Complementary therapies

Complementary therapy goes by many names, including complementary medicine, alternative therapy, alternative medicine, holistic therapy and traditional medicine. The term covers such a wide range of treatments that a single definition is hard to give.

Complementary versus alternative#

There is an important difference between the two:

• Complementary therapies are used alongside conventional medicines or treatments.
• Alternative therapies are used in place of conventional medicines or treatments.

There is evidence to support some complementary therapies, while alternative therapies are typically unproven or have been shown not to work. Some have no scientific or medical evidence behind them at all, and may be unsafe or cause harmful side effects.

Conventional medicine is based on rigorous science and evaluation. Historically this was not the case for complementary therapies. Some have now been tested in good-quality scientific trials, but most have not.

Using them safely#

Conventional medicine and complementary therapies can often be used together. If you do this, it is important to tell both your doctor and your complementary practitioner about every medicine, treatment and remedy you take or use.

Risks can arise from misusing a complementary therapy, an incorrect diagnosis, or delaying conventional treatment. Some complementary therapies can cause side effects or interact with conventional medicines. Never start, stop or change the dose of any treatment without first discussing it with your doctor.

Complementary therapies and medicines are very widely used. Many are easy to obtain and are mistakenly assumed to be safe because they come from natural products. This is not necessarily true, especially if the dose is higher than what occurs naturally in food.

Complementary medicines can cause harmful effects in some people, including severe allergic reactions. Many contain active ingredients that people may not recognize, and cases of contamination have been reported. As a precaution, it is generally advised not to use complementary medicines in children, or if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Always ask your healthcare professional about the potential benefits and harms of any complementary therapy before using it.

Shared philosophies#

Complementary therapies tend to share a few core beliefs:

• Illness occurs when the body is out of balance.
• The body can heal itself and stay healthy if given the right conditions.
• The whole person should be treated, not just the disease or the symptoms.
• The gentlest therapies should be tried before harsher ones.
• There is no quick fix; healing and balance take time.
• Natural products are preferable to synthetic ones.

Common complementary therapies#

Examples include:

• acupuncture
• the Alexander technique
• aromatherapy
• chiropractic
• herbal medicine
• homeopathy
• meditation
• naturopathy
• osteopathy
• reiki
• Pilates and yoga

Why people use them#

People turn to complementary therapies for many reasons, including:

• to achieve and maintain good health
• to help them perform everyday tasks
• dissatisfaction with conventional medical practices or with the doctor–patient relationship
• a wish to take charge of their own health and medical problems
• easy access to consumer health information
• reading about the benefits and safety of some complementary medicines and therapies
• dissatisfaction with the limited success or side effects of some prescription medicines
• cultural traditions and beliefs

Choosing a practitioner#

To find a qualified practitioner, contact the professional association for your chosen therapy and ask for a list of members in your area. At your first visit, ask about the practitioner’s training and qualifications.

Be very cautious of any practitioner who advises you to abandon your conventional medical treatment, and never stop taking prescribed medications on that advice alone.

Key points#

• Complementary therapies are used alongside conventional medicines or treatments.
• Alternative therapies are used in place of conventional medicines or treatments.
• Some complementary therapies can cause side effects or interact with conventional medicines.
• Complementary medicines can cause harmful effects in some people, including severe allergic reactions.
• The body can heal itself and maintain a healthy state if given the right conditions.

Where to get help#