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Is TV Starting to Show Value In Alternative Medicine?

There has been much discussion about the pilot episode of Eli Stone, which portrayed a fictional legal case focusing on the link between autism and vaccinations. But what has not been discussed is the recurring character of an "alternative medicine" practitioner -- in this case, an acupuncturist -- who is portrayed in a positive light. Perhaps if the mainstream news agencies won't acknowledge the growing acceptance of alternative medicine, then entertainment will.

Eli Stone is not the first TV series to feature alternative medicine. Grey's Anatomy introduced the character of Dr. Pete Wilder, an MD and an acupuncturist, in 2007. Dr. Pete's methods and opinions are treated with respect, and episodes have featured alternative medicine helping a patient when traditional medicine has failed.

Brenna Hill, Executive Director of the American Association for Health Freedom, says, "Hats off to Shonda Rhimes and ABC/Disney for taking the lead. Integrative medicine and alternative health care is increasing in predominance in the United States and needs to be showcased so consumers know traditional medicine is not the only option available."

Also on ABC, the show Pushing Daisies features a female lead who bakes pies with homeopathic remedies to reduce the depression of her aunts, who believe she is dead.

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Comment on This Article Community Comments (14)
 
 
Posted On Feb 15, 2008

Trust me, I have given this a lot of thought! Until the networks quit excepting the money for adds of poison pharma-drugs, then there hands are tied as far as what they can or cannot say!


When you consider that all the TV commercial time on all the networks are more than half pharmaceutical based a simple truth comes into effect; The drug lords are in control of everything that reaches most people’s daily concept of “what is and what isn’t” in this world! Yes, I know it is there own fault for being sucked into this frame of mind –Or is it? - I have a confession to make! Awhile back I ashamedly must admit for a short time I got so fed up that I said, “I can no longer feel sorry for anymore people that say, “You’re the doc, just tell me what I need” and then wind up in a world of ill health and problems because of this deadly mistake”! I was wrong to say that! They are as lambs to the slaughter and I ask you all to forgive me for not having the compassion that we all need to have for these innocent victims! no crime in the history of the world has ever been pulled off in such magnitudes. It is a known fact that the use of “properly prescribed drugs” and “medical” procedures kill more than 20 times the people that street drugs like heroin and cocaine do! In fact the largest single cause of death turns out to be the medical system itself!


 
The Herb Doc
Apprentice User Apprentice User, Joined On 11/2006
The Herb Doc  
Replied

chrisun
Novice User Novice User Joined On 1/2008
chrisun  
 
Posted On Feb 17, 2008
I do not feel you have anything to apologize for.  It was an expression of how  frustrated you were but also recognizing that the majority of people do not have a reason to not believe what they told.  I remember when I was a child when the mindset was that the doctor had all the right answers.  At least today more and more people are starting to question the information they are receiving.  We can always hope that more shows will continue to reflect the positive and healthy aspects of alternative medicine.  One person at a time can and does make a difference.


Russ Bianchi
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 9/2006
Russ Bianchi  
 
Posted On Feb 18, 2008
Correctly stated Doc.


lively
Novice User Novice User Joined On 12/2006
lively  
 
Posted On Mar 11, 2008
The TV  wouldn't lie to you, would it?

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8045542387672451515




 
 
 
Posted On Feb 18, 2008
Chrisun is right doc. Your frustration does show that you have a good heart. I am one of those people who have totally trusted doctors and their prescriptions. A lot of these worked and the particular complaint I had went away with their treatment. It took a good pal with patience and a lot of time to explain the long term effects of  this path. So I sympathize with your patients but I also thank God that people like your good self don't give up.

 
triciamc
Apprentice User Apprentice User, Joined On 1/2008
triciamc  
 
 
 
Posted On Feb 15, 2008
Don't hold your breath waiting for alternative medicine to get too much exposure on TV.  If it did, the advertising money for drugs for that program would be gone in an instant. 

 
foxtroter_203
Savvy User Savvy User, Joined On 9/2006
foxtroter_203  
 
 
 
Posted On Feb 15, 2008
I have noticed that alternative medicine practicioners do get a reasonable amount of exposure in the local rag in the rural area where I live. All the advertising is local, hence no big pharma ads or money to dictate what they can and cannot publish.

 
Aaltrude
Moderator User Moderator User, Joined On 4/2007
Aaltrude  
 
 
 
Posted On Feb 18, 2008
Other interesting research is Who Owns The Media.....the close knit ties across the media is quite a startling revelation....

 
Cindy Magnuson
Apprentice User Apprentice User, Joined On 10/2006
Cindy Magnuson  
 
 
 
 
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