Interest Grows in ‘Alternative’ Therapies

* As an allopathic physician trained in the scientific method, I read with great interest your articles on “Alternative Medicine: The $18-Billion Experiment” (Aug. 31-Sept. 2). There is no question that a growing body of evidence can support recommending “alternative” therapies for my patients. This evidence has helped to negate the hue and cry of most traditionalists and removed the notion of superstition and anecdotal evidence that seems to purvey in this area. My job as a physician is to appropriately stratify patients into those proven “alternative” therapies which make sense given one’s clinical diagnosis and circumstances. Anything less would be a grave disservice to them and our community as well.

PAUL M. MINARDI MD

Yorba Linda

* The final installment in your series promises a rough road for integrative medicine. You do say that many hospitals are interested in incorporating alternative medicine techniques because it will bring in more money. The main reason why so many natural substances are without double-blind, placebo-controlled, peer-reviewed clinical trials is that you can’t stake out a total patent on a natural substance. Therefore, those with the deep pockets are not going to spend the money on studies.

You fail to cover the resistance of the orthodox medical establishment in accepting any new modalities. For decades, there have been promising cancer therapies that were suppressed simply because they might work. Today’s cancer approach of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery is not a success.

Why not investigate how many researchers of alternative therapies for cancer and other diseases have been ostracized, their careers destroyed by an arrogant medical authority, always invoking the god of “science”?

JUDITH PLOWDEN

Venice

* Every article on St. John’s wort cites the apparent lack of “excessive adverse effects.” That does not mean the effects are never negative. It caused me to become disoriented and clumsy, resulting in destruction of some lab equipment. I also had unusual reactions to a couple of prescription anti-depressants. Always monitor your response to any anti-depressant. My depression was due to an infection that was easily remedied once diagnosed. Perhaps odd responses to anti-depressants are an indication of underlying disease.

GEORGE TUCKER

Redondo Beach

* Wake up, “mainstream medicine.” It doesn’t take a rocket scientist or a zillion scientific studies to understand that the reason alternative medicine is gaining in popularity is because it works.

JOYCE STRAUSS

North Hollywood