It doesn’t take long for people to be in Bali before they realize that the medical system is not quite what they are used to in their home (developed) country. There is the language barrier, as well as the difference in level of quality education and updates for the local medical practitioners. In many cases expatriates especially will prefer to seek the assistance of someone who “speaks their own language”.
This leaves the door wide open for para-medical practitioners (naturopaths, osteopaths, chiropractors, homeopaths, massage therapists, hypno-therapists etc etc) and other “healers” to set up practice; some of them highly qualified and a true blessing to expatriates and the community at large, and some not more than self professed shamans.
It was only a few months ago I received a call from a British man who was in a bit of bother with a blood transfusion, and could not get the blood to run smoothly through the line. When I asked his whereabouts he said that he was in the rooms of a naturopath! A naturopath is in no way qualified to give blood transfusions, and as I suspected the infusion set that was being used was completely incorrect, and was even dangerous.
On another occasion my own 12 year old son came home to tell me that he had been treated with acupuncture and a concoction of snake’s bile, while he accompanied his friend on a visit to a naturopath. Whether the treatment was right or wrong was not the issue here, as I believe it was administered with all good intent. However, naturopaths or other “healers” are just as bound to ethical and medico-legal aspects as allopathic practitioners. You cannot treat a child under the age of 18 years without parental consent.
The Indonesian medical board has not yet caught up with organizing a controlling body to register and control this array of alternative therapists and so many are practicing “under the radar” so to speak. One good friend and highly qualified naturopath that I know was offered the classification of “witch doctor” (yes there is a slot for them!), however for obvious reasons she gracefully declined.
So how do you discern whether your practitioner is the real deal or just another fly-by-nighter here to make a quick buck?
Questions to ask your practitioner
- What are your qualifications and where did you train? (Be careful here as different countries have different levels of certification for natural medicine, some have more rigorous training than others. Also bewares the “instant internet diploma” they can be very convincing!)
- Do you have training in a specific area that might be helpful to my condition?
- Do you work in partnership with conventional doctors in patients’ healthcare?
- Can you tell me about your success in treating patients with a condition similar to mine?
- How much does a session cost?
- How often will I need to schedule follow-up sessions?
- Is this treatment typically covered by medical insurance? Do you accept medical insurance? (Many health insurance policies will cover alternative therapies as long as they are referred by a medical doctor).
As a general rule the principles of alternative therapies are as follows:
- The body has the power to heal itself. The role of a naturopathic doctor is to facilitate this process using natural, nontoxic therapies. (Having said this not all natural therapies are 100% safe. Some in fact are extremely dangerous if taken or used incorrectly. Also make sure that your therapist cross-checks whether the concoction prescribed is compatible with any medications that you may currently be taking).
- Treat the cause rather than suppressing the symptoms. Naturopathic physicians believe in correcting the underlying cause of an illness.
- Do no harm by using safe, natural, non-invasive treatments such as herbs, nutrition and homeopathy. (Naturopaths are in no way qualified to perform surgery, infusions, transfusions etc).
- Treat the whole person. Health is complex mix of physical, emotional, spiritual and social factors.
- Prevention is the best cure. The job of the naturopath is to teach people how to keep themselves from getting sick by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
When you find the correct practitioner for you it can be a wonderful, rewarding and healing experience. However, do remember that if your symptoms persist or are severe you should be checked by a reputable medical doctor.
Kim Patra is a qualified registered nurse and midwife who has been living and working in Bali for almost 20 years. She now runs her own private practice and medical referral service from her Kuta office. Kim is happy to discuss any health concerns with you and she may be contacted via e-mail at info@chcbali.com or Hp. 081 2366 0000.
