OakLeaf: A good doctor will take the patient experience into account. However, large medical trials show whether something can work or not, and they keep track of adverse effects. If you will, a large trial should will provide systematic evidence about the average effect (wash away placebo effects that may enhance the effect of a drug, or idiosyncratic reactions). That is the kind of evidence and information I want from doctors before tinkering with my system in any way. Something may not work for me, but at least it should have a reasonable chance of working and not just rely on anecdotal or incomplete evidence.