theexorcist
Diamond Hoya (over 2500 posts)
Posts: 3,506
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Post by theexorcist on Nov 29, 2006 14:55:29 GMT -5
Not a doctor, but I play a lawyer at meetings when I have to...
Alternative medicine has now expanded to the point where many people consider it. Phrenology and leeches aren't nearly as popular.
If I pursued alternative medicine for a condition, I would have a poor relationship with a doctor who simply said "all alternative medicine is bunk" or who didn't know about the effect of St. John's wort on my body. As alternative medicine has proliferated, it's probably to the medical profession's benefit to realize this and adjust, no matter their feelings on its efficacy. Not endorsing it, but understanding it.
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HoyaInsomniac
Bulldog (over 250 posts)
This is it. Don't get scared now.
Posts: 360
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Post by HoyaInsomniac on Nov 29, 2006 22:24:56 GMT -5
It's probably a pretty valuable subject to at least get a working knowledge of. If a patient comes in taking all kinds of non-script stuff, I'd like to be able to predict side effects or drug interactions should the need arise. A lot of herbal stuff interferes with very common drugs (birth control, etc.) and it's always good to be aware of the risks. As long as it's being taught from a chemical standpoint, there could be a lot to gain from a course like that.
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Bando
Golden Hoya (over 1000 posts)
I've got some regrets!
Posts: 2,431
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Post by Bando on Nov 30, 2006 15:42:18 GMT -5
I'm not opposed to students being informed about alternative medicine. Being informed, however, is different than being taught it on the same level as real medicine. That's what I'm fearing this new program at GU is. I'm worried that they'll get taught this stuff without being told that it's hooey.
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Post by Coast2CoastHoya on Dec 1, 2006 8:50:12 GMT -5
One cannot know what is and what is not "hooey" unless one understands it. Think about it: we learn a lot of things that may or may not be legit for the sake of understanding the things that are. We don't yet know what aspects and methods of alt med are or are not legit. This program -- even alt med will be taugh on a similar academic level as trad med -- is not set in stone. If it's not working or if the University gets too much bad press, it'll change. I think this program has a lot of promise for a better medical community and ultimately, healthier individuals. I also think it's funny that this thread was started and is being dominated by *probably* the unhealthiest guy I know. Love ya, buddy.
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Bando
Golden Hoya (over 1000 posts)
I've got some regrets!
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Post by Bando on Dec 1, 2006 16:15:21 GMT -5
One cannot know what is and what is not "hooey" unless one understands it. Think about it: we learn a lot of things that may or may not be legit for the sake of understanding the things that are. We don't yet know what aspects and methods of alt med are or are not legit. Paging Mr. Chopra... It's hooey as far as science is concerned. There is absolutely no scientific evidence to back most of this stuff up (obviously, some herbs have medicinal qualities), and any peer-reviewed studies done show them to be utter bunk. In any case, science isn't an innocent til proven guilty type of thing; you have to prove yourself first in order to be validated, and even then you're subject to constant skepticism and revision.
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TigerHoya
Diamond Hoya (over 2500 posts)
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Post by TigerHoya on Dec 1, 2006 16:27:53 GMT -5
so where do you rate chiropractors in this whole thing?
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Bando
Golden Hoya (over 1000 posts)
I've got some regrets!
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Post by Bando on Dec 1, 2006 16:33:23 GMT -5
I looked into it, and apparently there are a few different kinds of chiropractors, from those who only claim to be able to relieve back pain, to those who claim they can cure all disease by manipulating "sublimations". So it's a mixed bag.
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TigerHoya
Diamond Hoya (over 2500 posts)
Posts: 2,808
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Post by TigerHoya on Dec 2, 2006 12:41:56 GMT -5
Bando, Subluxations is the word I think. Friend of mine is a chiro. I was skeptical but I had a nagging back problem that a family doctor and a specialist both said they couldn't do anything more about it, that I'd just have to live with it.
Chiropractor helped alot.
I know the guy I used to go to claimed that there were possible unproven side benefits besides back pain relief, but he wasn't one of the ones saying it was a miracle cure for everything.
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Bando
Golden Hoya (over 1000 posts)
I've got some regrets!
Posts: 2,431
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Post by Bando on Dec 8, 2006 16:08:07 GMT -5
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