ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE HELPS

The entire issue of NEWSWEEK, 9/27, 2004

If it is prayer, meditation, awareness strategies, imaging, hypnosis, exercise, all appear to help in dealing with physical problems.

The mind duality appears to be a false dichotomy. Stress hurts and it often accompanies physical injuries. Thus, with surgery and other western medicine, alternative medications that are not drugs can help reduce stress, improve morale, and help the immune system.

Most of the above strategies have been measured by the functional MRI and related technologies and found to impact on the brain. Placebos also work. Doctor-patient relationships are also important to the immune system and ultimately in helping the patient.

Nothing was said that supports using the alternative methods ALONE without surgery or medications.

Both are needed.