Alternative Medicine and Self-care Not just an alternative care source Also an alternative view of responsibility and personal power in the health/disease debate Centers around the perception of illness and health as a social not a medical problem

Perception and action We can ignore the perception and hope it goes away We can self treat (lots of options here today, both medical and alternative) See a doctor

Which do you choose? Depends on concept of self Depends on available resources Depends on knowledge and information Depends on whether we feel like being a victim or not

Alternative Care Anathema to medicine—less social control Monopoly eroded by patient actions to seek self-care and alternative care Cannot control the care to make it medical because the reason it is sought is to avoid medicine

What is Alternative? That which is not the standard in the society Varies from culture to culture Depends on availability, cost and social factors

Why? Monopoly eroded because We are too scientific Knowledge base dissemination (no secrets) Patient rights Devolution of trust Increased effectiveness of alternative care Increased self care with OTC meds-- autonomy

Options Health centers for specific issues, example AA and women’s health Acupuncturists Nutritionists Chiropractors Holistic health Herbalists, aroma, health counselors, and trainers

Why again? Makes patient more powerful Makes patient more self reliant Choice Emphasis on health Self-help movements (sells books) Aid societies for victims (examples –Susan G.Koman, ACTUP, Independent Living) Combines politics and care

Social medical groups Social entities organized around a disease or social/medical ill Increasing social networks to cope with illness, promote health Influences and funds research Influences medical practice

Social Actors Combine power of individuals to affect medical care Now national campaigns, social support groups, influence political and medical decisions Culture of social action Emotion, announcement, enactment What is really behind this may be who gets and uses the money—cynical view

Examples MDA Feminism and women’s health ACTUP Unicef