Book Review: The Truth about Alternative Medicine - Post 2 of 4

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In Trick or Treatment: The Undeniable Truth About Alternative Medicine, (2008), Singh & Ernst, examine a broad array of healing modalities –from acupuncture to spiritual healing -and determine that in each case that there no scientific basis for claiming a healing benefit for nearly all alternative healing modalities.  

For instance, after detailing the at least 5,000 year history of acupuncture they conclude that the “traditional principles of acupuncture are deeply flawed as there is no evidence to suggest the existence of chi or meridians.” (pp. 83).   

Inherent in this assertion is the suggestion that numerous alternative healing modalities are flawed since systems for working with chi – the force or energy animating life – forms the basis of many alternative modalities, including acupuncture, reiki, shamanism, cranial sacral therapy, and reflexology, to name a few.  As with all the other alternative healing modalities examined in their book, Singh & Ernst determine that the only beneficial effect from acupuncture is a placebo effect – the relief that comes from a belief on the part of a patient that they are receiving a healing benefit, even where no real benefit is present.  (pp. 87-88).

In the introduction to their book Singh & Ernst criticize Chinese medicine for viewing the body as a metaphor of nature.  In an attempt to undermine a belief in energy meridians they state, “Similarly, it seems likely that the belief in twelve meridians emerged as a parallel to the twelve great rivers of China.  In short, the human body was interpreted as a microcosm of the universe, as opposed to understanding it in terms of its own reality,” (pp 52).  Sighn & Ernst are so categorical in their findings that there is “nothing” to alternative healing, it is almost as if they believe that anyone from other cultures or systems of thought do not possess the intelligence necessary to develop effective systems of healing.  

In reading this book I was forced to ask, “Do these authors really believe that people have been giving and receiving acupuncture for at least 5000 years because it fools them into thinking they feel better? Do they really believe that there is no power in the metaphor of the body as nature?  Do they really not see that there is more out there and that there is more than one valid way to view reality?  Do they really believe that we are that dumb?” 

The reasoning used by Singh & Ernst is unpersuasive.  Their central tenet appears to be, “If science cannot prove it, it cannot be real and cannot be trusted.”  Unfortunately for Singh & Ernst, the scientific method is unable to discover exactly why so many worldwide use alternative healing.

A Piece of Personal History

As a member of the public, a student of the scientific method and an alternative health care practitioner, I have drawn different conclusions about alternative medicine than Singh & Ernst.  That I think differently does not mean that I am ignorant and cannot tell the difference between when I am merely being comforted and when my health and quality of life is being improved.

I believe in alternative healing because it restored my health.  While practicing law I became ill in a way that defied precise diagnosis.  Painful and debilitating symptoms - including fibroids, endometriosis, joint pain, digestive disorders, extreme fatigue, extreme physical pain, depression, post-traumatic stress, TMJ, and terrifying nightmares – lasted in the acute phase 3-5 years and had a significant impact on my family and quality of life.  

Up to and during this illness I eschewed all things spiritual. I also held an unyielding conviction that alternative medicine was frivolous and could not offer what I needed.  Accordingly, I worked with several conventional practitioners including counselors and reproductive specialists.  In each case drugs were prescribed.  Through the course of the illness I had prescriptions for Zoloft, Xanax, Belladonna, Prozac, Darvocet and Vioxx, to name a few.  

These medications provided temporary relief and symptoms often returned with renewed ferocity. I had surgery for fibroids due to hemorrhaging and pain.  Within 3 days of the surgery the pain moved from my reproductive organs to my bowels and I was once again in excruciating pain.  Likewise, I was told by my doctor that within five years I would need a hysterectomy.  From my direct personal experience, it appeared that the more drugs I took and the more invasive procedures I consented to, the sicker I became.  Importantly, it also seemed that my doctors held no meaningful hope for my recovery.  Over time I began filling prescriptions but not always taking them.  I began researching herbal alternative and making changes in my diet.

(for more, see next post)