Complementary Therapies Essay Example

Complementary Therapies Essay Example Complementary Therapies Paper Complementary Therapies Paper Complementary therapies aim to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms of disease. Complementary therapy is known by different terms including alternative therapy, alternative medicine, holistic therapy and traditional medicine. Therapies include acupuncture, Alexander technique, aromatherapy, chiropractic, herbal medicine, homeopathy, naturopathy, osteopathy, reiki and yoga. Complementary therapy is known by many different terms, including alternative therapy, alternative medicine, holistic therapy and traditional medicine. A wide range of treatments exists under the umbrella term of ‘complementary therapy’. Each treatment has its own unique theory and practice, which makes it difficult to offer a blanket definition. Perhaps a simple definition can be reached by comparing the philosophy of complementary therapies with that of modern (conventional) medicine. Historically, modern medicine evolved out of an assumption that the mind and body are separate. Disease and illness were viewed as mechanical breakdowns and, generally, it was these breakdowns and the symptoms they caused that were treated. Complementary therapies aim to treat the entire person, not just the symptoms. Complementary therapies and conventional medicine Today, the gap between conventional medicine and complementary therapies is blurring. Many complementary therapies are as based on anatomy and physiology as modern medicine, while modern medicine has widened its scope to include a more holistic approach to healthcare and has adopted therapies that originated in complementary medicine. You don’t always have to choose between conventional medicine and your preferred complementary therapy. They can often work well alongside each other. However, it is important to tell your doctor and your complementary therapist of all drugs, treatments and remedies you take. Herbs and homeopathic remedies can sometimes interact with prescription drugs and cause side effects. Never stop taking prescribed medications, or change the dose, without the knowledge and approval of your doctor. Use of complementary therapiesÃ'Ž Complementary therapies are often based on traditional knowledge, which is why there is sometimes less scientific evidence available about their safety and effectiveness. However, the increasing use of complementary therapies has begun to trigger scientific research and some complementary therapies now have some scientific evidence about their safety and effectiveness, as well as a history of traditional use. Sometimes, they are less invasive and more cost-effective than conventional medical treatments. Nonetheless, it’s still important to ask about both potential benefits and potential harms of any therapy. Natural and complementary medicines can be bought without prescription; however, they may still have side effects or interact with other drugs, or they may not be the most effective treatment for you. It’s important to consider seeking advice from a qualified professional before using a complementary medicine, and to let your health professionals know about all medicines – herbal and conventional – that you are taking. Philosophies of complementary therapies * Complementary therapies tend to share a few core beliefs, including: * Illness occurs if the body is out of balance. * The body can heal itself and maintain a healthy state if given the right conditions. * The whole person should be treated, not just the disease or the symptoms. * The gentlest therapies must be tried first before harsher ones. * There is no quick fix, since healing and balance take time. * Natural products are preferable to synthetic ones. Why people use complementary therapies People may have more than one reason for choosing a complementary therapy and they may use other strategies at the same time to enhance their health. Some of the reasons for using complementary therapies include: * Achieving and maintaining good health * As an aid to the performance of everyday tasks * Dissatisfaction with conventional medical practices * Unsatisfactory doctor-patient relationships * The desire to take charge of your own health and medical problems * The increase in easy-to-access consumer health information, including health information on the internet * Evidence of the benefits and safety of some complementary medicines and therapies * Dissatisfaction with limited success rates or adverse side effects of prescription medicines. The desire to receive healthcare that treats the whole person and not just their symptoms (it’s worth noting that both complementary healthcare practitioners and some conventional health professionals actively endorse holistic care). Studies show that the most frequent users of complementary therapies include wells of complementary medicine used for pain control.* Aromatherapy Application of essential oils usually through gentle massage techniques; developed by R M Gatttefosse Relaxation, chronic pain Systematic review was inconclusive Allergic reactions to oils Uncertain Reflexology Internal organs correspond to areas on the soles of the feet and can be influenced through massaging these Relaxation, chronic pain Inconclusive No serious adverse effects Inconclusive Acupuncture Needle insertion into acupuncture points for health purposes Used as a panacea in China, in the West predominantly for  pain control. Encouraging data Serious adverse effects are rare, mild ones occur in~7% of cases Positive for some Conditions Alexander technique Training process of ideal body posture and movement; developed by F M Alexander Musculoskeletal problems, e. g. back pain Few clinical trials exist, no final verdict possible No serious adverse effects Uncertain Yoga Meditative, postural, and breathing techniques from ancient India Various conditions associated with pain, e. g. back pain Inconclusive No serious adverse effects Inconclusive