I just thought I would throw something in. Maybe unrelated. I sent for some cream supposedly relieves pain from neuropathy. It cost me $100 for a 3 month trial, money back guarantee, I'm willing to try anything. The stinging and burning on my foot drives me up a tree. VA prescribed gabapentin for relief of neuropathic pain. So far, nothing. Probably have to take it for 6 weeks.

We'll see.

Thanks for the vent.

Alternative medicine will be recognized as soon as the FDA starts approving it and the drug companies can see where they can make a profit. As long as they are in charge, pushing pills, I doubt any changes will be made because they can't put a corner on the market of natural products. Chiropractic is as close as compatible medicine has gotten to acceptance.

I wish naturopaths were recognized by Medicare.

Maggie: when someone has a "thickening" of the heart, sometimes a physician will suggest an "ablation." In theory, an ablation "kills" the extra tissues of the heart, allowing it to work better. In practice, it is risky and difficult to control which parts of the heart will be affected. Mom's doc prescribed this procedure as if it were as simple as having her teeth cleaned. I started reading about it and told her doctor to forget it!

What's an ablation?

JerryAnn: I could not agree more. Western medicine is hostile to alternative approaches. The reason, I have figured out, is that natural remedies take more one-on-one time with the patient. Also, naturopaths are more "prevention" oriented, and again this takes time working with a patient. Western medicine is all about the "cure" which usually translates into harsh drugs or surgeries. (Btw, I agree, ablations are being overused now...it's the latest "thing" and people do not know how dangerous they are.)
When I had a naturopath, she was more than willing to work with my internist. He on the other hand, was arrogant and refused to speak with her.
For minor ailments, I definitely go to my natural remedies. And I practice prevention. I do the same for my Mom.

When will Medicare, or any insurance begin to pay for alternative, or integrative medicine? Things like Massage, Accupuncture, etc., rather than drugs, surgeries, expensive treatments like facet blocks, abalations, etc.