Leading Toronto Doctor Touts Alternative Medicine & Treatments

Many medical treatments that are today considered ‘alternative’ have actually been used successfully for thousands of years. But they are typically not used by the established medical profession because they have not been scientifically proven, which is the standard of acceptance that MDs use for most treatments.

Dr. Mel Borins, a family physician and associate professor of medicine at the University of Toronto, advocates for evidence-based alternative medicine in his recently released book, A Doctor’s Guide to Alternative Medicine: What Works, What Doesn’t and Why.

The publication clarifies for doctors and their patients some of the often confusing and conflicting information surrounding alternative medical treatments, which include practices like acupuncture treatment, naturopathic medicine and herbal remedies, among others.

“All too often misinformation, conflicting opinions and half-truths about alternative medicine and practices make it difficult for doctors and confusing for patients when trying to decide on safe and effective alternative options,” says Dr. Borins. “My book is meant to be a guide for the curious consumer and an education resource for medical practitioners eager to supplement their conventional training.”

With the long history of alternative treatments, Dr. Borins points out that they are not really ‘alternative’, but simply not included in main-stream medical information and education due to their lack of development from a scientific point of view.

Dr. Borins’ interest in alternative medicine began when he was unable, despite extensive training as a medical doctor, to find his friend a chronic pain treatment. In search of a solution, his friend traveled to Kashmir, India, where a local healer placed his knee on the patient’s back and, with a single pull, realigned the patient’s spine and permanently relieved the pain.

Realizing that textbooks and medical school did not cover the full spectrum of healing remedies, Dr. Borins began his research into alternative medicine.

Few cities in the world have as diverse a population as Toronto. That mix of cultures brings with it a wide variety of remedies that are not part of traditional ‘western’ medicine. So the city is a bit of a hotbed for alternative treatments.

Despite all the options available, anyone looking for alternatives to main-stream treatments is advised to get a variety of opinions, including those of licensed medical doctors and therapists.

If you would like more information about alternative treatments, or to talk to trained and certified acupuncture treatment specialists and naturopathic doctors, you are welcome to visit the HealthMax Physiotherapy Toronto Clinic, call us at 647-496-4062 or Book on appointment online. There is no charge for your initial consultation.