Should a Christian consider alternative medicine?

Answer

There are various forms of alternative medicine available today, which can sometimes cause confusion among Christians regarding whether to consider using alternative medicine instead of or alongside traditional forms. Many types of alternative medicine have roots in non-Christian religions or anti-Christian philosophies. This leads some Christians to avoid alternative medicine entirely. However, does the Bible forbid the use of alternative medicine?

There are two main issues with the mindset that “alternative medicine is always wrong.” Firstly, much of modern traditional medicine also traces back to non-Christian religions and philosophies. While alternative medicines like acupuncture may have originated in connection with Taoism, many traditional medicines originated in ancient Greek and Roman cultures, which were just as non-Christian as ancient Taoism. The notion that something is inherently wrong unless it was invented by a Christian is not biblically supported. Many inventions and technologies that Christians have no issue using were created by non-Christians. The belief system of the inventor does not necessarily determine the moral value of the invention itself. The origin of an alternative form of medicine should not be the determining factor in whether a Christian can consider using it.

Secondly, there is no standard for determining what qualifies as “alternative” medicine or treatment. Is chiropractic treatment considered alternative? Are herbal supplements considered alternative? Is following a gluten-free diet or consuming Brazilian acai berries considered alternative? People are quick to label certain alternative medicines as wrong, while overlooking that they themselves are using alternatives. If anything other than undergoing surgery or taking a prescribed pill is deemed alternative, then hundreds of millions of people are already.knowingly or unknowingly using alternative medicine.

Ultimately, the determining factor in this discussion is whether an alternative medicine can be distinguished from the philosophy linked with the medicine or treatment. If the act of inserting acupuncture needles into a person’s body at specific points leads to physical healing or pain relief, does it truly matter if the practitioner is mistaken about the reasons behind its effectiveness? While a Christian should firmly reject the Taoist yin-yang philosophy, there is nothing inherently contrary to the Bible in the acupuncture procedure itself.

With the freedom we have in Christ, decisions regarding the use of alternative medicine should be guided by our own biblically informed convictions and preferences (1 Corinthians 6:12;1 Corinthians 8:9;2 Corinthians 3:17;Galatians 5:1). As with all things, Christians are called to be prudent and discerning. We are free to adhere to our convictions as long as they align with the teachings of the Bible and are grounded in prayer. What we should not do is impose our convictions on others, particularly in disputable matters like alternative medicine.