Alternative & Complementary Health Newsletter

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WHY WOMEN CHOOSE ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

We are becoming increasingly aware of the side-effects of some conventional drugs and often, in the course of being treated for one ailment, we are given new, different symptoms to contend with. Many of us feel that we can achieve similar, even deeper and longer-lasting improvements with natural medicine.

Another important consideration is the time factor. Even the best, most conscientious doctors have a strict time limit for each patient and we may leave the surgery with more questions than when we went in.

Alternative and complementary practitioners, whether they are acupuncturists, osteopaths, masseurs or counsellors, to name just a few of the available disciplines, treat each patient as an individual rather than a disease or disorder. They have the luxury of time and can discuss the causes of the problems, the various methods of easing symptoms and then can use their skills to make the patient feel ‘whole’ again: hence the term ‘holistic’ medicine. While some people are happy to visit their GP when they have an acute illness and turn to complementary medicine as a luxury (as in massage, reflexology and aromatherapy), others tend to head straight for the acupuncturist or homoeopath when they are unwell. It seems that most of us at some time will visit a complementary practitioner, either as a preventative treatment or as a cure for acute or chronic illness -  it is all a matter of extent.

Alternative medicine has a great deal to offer the woman of fifty and over. Many are choosing herbal remedies such as black cohosh, dong quai and soya supplements to help with menopausal symptoms, while others are making dietary changes to help with prevention of osteoporosis, to aid concentration and reduce the signs of ageing.

WOMEN'S HEALTH FACTSHEETS

FACTSHEETS AVAILABLE: 

• Acupuncture
• Osteoporosis

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

If you have any particular issues that you would like to see addressed in this Newsletter, please email us.

To find a well-qualified homeopath in your area, contact the Society of Homeopaths for a register of well qualified members. Their telephone number is 0845 450 6611 and their website address is www.homeopathy-soh.org.