks.

If you're interested in alternative medicine, consult with your physician to find a safe and healthy treatment that is compatible with your current health status. The best approach is one that relies on both the established expertise of mainstream medical professionals and the innovative approaches of alternative practitioners and holistic healers. This way, you can get the best of both worlds without compromising your health. Be sure to check back each week for more cutting-edge health science news!