November/December 2001

Alternative Medicine - Tonic or Toxic?

by Doug Trouten

When little Johnny has the sniffles, his mother may be more likely to reach for the zinc lozenges than for the doctor's phone number. While Americans still rely on traditional doctors for most of their medical care, a dizzying array of therapeutic choices loosely gathered together under the label alternative medicine has a growing place in modern health strategies. From acupressure to yoga, and from chiropractic manipulation to homeopathy, alternative medical practices are slowly moving into the mainstream. Fueled in part by aging baby boomers who are discovering that their bodies will no longer just take care of themselves, alternative medicine has become a booming industry.

In 1990, one study reported that Americans spent $9.4-$13.2 billion on alternative therapies. When the same study was repeated in 1997, the amount spent on alternative therapies had nearly doubled, reaching $17.2-$24.6 billion. That figure doesn't include an estimated $5.1 billion spent on herbal medicine and $4.7 billion more on books, classes and equipment related to alternative therapies.

Despite the growing acceptance of alternative medicine, some important questions need to be asked. Why are we drawn to alternative therapies? Why will people who wince at the thought of prescription drugs gladly swallow unproven "natural" remedies? Are there spiritual dangers for Christians?

Why We Want Alternatives

Walt Larimore, M.D., vice president of medical outreach for Focus on the Family, is probably best known as the host of "Ask the Family Doctor" on The Health Network. While researching his new book on alternative medicine, he was surprised by "the massive interest by Christian audiences -- way above non-

Christian audiences." While no studies have been done to determine why Christians are drawn to alternative medicine, Larimore has some theories.

"One possibility is that Christians, maybe even more than non-Christians, love conspiracy theories," Larimore suggests. "It seems a reasonable theory that modern medicine isn't as interested in me as it is its own pocketbook, and pharmaceutical companies are not as interested in me. So along comes something in the community saying 'We're interested in you and not our pocketbook. People have been lying to you, but we're not lying to you. People want you to buy their pharmaceuticals hook, line and sinker, but we want you to have a choice. What they're giving you God didn't make, but what we're giving you God did make.' On the surface it all seems appealing."

Paul C. Reisser, M.D., a family medicine practitioner from Southern California who recently served as chief of staff at Los Robles

Regional Medical Center, agrees. "The Christian community is very eager to embrace things like this," he notes. "I think there is a certain degree of suspicion in the Christian community of technology in general. There's a tendency to associate the mainstream medical community with sort of a secularized, ungodly view of life, and to associate mainstream science with the naturalistic evolutionary dogma, with all of the 'brave new world' kinds of technologies, and embryo research, and reproductive technologies that create moral questions. That's one aspect of it. Another, I believe, is just a generally poor understanding of evidence gathering, of how knowledge of the physical universe is acquired."

The Power of Radio

Both Larimore and Reisser point to Christian radio as a major factor in driving Christians toward alternative therapies -- including many of dubious quality.

"The economic reality for non-commercial radio stations is that operations are much more difficult than they were 10 years ago, and finances are much more difficult," notes Larimore. "The opening of infomercial time on weekends on Christian stations has made for a very fertile market. A 'natural medicine' producer can buy time on weekends on Christian stations for much less than on a commercial station, and the audiences are really open to them."

Reisser says, "One of my major peeves is the parade of infomercials that fills the programming of Christian radio stations on weekends. It is quite an astounding spectacle to listen to. The infomercial claims range from possibly reasonable to completely outrageous. I am convinced that a number of programs I have heard on Christian radio violate Federal Trade Commission guidelines for what you can claim."

Blame Traditional Medicine

Traditional medicine must bear some responsibility for the ready Christian acceptance of alternative medicine. Until the late 1800s, conventional medicine took a very holistic approach to healing -- looking at mental and spiritual issues as well as physical condition. "They were fairly masterful in caring for the whole person, and they had to be because their medical procedures and potions were pretty poor," explains Larimore. In those days, family doctors were often also pastors, elders or lay church leaders.

That began to change after World War I as medicine became a technological profession. Specialization flourished and with it the idea that people could be treated as a collection of parts -- the notion of caring for the whole person fell by the wayside. "An anti-spiritual bias permeated medical training and practice," notes Larimore. "People who are interested in their spiritual health are repulsed by this. Into that void comes a group -- some physicians, some chiropractors, some homeopaths -- who said 'I'm willing to care for all of you, and I'll schedule enough time to listen to you.' That is so attractive to both Christians and pre-Christians that they're willing to spend billions of dollars out of their pocket for that kind of care, even without understanding the evidence that supports or refutes it."

Reisser agrees, "Many alternative therapists do well because they give the patient attention, time, hope, optimism, encouragement and something to do for problems that are difficult to solve. Just having somebody sit down and hear you out is therapeutic."

Many alternative therapies may work in spite of the method being advanced, not because of it. "I found myself exasperated while looking through many of the alternative therapies just as I was exasperated by mainstream medicine," says Reisser, who recently co-authored a book on alternative medicine. "Mainstream medicine has the method right, but its heart isn't in the right place. Alternative therapists have their heart in the right place, but their method is often erroneous in their approach to how the body works."

Bad Doctrine

In addition to invalid understandings of how the body works, many practitioners of alternative medicine also have wrong ideas about how the supernatural world works -- at least from the Christian viewpoint. Many alternative therapies have their philosophical roots in the eastern mysticism concept of chi, or invisible life forces. Just as Darth Vader manipulated "the force" in the Star Wars movies, practitioners in arts ranging from acupuncture to chiropractic manipulation may believe they are manipulating mysterious forces within the body.

"For some there's a willingness to buy into spiritually worrisome components -- all of the therapies that involve 'invisible life energies' that are usually of an eastern origin," says Reisser. "I remember years ago I got into a vigorous discussion with people at the church I was attending who were involved in a technique where you could supposedly diagnose disease by putting something on your hand and pulling on your arm to test muscle strength [a technique used in applied kinesiology]. It was supposed to be tied to the flow of chi in the body. When we discussed where chi comes from, they said it was part of God's created order. The fact that no one has ever actually shown that chi exists doesn't seem to bother anybody."

Larimore says he urges Christians to critically examine the claims of alternative therapies, rather than simply accepting claims at face value because the practitioner claims to be a Christian. "We serve a God of truth, who is willing to be examined, and who wants to reason," Larimore insists. "What is the evidence? What's potentially helpful? What's potentially harmful? And even more important, which ones are spiritual quicksand?"

What works?

Despite their warnings about the dangers of alternative medicine, both Reisser and Larimore are quick to point out that many of the emerging approaches to natural health care are valuable.

In fact, Larimore and his wife made some changes in their lifestyle as a result of the research he did for his new book. "I did a number of things -- of course I'm heading toward 50, and all of us are thinking of what we can do to improve our health," he admits. Larimore took a hard look at his nutritional habits, cutting back on red meat consumption and increasing his intake of fish from fish farms or noncontaminated waters. He reduced bad fats in his diet and replaced them with good fats, such as olive oil. He cut back on simple carbohydrates and processed foods, and began to emphasize whole grains and foods. "We did it slowly, knowing we weren't going to get it overnight," he explains. "We just changed one meal at a time. The average family eats about 10 different dinners a month, so if you change one a month by the end of the year you've changed a lot of eating." The Larimore family also began to dine rather than eat. "We have multi-course dinners, clear the table between courses and talk as a family, rather than just gobble and leave. It's much nicer."

The Larimores also increased their exercise, mixing regular aerobic activity with some weight lifting. "We came across a mountain of evidence showing that exercise influences virtually every outcome tested. People who exercise sleep better, work better, metabolize food better, have lower risks of cancer, heart disease and stroke -- you can't find an outcome that's not benefited by exercise. And what was encouraging to me as a non-athlete is that it doesn't take much exercise, just a daily walk -- it doesn't have to be a jog or marathon."

Reisser agrees that alternative medicine has its place in the life of the Christian. "The area of alternative medicine that involves trying to solve problems without drugs, or to eat better or exercise more -- I've got no problem with that at all," he concludes. "As Christians we need to acknowledge God's ownership of our bodies in the decisions we make. We need to seek his wisdom and guidance in the therapeutic approach we take. Are we taking care of the gift God's given us? Are we giving it the right fuel and exercising it and not letting it be abused by drugs or sex or other activities that are going to hurt it? I don't think that because we're Christians we should therefore refuse or be unwilling to use a tool that's perfectly neutral to solve a problem." 

Evangelical Press Association president Doug Trouten is editor of the Minnesota Christian Chronicle and director of the Evangelical Press News Service.

Popular Therapies According to the National Institutes of Health, the most popular forms of alternative medicine are acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, herbal medicine, massage and naturopathy. Do they work? Are they dangerous? Here's what you need to know about each. Homeopathy Where it came from: The founder of homeopathy, German physician Samuel Hahnemann, believed in the "law of similars" -- that a natural substance which produced a symptom in a healthy person would cure that same symptom in a sick person. Hahnemann believed that symptoms of a disease showed that the body's vital energy was fighting a disease, and therefore a substance that caused the same symptoms would work with the body's energy to promote healing. He also believed in the "law of infinitesimals" -- that the more diluted a solution is, the more effective the remedy will be. Homeopaths claim that even if no molecules of the active ingredient survive dilutions, the solution still retains the imprint of the ingredient. What it is: Some homeopaths claim to be able to treat only those diseases which do not respond well to Western medicine, such as colds and flues, allergies and asthma. Others claim to be able to cure nearly any disease, from cancer to diabetes. A homeopath will make a highly individualized remedy from various substances, depending on the specific symptoms reported by the patient. You should know: Clinical studies consistently find that homeopathic remedies work no better than placebos. Preparations are extremely diluted, so harmful side effects are unlikely. The primary danger is that persons with serious medical conditions may put off needed treatment while pursuing ineffective cures. Some homeopathy also springs from a worldview similar to eastern mysticism.   Acupuncture Where it came from: Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical treatment based on a religious philosophy which teaches that health is achieved by balancing opposing forces in nature. The life energy, called chi, is believed to flow through body pathways called meridians, and acupuncture is designed to redirect and balance the individual's energy flow. It has been practiced in China for more than 2,000 years and became popular in the U.S. in the early 1970s. What it is: Acupuncture practitioners insert fine needles through the skin at various points. Some may twirl the needles to increase stimulation, while others use electrical charges in the needles. In the U.S., acupuncture is most often used to eliminate pain. You should know: Good studies have shown that acupuncture can help relieve nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy or surgery, and that it may be helpful for dental pain. Studies on other forms of pain, including back pain, have been less encouraging, with a major review finding no difference between real acupuncture and sham acupuncture. Because it is inexpensive and relatively safe, acupuncture may be a viable option for certain conditions. However, Christians should be aware of the religious underpinnings of acupuncture.   Massage Where it came from: Therapeutic massage is an ancient practice, going back at least to the Greek physician Hipocrates, who wrote, "The physician must be experienced in many things, but most assuredly in rubbing." The idea of massage as a form of medical treatment was introduced in the U.S. in the mid-19th century by two New York physicians who received training in Sweden. What it is: Massage therapy is designed to increase health and well being through manipulation of soft tissues. Various forms are available. In a Swedish massage the hands flow over the skin in long strokes. Shiatsu massage is a deeper and more aggressive massage, while Rolfing uses great pressure in an effort to rebalance joints. You should know: Some studies suggest that massage may help premature babies gain weight more quickly and may help relieve the pain of soft tissue injuries. Other studies have shown that massage is effective in lowering anxiety. However, no evidence suggests that massage can cure serious illnesses.   Herbal Medicine Where it came from: Herbs have been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. About one quarter of modern drugs, including aspirin and digitalis, come from plant sources. Also called herbology, phytomedicine or botanical medicine, herbal medicine went briefly out of vogue in the U.S. with the arrival of manufactured drugs, but is now making a comeback. A 1999 survey by Prevention magazine found that 49 percent of adults reported using an herbal remedy in the last year, and 24 percent said they used herbal medicine on an ongoing basis. Herbal remedies are widely used in Europe. What it is: An estimated 1,400 plants are used to make about 20,000 different herbal remedies available for sale in the U.S. Herbs can't be patented and are therefore not likely to be developed by pharmaceutical companies for submission to the FDA for approved use as drugs. Instead they are sold as unregulated dietary supplements. The most commonly used herbs are garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, St. John's wort and echinacea. You should know: Some herbal treatments show great promise. However, herbal remedies vary widely in quality. Independent lab analysis of herbal dietary supplements find that the actual potency may be much less or much more than advertised. Many Christians are drawn to herbal remedies because they are natural -- made by God -- and presumed to be safe. However, virtually all herbal remedies can have unpleasant or dangerous side effects, particularly in large quantities, and herbs may interact or interfere with drugs or other supplements. Common sense, careful investigation and consultation with your physician are recommended for persons considering herbal remedies.   Chiropractic Where it came from: The father of chiropractic medicine, Daniel David Palmer, believed that health results from the unobstructed flow of "Innate Intelligence" (very much like the Eastern concept of chi) through the body. Through physical manipulation, often of the spine, a healthy state of alignment can be achieved. What it is: Chiropractors use their hands to adjust various parts of the body, through joint and soft tissue manipulation. They are most often consulted for back, neck and shoulder pain, although some chiropractors claim to be able to treat a wide variety of conditions. You should know: While many of the studies of chiropractic medicine have been flawed, there is substantial evidence that chiropractic manipulations can bring relief for acute back pain. When compared to traditional medical treatment for back pain, studies find little difference in speed or completeness of recovery, but chiropractic patients report greater satisfaction with their treatment. The evidence for chiropractic treatment of neck and shoulder pain is less convincing, and there is no compelling scientific evidence to suggest that chiropractic treatment is effective for other conditions such as asthma or cancer.   Naturopathy Where it came from: Naturopathy began as a formal system of health care in the U.S. in the very early 20th century. What it is: Naturopathy is an approach to healing that includes many of the approaches listed above, as well as nutrition, elements of traditional Oriental medicine and hydrotherapy. The idea is to use natural methods to prevent and cure health problems, rather than "unnatural" techniques such as surgery or pharmaceutical drugs. Naturopathic doctors are also trained in anatomy, cell biology and physiology. You should know: The naturopath's emphasis on diet, exercise and other lifestyle factors are a sensible approach. However, practitioners of naturopathy may be hostile to traditional medicine, and this could lead to dangerous delays in patients being referred to traditional doctors for effective treatments for major diseases. Some naturopaths also base their treatment on New Age teachings, which poses dangers for the Christian.

...but does it help? An estimated 123 million Americans spend more than $5 billion dollars a year on herbal remedies which are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. The USDA has more than 2,900 adverse-event reports about ginkgo biloba, ephedra, melatonin, St. John's wort and thousands of other supplements. The FDA estimates that for every adverse event in its files, 100 more go unreported. Doctors are concerned about consumers mixing vitamins and herbs for daily use, especially when there is what one scientist calls "a total lack of quality control." What many of the dietary supplements sold in the United states actually contain is anybody's guess. Dr. Varro E. Tyler, professor emeritus from Purdue University and a leading expert on herbs says the market has been flooded with "junk products" that are a waste of money. Unlike prescription drugs, herbal products don't have to objectively demonstrate or document that they're effective or even safe. And since most people don't think of herbal supplements as drugs, they neglect to tell their doctors about taking them, which can cause serious problems for people during surgery. A new study released in July 2001 by three University of Chicago physicians evaluates the interactions between herbs, anesthesia and surgery and suggests ways to lower the risks involved. "While most of these substances appear to be safe for healthy people, for surgical patients they can affect sedation, pain control, bleeding, heart function, metabolism, immunity and recovery in ways that we are just beginning to understand," said study author Chun-Su Yuan, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of anesthesia and a member of the Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research at the University of Chicago.

Return to Plain Truth Ministries Home Page