Like many people in South Africa, I use Complementary and Alternative medicine. Every morning I take a probiotic before my breakfast and when flu season comes around I put echinaforce in a glass of water to help stimulate my immune system.
So when I started to get dizzy when I stood up too fast, a possible sign of Iron-deficiency anaemia, I knew I’d wanted to get a lab test to confirm my (Google inspired) suspicions even though I’d likely consult my homoeopath for treatment.
This scenario is a common one for many South Africans, and it’s becoming increasingly popular around the world.
Many people feel that healers who practice alternative medicine, have a different, more engaging and holistic way of treating their patients than traditionally experience in western ‘biomedicine’ (Chitindingu et al., 2014).
This is not to say that biomedical doctors are wrong but that there is value in Ayurvedic, Chinese medicine, Osteopathy, Chiropractic, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Phototherapy, Unani-Tibb, Aromatherapy, Massage and Reflexology.
Something that even policy-makers in South Africa recognize (Chitindingu et al., 2014).
Although many of us use the strengths of both alternative and western medicine, these medicine systems are often played against each other. Simply because our world loves a good division.
At Epicentre, our Walk-In Lab works with both biomedical doctors and alternative health providers. If you are an alternative health provider, contact our team, at [email protected], and we’ll provide personalised services to suit both you and your patient needs.
With some-thing as important as our body, and something as easily available as lab tests, it’s always a great idea to just get it checked.
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