Alternative therapies draw the pandemic-weary, but they’re no substitute for mainstream medicine – CNA

The placebo effect, where symptoms improve despite a non-active treatment, could be at work if alternative healing is effective, said Lee.

The placebo effect doesnt mean its not real, because now we know the placebo effect is as real as some active ingredients. Our mind and body are so intertwined that if we believe in certain things, this may have impact on our bodies, he said.

Placebos work through patient expectations, meaningful procedures, and a positive practitioner-patient relationship, he added.

But people with physical or mental health problems should still consult mainstream healthcare providers, the experts advise.

Should they wish to concurrently see alternative wellness providers, they should seek recommendations from friends or people they know, and be aware of the consequences, said Lee.

If individuals, despite using CAM, are feeling very distressed or find that their mental health issues have affected their daily functioning, they should seek help from a mental health professional, said Mythily.

They should not rely on just CAM to address their issues and avoid professional medical treatment.

As CAM grows in popularity, such practitioners can also help refer individuals to medical services if they feel the person is not getting better or worsening in terms of symptoms or functioning, added Mythily.

Meanwhile, the alternative wellness providers say they do not try to convince sceptics about what they do. In the early days, I would try to explain from a point of validation, getting approval, said Teo. These days, she embraces the fact that sceptics may not change their minds, and she is a hippie living in Singapore.

Link:

Alternative therapies draw the pandemic-weary, but they're no substitute for mainstream medicine - CNA