Alternative Medicine
Harrison argues that treatment claims need evidence and that relying on an unproven remedy can cause harm, particularly when it delays effective care. A testimonial, a natural origin, or dissatisfaction with mainstream medicine does not establish that a treatment works.
THE IDEA
Alternative Medicine
Alternative medicine is one of those topics that can get skeptics into trouble. It’s extremely popular, and many of those who believe in it can be very loyal and protective of it. But fear of controversy is not a good enough reason to keep quiet, not when so many people are ripped off and harmed every day because they believed in unproven medicines and treatments.
Anyone who understands the very serious problems with alternative medicine and also cares about their fellow humans has no choice but to speak out. Let’s take a quick glance at some of the ways in which this stuff can go terribly wrong and even result in death:
- Helena Rose Kolitwenzew, an eight-year-old diabetic, died after her mother stopped giving her insulin on the advice of alternative-medicine salesman Laurence Perry.
- Harrison cites a Harvard study estimating 365,000 premature deaths among people with HIV between 2000 and 2005 in South Africa, linking the loss of life to government treatment policies.
- A study of Africans who suffered rapid kidney failure found that a high percentage developed this problem because of harmful alternative medicines.
- Researchers found that 34% of Pakistani women with breast lumps delayed seeking proper care because they relied on alternative treatments.
Alternative medicine is far from safe, no matter what those who sell it or defend it say. Weak skepticism is not the only problem; in many cases, particularly in the developing world, folk remedies may be all that is affordable or accessible. But the fact remains, alternative medicine does harm people.
It is important to keep in mind that this problem of misplaced trust has relatively little to do with intelligence or education. Just about anyone can fall for unproven claims. Harrison describes Steve Jobs’s use of alternative treatments after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis and his later regret about delaying conventional care. This account cannot establish whether earlier treatment would have prevented his death.
Homeopathy
One of the bestselling complementary and alternative medicines today is homeopathy. Homeopathic medicine was developed by late-eighteenth-century German doctor Samuel Hahnemann. It is based on the "like cures like" principle and extreme dilutions, often to the point where no molecule of the original ingredient remains. The claim that water can "remember" an active ingredient contradicts current knowledge of chemistry and physics. Homeopathic products are promoted for conditions ranging from postpartum depression to cuts. Highly diluted preparations may contain no molecules of the starting substance; formulations vary.
A product’s dilution does not establish its safety or effectiveness, and replacing effective care with it can cause harm. In Australia, a homeopathic doctor and his wife allowed their infant daughter to die a slow and painful death from a severe skin infection because they trusted homeopathy over evidence-based medicine. In Japan, a baby died of a subdural hematoma because a midwife used homeopathic water instead of a vitamin K supplement.
The "Natural" Fallacy
The argument that "natural is safer" doesn’t hold up. Not all natural substances are safe (e.g., cone-snail venom, cobras). Even water can be deadly in excess.
Real Medicine Isn't Perfect Either
Proponents of alternative medicine often point out problems with mainstream medicine—side effects, incompetent doctors, ethical issues, dehumanizing experiences. While these criticisms are valid, they do not prove that alternative treatments work.
Problems of Interpretation
People often recover from illness while taking alternative medicines but mistakenly credit the treatment instead of time or their body's own healing. Anecdotes and testimonials are not reliable evidence; scientific testing with proper sample sizes and controls (e.g., double-blind, placebo-controlled studies) is necessary.
The Placebo Effect
Expectations and the treatment setting can affect reported symptoms. An improvement after taking a remedy does not, by itself, show that the remedy treats the underlying disease.
Definition
Ultimately, alternative medicine is really just unproven medicine. When an alternative medicine is scientifically tested and proven effective, it becomes simply medicine. Calling it "complementary" or "alternative" can mislead people into thinking it is more credible than it is.
When to use it
When considering a new health product, check for scientific studies rather than relying on testimonials.
If a friend recommends an alternative treatment, ask about the evidence and sample size behind the claims.
In making health decisions for yourself or family, prioritize treatments that have been proven effective through randomized controlled trials.
Be wary of treatments that claim to cure a wide range of ailments without scientific backing.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Death of Helena Kolitwenzew
An eight-year-old diabetic girl died after her mother stopped giving her insulin on the advice of alternative-medicine salesman Laurence Perry, who presented himself as a doctor. The mother had tried acupuncture and shark-embryo injections before consulting Perry.
Steve Jobs' Regret
Harrison recounts Steve Jobs’s reliance on alternative treatments after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis and his later regret about delaying conventional treatment. The story illustrates concern about delay; it does not prove how his outcome would have differed with earlier care.
Australian Homeopath Infant Death
A homeopathic doctor and his wife allowed their infant daughter to die from a severe skin infection because they refused evidence-based medical care, trusting instead in homeopathy. The child suffered for months before dying.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
How can you distinguish between anecdotal evidence and scientific evidence when evaluating a health treatment?
What are the potential harms of choosing a 'natural' remedy over a proven medical treatment?
Why might the placebo effect be insufficient for treating serious illnesses?
Often confused with
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Think (Guy P. Harrison)