Medication vs. Meditation

Stress is part of so many working women’s lives, we’re inclined to consider it just “part of the job.” But when stress leads to guilt, sleeplessness and even illness, those neighborhood walks and spa days can only do so much.

Before you look to medication, consider this: four out of every 10 American adults use some form of holistic healing. How to know if it’s right for you?

“The body is complex, and most medications have side effects,” says Dr. Alice Domar, executive director of The Domar Center for Mind/Body Health and women’s health expert. In lieu of medication, she recommends professional women battling stress consider holistic remedies.

“I refer 75 percent of my patients for acupuncture,” she says. Other holistic stress remedies range from chiropractic manipulation to musical therapy.

Health.com notes that more medical doctors are prescribing holistic stress-relievers like yoga and meditation.

While experts recommend holistic medicine for prevention, they add that limited scientific research and confusing marketing (with words like “natural” and “safe”) are to be considered. The fact that many of these remedies are hard to scientifically prove is one of the barriers to holistic medicine’s acceptability, explains Domar.

Before considering alternative medicine, Domar advises researching online databases and guides for licensed professionals. And remember, “if someone says your condition will be gone in two sessions before they even examine you, hang up,” she says.

Bonus PINK Link: Is more sleep the secret to less stress? Find out here.

By Brittani Banks

“The more you move toward what makes you feel good,
the healthier you will be.” Christiane Northrup, M.D.