Do We Need Prescriptions for Vitamins, Dandruff Shampoo, and Massage?

People are flocking to alternative health care providers more than ever before. In my opinion, it's due to the fact that mainstream medicine fails the general public miserably. Now, there is an effort underway to force consumers to get "permission" from medical doctors to obtain alternative forms of health care.

Most people don't even tell their mainstream physicians about any alternative therapies they may be using. In the past, I kept some of the things we were doing from our "regular" physicians in order to avoid the condescending attitude. I don't put up with that anymore. My family no longer goes to doctors who do not have open minds and respect for their patients.

The federal government is trying to figure out a way to get their hands on alternative medicine. They've written a document called Complementary and Alternative Medicine Products and Their Regulation. It's a little precursor of what's to come if the FDA has its way.

The first thing they want to do is change some definitions.

By calling this vast field, complimentary "medicine" rather than the current complimentary "modalities," they could come after alternative practitioners for practicing medicine without a license. This would include body based practices including massage(if any oils are used), accu-puncture, hypno-therapy, reiki, chiropractics, Feldenkrais, facials, Aruveydic & Chinese medicine,etc...

By changing the language, consumers would have to go through their doctor (who probably knows virtually nothing of alternative healing) to get things like vitamins, herbs, pro-biotics, minerals, dietary supplements, acne cream, dandruff shampoo, etc. Anyone selling these products without a doctor's order would be nabbed for practicing medicine without a license.

Alternative medicine is a multi-billion dollar industry in direct competition with Big Pharma. Don't think Big Pharma isn't behind this push for more regulation. Government caters to Big Pharma at consumer expense all the time. But.....government works for us. It's our own fault if we put up with it.

Do we really want doctors with no training in alternative health care to control our access to it? I am much more of an expert on nutritional supplements for autism than most family practice doctors. Would it be right if I had to beg an M.D.'s permission to obtain what my children need from the health food store?

Please join me in contacting your representatives to tell them if you don't don't agree with what they've got brewing. The FDA document is called "Complementary and Alternative Medicine Products and Their Regulation." It is up for public opinion until April 30th.

Email your representatives here: http://www.house.gov/writerep/


I'll even write the letter for you! Just cut and paste. Or, write your own. I'm sure you have a lot to say.


Sample letter:

Dear Representative __________,

It has come to my attention that the FDA is asking for public opinion on a document called Complementary and Alternative Medicine Products and Their Regulation. This legislation would take away consumer autonomy in obtaining many alternative health modalities.

As your constituent, I strongly oppose what the FDA is proposing here. Changing the language from complimentary "modalities" to complimentary "medicine" will severely limit my freedom in health care choices.

This proposed legislation insults the intelligence of the American public while further lining the pockets of pharmaceutical companies. It will outrage the millions of us who seek alternative health care for our families.

I urge you to pay attention to this document and ask that you keep your constituents in mind when it is time for decisions to be made on this or similar measures. Thank you.


Sincerely,


________________


*To view the actual Complementary and Alternative Medicine Products and Their Regulation document:

http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/98fr/06d-0480-gld0001.pdf