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Do the Amish go to doctors?

The Amish are a traditional Christian group known for living simple, technology-free lives. With their plain clothing, horse-drawn buggies, and rejection of most modern conveniences, the Amish way of life may seem very different from mainstream American culture. One question many people have is whether the Amish use modern healthcare and visit doctors like most Americans do. The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no.

Amish Views on Modern Medicine

The Amish do not completely reject modern medicine. However, they are generally more wary of healthcare technology and place greater emphasis on natural remedies than English (non-Amish) society. The Amish belief system prioritizes God’s will over worldly interventions. They believe illness may be God’s will and should be suffered patiently. As a result, the Amish are more hesitant to seek medical treatment unless absolutely necessary.

The Amish do not have religious objections to doctors or hospitals. However, they value tradition and tend to favor natural healing methods first. The Amish approach health with the following perspectives:

  • Illness is God’s will and should be endured with grace
  • The body has natural healing wisdom
  • Nature provides medicinal resources
  • Community support aids healing
  • Modern medicine should only be a last resort

These beliefs lead many Amish to try home remedies and alternative treatments before visiting a doctor. They may turn to prayer, herbal teas, poultices, chiropractic care, or other traditional healing practices when sick or injured.

Amish Use of Doctors and Hospitals

Despite their wariness of modern medicine, the Amish do visit doctors and hospitals in cases of serious or life-threatening illness and emergencies. Some key points about Amish medical care:

  • Most Amish seek professional medical care for serious conditions like cancer, heart disease, pneumonia, etc.
  • Amish women typically give birth in hospitals under care of doctors
  • Amish visit dentists for major dental work but prefer natural tooth care
  • Amish get X-rays, surgery, and necessary treatment from doctors
  • Amish accept immunizations required for school attendance
  • Amish tend to rely on chiropractors, naturopaths, and folk healers for minor ailments

So while the Amish start out treating sickness and injuries naturally, they do ultimately see doctors and use hospitals for major healthcare needs. Cost of professional healthcare is a concern for Amish, who often have large families and expensive hospital bills. But preserving life is important in the Amish faith, so doctors are consulted when natural healing fails.

Differences by Amish Affiliation

All Amish groups take a measured approach to modern medicine, but acceptance levels vary:

  • Old Order Amish – Most traditional group. Emphasize natural healing and home remedies. Avoid doctors except for emergencies.
  • New Order Amish – More progressive group. More open to modern medicine and doctors. More likely to get professional treatment for non-emergency health issues.
  • Beachy Amish – Most progressive group. Get regular health screenings and preventative care. Tend to seek doctors sooner when ill or injured.

So the Old Order Amish who follow traditional practices most strictly are least likely to visit doctors routinely. More progressive Beachy Amish have greater acceptance of professional medical care as preventative health practice.

Amish Use of Insurance and Government Healthcare

Most Amish pay out of pocket for medical expenses and do not participate in insurance plans. This is due to their separation from government systems. Some key points on how Amish pay for healthcare:

  • Most Amish do not accept government assistance like Medicaid or Medicare
  • Most do not purchase private health insurance plans
  • Amish often belong to community medical aid programs to cover costs
  • Some Amish work with healthcare providers to create affordable payment plans
  • Wealthier Amish may self-insure by setting aside money for medical needs

Paying out-of-pocket limits Amish interaction with insurance companies and government bureaucracies. But the lack of coverage can cause financial hardship, especially with costly hospital bills. Some Amish are beginning to purchase basic private insurance plans to alleviate the burden of unexpected medical expenses.

Amish Use of Traditional Medicine and Folk Healing

While the Amish do use modern healthcare for serious conditions, they have a strong preference for natural and traditional remedies. Some important examples of Amish medical traditions include:

  • Herbal medicine – Amish grow and use herbs like chamomile, peppermint, echinacea for healing.
  • Nutrition – Amish traditional diet with no processed foods provides immune protection.
  • Chiropractic – Amish regularly get adjustments to realign the body naturally.
  • Massage – Amish use therapeutic massage techniques to reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Folk dentistry – Amish rely on home remedies for tooth pain rather than modern dental work.
  • Traditional midwives – Amish midwives deliver babies at home with natural techniques.

These traditional practices reflect the Amish philosophy of prioritizing natural healing methods. Home remedies, alternative treatments, and folk healers allow the Amish to address health issues without compromising their cultural values. The Amish approach combines time-honored healing wisdom with modern medicine when absolutely needed.

Reasons Why Amish May Avoid Doctors

There are several reasons why Amish people are more hesitant to see doctors compared to general American society:

  • Religious beliefs – Illness is God’s will, so medical intervention should be limited.
  • Separation from world – Doctors represent engagement with outside world which Amish avoid.
  • Self-sufficiency – Amish pride themselves on handling problems internally within the church and community.
  • Cost – Most Amish pay cash for healthcare and medical expenses are high.
  • Distrust – Some Amish view doctors as arrogant authorities and prefer folk wisdom.
  • Modesty concerns – Amish have strict modesty standards that hospitals may not accommodate.

These cultural values shape Amish receptiveness to professional medical care. The Amish live separately from mainstream society, so practices like regularly visiting a family doctor seem unnecessary to them when other healing options are available.

Conclusion

The Amish do visit doctors and use modern medicine, but remain wary of over-relying on healthcare technology. They believe illness and injury should be addressed naturally within the church community when possible. Doctors are a last resort, consulted only for serious conditions that require urgent expert treatment and technology. But even as they selectively use modern healthcare, the Amish remain grounded in traditional natural healing practices that align with their faith, modesty standards, and separation from the outside world.