From: hartman@informix.com (Robert Hartman)
Newsgroups: misc.health.alternative
Subject: Alternatives to conventional medicine and medical standards of proof
Date: 27 Jan 93 21:07:02 GMT
Organization: Informix Software, Inc.

First, let me make clear that I do not advocate anyone delaying
conventional medical treatment for any condition that can deteriorate
rapidly.

Second, let me make clear that I do not advocate fraudulent treatment or
claims of same.

Having said that, let me also say that since conventional medical
practice is neither 100% safe and effective, nor without it's own
flagrant abuses, people have a legitimate need to explore alternative
treatment ideas and, in some cases, adopt treatments that aren't
necessarily proven in the eyes of the medical establishment.

Whether that be homeopathy, Chinese herbs, medical herbalist herbs,
acupuncture, fasts, Chiropractic, nutritional supplements, dietary
restrictions, "smart drugs," electronic gizmos, it doesn't matter.  The
entire point of this newsgroup is for people to pass along anecdotes
about what's worked in their experience, or what they've heard about.

People who wish to discuss the relative risks and merits of these
alternatives know, or ought to know, that they aren't (yet)
scientifically proven.  Some may prove ineffective but otherwise
harmless.  Some may prove dangerous.  Some may yet prove out.   Some
may not yet be proven because the medical research establishment has
other priorities.  No one will make a substantial profit by proving or
disproving the law of similars, so why should precious medical research
funds be allocated in that direction?

Every patient has the right to make an informed choice about
treatment.  Being informed means being aware of alternative
treatments--however ill-founded they may seem to conventional medical
practitioners.  This newsgroup informs people about choices that their
conventional medical practitioners don't know about, don't believe in,
or simply won't discuss.

While I appreciate Dr. Kaplan's perspective and conscientiousness in
informing us about the lack of scientific bais for the various brands
of alternative treatments, I'm concerned that an insistence on
scientific proof for every treatment mentioned will inhibit the
discussion.  For instance, if I pass along information that eating
certain rose hips helps my colds (a fictitious example), will Dr.
Kaplan or someone else pass my claim on to the FDA for review?  Have I
just perpetrated fraud in his eyes?

If Dr. Kaplan's intent is to protect readers here from fraud, I don't
think it's necessary.  Most of us are well-enough educated to be able
to use this network.  I think we can be presumed to be aware of the
lack of scientific proof for most of the treatments that may be
discussed here.  Some of us may simply want to try them anyway.

If Dr. Kaplan's intent is to protect the pre-eminence of the
conventional medical profession, I believe his efforts will be
better spent in combatting the flagrant abuses within conventional
medical practice.  I hope to God I never have to be hospitalized--
given the rate of infection and mistreatment these days.

If Dr. Kaplan's intent is to discuss his experiences with the
alternatives presented here, including cases that he's seen where such
things seem to have worked or failed, and the consequences of any
failures he's seen, then I welcome his expertise.

But I don't really want to see every article followed up with another
from him saying, "that's not medically proven so don't use it." We get
the idea.

I'd much prefer an occasional, "don't try this at home kids," for
anything that might sound dangerous in his expert opinion.  And the
occasional gratutitous reminder from him not to delay conventional
treatment in favor of anything unproven would be a very good thing.

Dr. Kaplan, I appreciate your concern.  But please try to allow as much
of the discussion as you can to pass without comment.  We know, or we
ought to know, that the things we discuss here aren't proven.  That's
why it's called "alternative."

-r
Newsgroups: misc.health.alternative