Alternative Health for Holistic Care

Abstract

Health care reforms, including health insurance reform and universal coverage, are being driven by the people in Thailand to decrease costs, enhance quality, and expand access. Alternative health indicates, not only cost effectiveness, but also high quality of care. It is a fully-integrated holistic care which is composed of body, mind, and spirit. The best approach is the softest and gentlest care that avoids dangerous and traumatic procedures. Alternative health is categorized into seven fields of practice, namely: (i) herbal medicine, (ii) diet and nutrition, (iii) mind/body intervention, (iv) alternative system of medical practice, (v) manual healing method, (vi) bio-electric, magnetic and pharmacology, and (vii) biologic treatment. However, the evaluation - safety, affordability, need and efficacy - is very important for decision-making to choose any appropriate alternative health.