Alternative Practitioners--Buyer Beware

A few months ago I wrote a very critical article on colonics. (This is a procedure in which warm water is forced into the rectum for "cleansing".) I took a little heat for it, mostly because I criticized the fact that it's being performed mainly by people with no medical background at all.

Well, apparently, the article's been republished on a natural health forum because this morning my stats tracker is full of links to said forum. So. . . let's talk about this.

Would you trust your health to someone with no actual medical background? I couldn't and I certainly wouldn't trust someone like that to perform such an invasive and potentially dangerous procedure.

What do you think?

Elly's picture

Keep informed

I am a trained nurse so familiar with traditional "Western" medicine. That makes me somewhat educated about it, and at the same time somewhat critical too. You see, I've had some major chronic health issues NOT helped by traditional medicine and "cured" by alternative methods. I see the value in both sides - and wish they'd communicate more. Doctors believe the drug companies too much for me, and see the only solution to many medical problems as the knife or drugs. Mind you, I'd not have some untrained person give me a colonic irrigation. There are some huge risks there. We need to keep an open mind, educate ourselves, and don't take risks with traditional or alternative methods.

Lisa's picture


deorre's picture

Trust What...?

I will take information, advice, and consultation from a non-credentialed practitioner. In fact, some of the most relevant info I have recieved is from those. That does not mean I will act without further consultation.

Why arbitrarily negate a potentially valuable resource, I always say?

deorre

Lisa's picture

That's a very valid point.

Look at all the "alternative" practices that are fast becoming mainstream--nutritional medicine, accupuncture, etc.

Thanks for commenting.

deorre's picture

Indeed, Lisa...

Many a time has 'fringe' evolved into mainstream.

deorre