Alternative Medicine and Self-care
Not just an alternative care source Also an alternative view of responsibility and
personal power in the health/disease debate Centers around the perception of illness and
health as a social not a medical problem
Perception and action
We can ignore the perception and hope it goes away
We can self treat (lots of options here today, both medical and alternative)
See a doctor
Which do you choose?
Depends on concept of self Depends on available resources Depends on knowledge and information Depends on whether we feel like being a
victim or not
Alternative Care
Anathema to medicine—less social control Monopoly eroded by patient actions to seek
self-care and alternative care Cannot control the care to make it medical
because the reason it is sought is to avoid medicine
What is Alternative?
That which is not the standard in the society Varies from culture to culture Depends on availability, cost and social
factors
Why?
Monopoly eroded because We are too scientific Knowledge base dissemination (no secrets) Patient rights Devolution of trust Increased effectiveness of alternative care Increased self care with OTC meds--
autonomy
Options
Health centers for specific issues, example AA and women’s health
Acupuncturists Nutritionists Chiropractors Holistic health Herbalists, aroma, health counselors, and
trainers
Why again?
Makes patient more powerful Makes patient more self reliant Choice Emphasis on health Self-help movements (sells books) Aid societies for victims (examples –Susan
G.Koman, ACTUP, Independent Living) Combines politics and care
Social medical groups
Social entities organized around a disease or social/medical ill
Increasing social networks to cope with illness, promote health
Influences and funds research Influences medical practice
Social Actors
Combine power of individuals to affect medical care Now national campaigns, social support groups,
influence political and medical decisions Culture of social action Emotion, announcement, enactment What is really behind this may be who gets and uses
the money—cynical view
Examples
MDA Feminism and women’s health ACTUP Unicef
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