My usual approach to complementary or alternative therapies is to try to keep an open mind. A lot of treatments do not have much evidence-backing but can be important to the people wanting to try them. A lot of the patients I see have exhausted all that Western medicine has to offer, thus they seek alternatives. Some of these treatments may be expensive in financial and other costs. I am supportive of a patient’s right to choose whatever treatment they want. If it makes them feel better, who am I to judge?

I do draw the line if an alternative treatment is causing harm. First do no harm is the first concept they taught us in medical school, but it is not a concept taught in all therapy schools. Rarely have I directly intervened when it comes to my patients receiving complementary or alternative treatments, but that does not mean that I would not do so.