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Alternative Medicine: A Conversation with Dr. Andrew Weil (February 11, 2005, One)

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Program Summary

Long before synthetic drugs, CAT scans, gene therapy, and a host of other sophisticated medical treatments, people around the world relied on whatever they had at hand to treat injury and illness. Many cultures developed systems of natural remedies that are still used today. These remedies, seldom studied in clinical trials, have been challenged by the medical establishment, and are considered "alternative" to standard medical practice. A more forgiving term now in use is to call these practices and treatments as "complementary" care.

Harvard-trained medical doctor Andrew Weil is a well-known proponent of alternative or complementary medicine. He doesn’t believe that we should have to choose one system over the other, but that alternative treatments can and should be integrated into 21^st century medicine to give patients the best care. He is also a strong advocate of the mind-body connection, believing that the mind has enormous power to harm or heal, and should be part of any curative or preventative program of medicine.

Dr. Weil emphasizes that herbal remedies should always be used under the supervision of physician. That's because some herbs can interact badly with drugs, reducing their efficacy. He also points out that the supplements and herbal industry is unregulated by the government, making it important that consumers know as much as possible about the product and its maker.

Guests

Andrew Weil, MD, director of the Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona

Related Links and Resources

a href="http://www.drweilselfhealing.com/">Dr. Andrew Weil's Self Healing

For Discussion:

• What sorts of treatments are considered to be alternative?

• Acupuncture was once considered alternative, but now many insurance companies are covering it. Why do you think the insurers changed their attitude? What other alternative treatments do you think should be covered?

• What role does the mind play in our health? How does stress affect us? Which alternative practices could be used to reduce stress and improve health?

• Who is Norman Cousins? What did he say about laughing and illness?

• Have you or someone you know ever tried alternative medicine? What was your or their experience?

Activities

What’s the alternative? Alternative Medicine (TeensHealth) is a short overview of the different types of alternative medicine, their benefits, and their risks. Boots Learning Store, a British site, offers an animated slide show on Alternative Medicine with a focus on homeopathy, natural treatments based on the theory that “like cures like.” For more detailed information on alternative medical treatments, visit What is Complementary Medicine? (British Broadcasting Company), an extensive site that thoroughly explains the history, philosophies and techniques of the different types of alternative therapies. It also offers advice on how to choose a therapy and using alternative practices to stay well. Alternative medicine, also from the BBC, gives insight into attitudes in the United Kingdom toward complementary practices. Students can listen to radio reports and interviews that explore opinions on both sides of the fence. Invite practitioners of alternative therapies to give presentations in the classroom.

Pass or fail? Scientists Put Traditional Chinese Cures to the Test (National Geographic) describes efforts to test ancient practices with modern methods. One researcher used magnetic resonance imaging to observe the effects of acupuncture. Students try their hand at investigating herbal remedies with Medicine Show, a lesson plan from the New York Times Learning Network that explores the efficacy of botanical medicines and the process of designing an experiment to test them. Another lesson plan, Does Mother Know Best?, also examines the use of herbals as well as the controversy over their safety.

The holistic nine yards. Thinkquest’s Holistic Medicine slide show presents alternative medicine in English or Spanish. Though heavy on text, it’s colorful and offers frequently asked questions, vocabulary, and a couple of games. Students can learn more about the mind-body connection at LOL to Good Health, a cute Thinkquest project, that tests the old saying “Laughter is the best medicine.” Warm-up exercises prepare students to view the site.

For more information on herbal remedies, visit Science Friday Kids’ Connection, Developing New Medicines: Herbal Supplements and Safety (May 5, 2000, Hour Two)

Use the search box below to perform a Google search within any of the specifc sites or general domains mentioned in this Activities section.

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