Do you think/feel that alternative medicine operates like a cult to some degree ?

I have been in the working in the world of alternative medicine for about five years now. And I have to say I think various Alternative/CAM therapies are effective for quality of life issues especially chronic pain. However, I have been very disturbed by other practioners/therapists unethical behavior (e.g. selling practices, making false claims, poor boundaries with clients, swaying client's away from appropriate medical care, ect.). This is one of the reason's why I've decided to leave the field. I've tried to voice my concerns within the alternative community however no one really wants to talk about these issues. And alot of practioners come from this place of "love and light" (alot of b.s.) and I feel like I'm surrounded by "pod people". Are there any other therapists out there that understand my frustration ?

I'm totally with you.. I've been studying and using different aspects of holistic medicine for eleven years, and although I don't practice professionally, I'm certified in aromatherapy, herbal medicine and reiki. One of the things that keeps me away from making a career out of my knowledge, is the "pod people". I'm more of a realist, and I take holistic medicine seriously, but unfortunately that's not the case with many people practicing (and using!) holistic medicine. It seems to be getting worse in the last few years with the "new" movement towards non-Western medicine. It's definitely frustrating. Especially because it seems that the pod people as a whole are one of the larger forces causing much of the general public to dismiss "alternative" medicine as crap. And who can blame them really.. I might dismiss it too, if all I knew about it came from gauze ladies or people trying to sell me overpriced "cures".

Although I don't really have much trust in the government, I wish there was some sort of regulation in place that both protect the holistic crafts, and protect the people from the crackpots. But, I'm torn on what I'd actually want it to be.

I hope, though, that you'll reconsider leaving your field. Whatever your specialty is, with the way you think, it probably needs you.

There are quacks in every field. Unfortunately they seem louder than the sane ones!

well im not a therapist- but nonetheless, i can understand ur frustration.
its sad to know there are so many bogus/billsh!tters out there in the fields of medicine....im caught up in a whirlwind of health issues that sure make me think- the doctors (western med. kind) are full of it!...

christopher,
as long as you are ethical and are helping people it may be a good idea to stay with your chosen work. makes no difference in which field you chose to spend you working life, you will always have those who do not measure up. if you love what you do...stick with it and avoid those who discourage you with their actions.

Hello Christopher,
I do agree with your submission that some alternative practitioners make claims that are unsubstantiated. Some of the Energy Psychology modalities have been touted to claim to heal just about everything when in reality they have been "proven" or even simply "researched" to show effectiveness in rather limited areas. I believe it is unfair to clients and to potential students of these practices to be "fed" these ideas.
Heartmath is one of the modalities that has decades of research behind it and it claims to influence only what has been proven to be so.......it requires licensing. Other of the modalities require little to no real training yet have folks out there claiming to heal everything physical, mental and emotional.
I share your concerns and hope that as these practices gain widespread acceptance for those things that they are truly effective for, there will come with it further regulations on their use and their claims.
I wish you all the best in whatever choices you make for your future.

hello! I am sorry you feel you must leave.I believe all fields have both good and bad people!!but you could make a difference and stand up to the crackpots!!I am a high beleiver in alternative medicine simply because I have proof from personal expereince of what i have tried!! I also started 2 yahoo! alternative health groups! Both have good and bad members in them.I listen to the good ones and ban the bad.Same as you should do in your career!! BAN the BAD!! Do not listen to them!! My colonic group I sometimes feel the people have contests to see who does the most enemas!!It's outrageous that some people don't take alternative health more seriously!! I do not even talk to those who wanna run a cult or have their stupid enema games!! Even this one who was a pro therapist!! I banned him real quick! Now that is taking a stand for what you beleive in!! GOOD LUCK TO YOU!! do not give up!!

A cult of band wagoners. A some people discover some good medicine or practices and more try to copy.