Family Best Time >> Health

Focus on alternative medicine

Focus on alternative medicine

Stress, insomnia, back pain, joint pain, digestive disorders, allergies... Do you want to put an end to these daily ailments? Or just tired of having to put up with the side effects of drug treatments? Alternative medicine may be just what you need! Gently relieving pain, how does it work?

Alternative medicine:kezako?

Chiropractic, acupuncture, osteopathy, reflexology… Ouch, that's some complex lingo that is scary! And yet it is a whole world of sweetness that hides behind. Alternative or parallel medicine includes all methods of care that complement traditional medicine. This type of therapeutic practice is generally based on natural treatment and therefore does not prescribe any medicinal substance.

According to the WHO, there are approximately 400 disciplines in alternative medicine. Without listing them all, some examples are known to the general public, such as herbal medicine, osteopathy, acupuncture or reflexology.

Find an Alternative Medicine Practitioner with Wellness

Chiropractic, shiatsu, ayurveda:these are very enigmatic words. How to be well oriented towards these specialties of alternative medicine? Our specialized partner, Medoucine, allows our members to obtain valuable advice and easily make an appointment with a practitioner.

An increasingly widespread unrecognized practice

Unlike traditional medicine, which relies on clinical trials and has obtained scientific validation, alternative medical practices have generally not been studied. This is why they are often not officially recognized by the public health system. However, this type of therapy, which is often less invasive, is attracting and convincing more and more patients. According to a survey, 58% of those questioned had at the time already used alternative medicine to treat themselves[1].

What makes it successful is the fact that it is based on natural or minimally invasive solutions. The body is therefore less exposed to chemical substances and the side effects are limited. These practices take into account both body and mind to improve overall well-being. Alternative medicine can also be used as a preventive measure to protect against various functional disorders (especially those related to aging).


What does alternative medicine cure?

Above all, it should be emphasized that conventional medicine remains today the best solution for treating diagnosed diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, etc. Alternative medicine, for its part, offers an alternative to limit the use of drug treatments when possible. In addition, it is also very useful for combating chronic disorders. With the wide range of disciplines and their very varied approaches, there is a solution adapted to each daily ailment.

Phytotherapy

  • Herbal therapy in all forms (infusions, essential oils, granules, decoctions…).
  • Useful for sleep disorders, digestive disorders, stress…

Osteopathy

  • Therapy by manipulating bone and muscle structures.
  • Particularly indicated in case of back pain, joint pain or circulatory disorders.

Acupuncture

  • Practice derived from Chinese medicine aimed at providing relief by stimulating specific points on the body.
  • Useful for fighting stress, strengthening the immune system or fighting addiction.

Foot reflexology

  • Practice based on the stimulation of reflex points located at the level of the foot.
  • Ideal for relieving pain specific to an organ or part of the body.


And how much does a session cost?

It all depends on the discipline and the practitioner. Indeed, even if for each practice, there is an average cost of consultation, each professional is free to set the price of his choice.

On the reimbursement side, this type of therapy is generally not covered by Social Security. However, a mutual insurance company such as Mieux-Être can help you by covering part of the costs (in the form of a flat rate).

Alternative medicine offers a chance to regain comfort in life and gentle well-being. Might as well enjoy it!