Financial Benefits Of Complementary Medicine

By Tracy Soltesz, LAc, MAc

Think you can't afford the luxury of an acupuncture appointment in this time of economic downturn? Think again. With more research showing the effectiveness of complementary medicine, sticking with regular treatment could actually save you money.

The United States is the world leader in soaring health care costs, but consistently ranks low for quality and effectiveness of traditional allopathic treatment.

According to a study by Harvard University, the out-of-pocket medical debt for those filing for bankruptcy is about $12,000, and 50% of all bankruptcy filings are partly a result of medical expenses. Sadly, 68% of those filing for bankruptcy have health insurance, but still cannot afford their out-of-pocket medical expenses. Over 1.5 million families have their homes foreclosed upon each year as a result of unaffordable medical costs, and a survey of consumers in Iowa showed that in order to cope with rising health care costs, 44% said they had to cut back on basic necessities such as food and heating.

Small-scale research showing the effectiveness of alternative medical models such as Chinese medicine, massage, and chiropractic care encouraged the 1998 creation of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) by the U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH). After years of numerous studies and trials, we now have evidenced-based results showing not only the effectiveness of these treatments, but the ability of these treatments to reduce health care costs.

A journal article by the Disease Control Priority Project (DCPP) that looked at ways to decrease health care costs showed that complementary medicine was 53-63% less expensive than conventional medicine in achieving equivalent results for conditions such as osteoarthritis, hypertension and peptic ulcers. Other studies reviewed by the DCPP showed acupuncture is 60% less costly for musculoskeletal conditions than the equivalent referral to a conventional allopathic practitioner.

Prescription drugs account for 49% of out-of-pocket medical expenses for consumers.

Yet, according to the DCPP, homeopathic drugs and ayurvedic herbs with equivalent or increased effectiveness are up to 50% cheaper than conventional medicine.

So, when tightening up your household budget, remember that alternative medicine isn't just a treat. With consistent treatment you can improve your health and save some wear and tear on your wallet.