Each year, millions of people seek some kind of "complementary" or "alternative" treatment, such as acupuncture or herbal medicine, for their health problems. Many North Americans use alternative therapies along with mainstream medical treatments (drugs and/or surgery) to control pain, manage stress, and speed healing.

While complementary treatments are becoming more widely accepted, they are not right for everyone and every situation. Like any other treatment option, alternative treatment should be chosen only after you gather as much reliable information as possible, understand the facts, and consider your personal needs and values. For more information, see Chapter 1, Making Wise Health Decisions.

• Choosing the Right Therapy for You
• General Risks and Benefits of Complementary Medicine

Here are some important things to consider when trying to decide whether to try a complementary therapy:

• Is it your idea to try an alternative treatment, or is someone pushing you into it? You need to be the one who is in control of your body and your health.

• Do you think that complementary medicine has something special to offer you, or are you seeking an alternative treatment because you are fed up with conventional medi-cine? It is important to recognize the strengths and limitations of both conventional and complementary medicine.

• Do you hope to gain more comfort and control over your illness by using an alternative treatment, or are you looking for something that will cure your illness? Seeking a cure through complementary medicine may be harmful to your health and your pocketbook. Discuss your expectations with the practitioner and make sure they are realistic.

• What is the practitioner's expertise? Check with provincial and local medical licensing agencies and consumer protection branches to see if the practitioner is licensed and in good standing. Talk to people who have had experience with the practitioner. Visit the practitioner and ask questions about his or her education, training, licenses, and certification.

  Your primary care doctor may be able to help you make a decision about trying a complementary treatment. Some people think their doctors don't want them to try complementary medicine. But more and more doctors are realizing that complementary therapies can work with conventional medicine to help people feel better. You might be surprised to find that your doctor even knows some alternative medicine practitioners that he or she will refer you to.

  If you decide to try some form of alternative medicine, be sure to let your doctor know. Even if your doctor is not comfortable with your decision, it is important for your doctor to know what you are doing for your health concerns. As much as possible, it is important that your conventional treatments work with your alternative treatments.

  Health Fraud and Quackery Millions of people are taken in each year by medical fraud and worthless health products. Bogus cures are advertised for many chronic health problems, especially arthritis, cancer, baldness, and impotence. The ads target people who are ready to try anything. Unfortunately, many of these products cause harmful side effects. It is wise to be suspicious of products that: Are advertised by testimonials. Claim to have a secret ingredient. Have not been evaluated in prominent medical journals. Claim benefits that seem too good to be true. Are available only by mail. Be suspicious of any practitioner who: Prescribes medicines or gives injections at every visit. Promises a no-risk cure. Suggests something that seems unethical or illegal. The best way to protect yourself from medical fraud is to be observant and ask questions. If you don't like what you see or hear, find another practitioner or get a second opinion.

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