Insurance companies and state regulations are becoming more progressive slowly, but still seem to be providing only the minimum to ensure people are covered for alternative practitioners. However, more and more people are taking control of their own health to fill in the gaps left by Western medicine. While the lines between traditional and alternative medicine will become blurred over time and medicine may become integrated, treating the whole person, not just their symptoms, we still have a long way to go.
People used to see doctors as gods and asked to be fixed. Today’s consumer is more informed and is taking more responsibility for their own wellness. As consumers demand more and more natural alternatives, utilization of chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapist, docors of oriental medicine, reflexology, reiki, ayurvedic medicine, etc. will continue to increase.
Unfortunately, the insurance field is a stumbling block. Besides limiting the services available, they also limit the amount of each service they will allow and often limit the care plan. Insurance companies need to understand the benefits of the treatments before they will agree to reimburse, but the method of research generally accepted today is difficult to apply to alternative treatments and thus, inherently biased. This will change slowly as people recognize the benefits and demand change. Until then, the best alternative to consumers appears to be the HSA (Health Savings Accounts) which allows people to choose their own treatments and are becoming more popular with employers.
In the meantime, the alternative treatments are effective, the prices quite reasonable when compared to traditional medicine, and very often, the patient need not take a pill for the rest of their life. And there is no down side to trying something more natural and gentle before utilizing traditional drugs. As long as consumers continue to receive quality, effective care, the demand for alternative care will continue to grow.
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