Treatment FAQ

what is a complementary treatment

by Kale Swift Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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A complementary therapy means you can use it alongside your conventional medical treatment. It may help you to feel better and cope better with your cancer and treatment. An alternative therapy is generally used instead of conventional medical treatment.

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What types of Complementary Therapies are Available?

  • Chinese medicine - a practice that emphasizes the balance of qi (pronounced "chee") or vital energy. ...
  • Ayurvedic medicine - a system of healing that evolved from teachings of ancient India. ...
  • Homeopathy - an alternative health system that uses remedies containing a diluted version of the substance producing the illness or symptoms

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What are some examples of complementary therapies?

complementary therapies are therapies used in addition to conventional treatment recommended by a person's health care provider. do not substitute but rather complement the conventional treatment include exercises, massage, reflexology, prayer, biofeedback, creative therapies (art, music, or dance therapy), guided imagery, acupuncture, relaxation strategies, chiropractic therapy, therapeutic touch, and herbalism

What does complementary therapies mean?

Complementary therapies can help you improve your overall health and well-being, and help you cope with the side effects of conventional cancer treatments. To understand how a complementary therapy may be used, it helps to know what we mean by conventional cancer treatments and complementary therapies.

What are complementary therapies?

Complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) are treatments that fall outside of mainstream healthcare. These medicines and treatments range from acupuncture and homeopathy, to aromatherapy, meditation and colonic irrigation.

What complementary and alternative therapies are there?

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What does complementary treatment mean?

Complementary therapies are treatments which do not lie within mainstream medical care. They include, such things as acupuncture, chiropractic, osteopathy, homeopathy and herbal medicines.

What is an example of a complementary therapy?

Complementary medicine is a term used to describe types of treatments you may receive along with traditional Western medicine. Examples of complementary medicine include massage, meditation, biofeedback, tai chi, reiki, music therapy, guided imagery and dietary supplements.

What does complementary mean in health care?

Complementary healthcare is a term used to describe therapies or healthcare approaches that are used in addition to, or alongside, conventional care.

What is the difference between complementary and alternative treatments?

Complementary and alternative medicine are medicines and health practices that are not usually used by doctors to treat cancer. Complementary medicine is used in addition to standard treatments. Alternative medicine is used instead of standard treatments.

What does a complementary therapist do?

You'll provide complementary therapies such as reflexology, massage and aromatherapy to people who may be experiencing emotional distress, pain or psychological issues. Complementary therapists could work in a care home, health centre, hospice or in someone's home.

What is the most popular complementary therapy?

Reflexology and body massage are most popular complementary therapies survey finds. A survey conducted by Professional Association the FHT, has found that reflexology and body massage are the two most popular complementary therapies demanded by clients, with aromatherapy coming in third.

Is massage a complementary therapy?

Like many complementary therapies, massage is usually practised in private in the community. It is also found in conventional health settings, in particular in hospices and in units for learning disability and mental disorders.

What is the difference between conventional and complementary medicine?

Complementary medicine refers to non-mainstream practices used together with conventional medicine. Alternative medicine refers to non-mainstream practices used instead of conventional medicine.

What is the difference between traditional medicine and complementary medicine?

Both terms refer to treatments, like herbs or acupuncture that are out of the medical mainstream. But complementary medicine is when these therapies are used along with traditional Western medicine. Alternative medicine is when these approaches are used instead of traditional medicine.

Examples of Complementary treatment in a sentence

Complementary treatment, with the exception of those treatments indicated in the Table of Benefits.

Related to Complementary treatment

Secondary treatment means a combination of unit processes that will consistently remove 85% or more of the organic and suspended material in domestic wastewater and produce an effluent of sufficient quality to satisfy the following requirements; monthly average effluent BOD5 and TSS concentrations of 30 mg/L; daily maximum effluent BOD5 and TSS concentrations of 45 mg/L..

What is complementary medicine?

Complementary and alternative medicine: tends to be holistic and includes therapies from various historical and cultural backgrounds. often needs you to take an active part in your own treatment with lifestyle changes (e.g. diet, exercise, meditation or psychological exercises) features therapies that are diverse in nature and origins.

What are complementary and alternative therapists?

There are two main groups of complementary and alternative therapists: those who are legally registered and those who aren't: Osteopaths and chiropractors are legally recognised professionals just like doctors, nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Why do people use complementary and alternative medicine?

People use complementary and alternative medicine because: they wish to use treatments that are more natural and help them feel more in control. they have persistent pain. they have concerns about the side-effects of medication. their symptoms aren’t fully controlled by conventional medicine.

What should I do if I consult a practitioner who is not a member of a legally registered health profession

If you consult a practitioner who is not a member of a legally registered health profession, they should: have an agreed code of ethics. be insured in case something goes wrong with your treatment. be a member of an organisation that promotes self-regulation and doesn’t make unreasonable claims about their treatments.

Is complementary medicine insured?

In many cases the risks associated with complementary and alternative medicine are more to do with the therapist than the therapy. This is why it’s important for you to go to a legally registered therapist or one who has a set ethical code and is fully insured.

Is it possible to generalise about complementary medicine?

Because there are many types of complementary and alternative medicine, it’s impossible to generalise about whether they work or not. Effectiveness might be judged by whether you feel better but it also may relate to measurable improvement in your condition or general well-being.

Is there a cure for arthritis?

Be realistic – There are no miracle cures for arthritis (be suspicious of anyone, or any website, promising a miracle cure). Tell your doctor – Many people assume that their doctors will disapprove, but in fact most doctors will be interested to find out what has helped you.

What is complementary therapy?

Complementary therapies are used to: Reduce the side effects of cancer treatment. Improve physical and emotional well-being. Improve recovery from cancer.

What is it called when you discuss complementary therapy?

When you discuss a complementary therapy with your health care team and they agree that it is safe to try as part of your overall cancer care, this is called "integrative medicine .".

What is massage therapy for cancer patients?

People with cancer may especially benefit from massage and its subspecialty called oncology massage. In addition to receiving massage from a massage therapist, a caregiver can do simple massage to help you relax.

What are some complementary therapies for cancer patients?

There is scientific evidence that these complementary therapies can be helpful and people with cancer find them useful for improving their quality of life: Acupuncture. Yoga . Tai chi and qigong. Meditation. Music and art therapy. Massage. Physical activity. Nutrition.

How does yoga help cancer patients?

Yoga uses breathing exercises, meditation, relaxation techniques, and poses to stretch and flex different muscle groups. Yoga helps to reduce stress, calm the mind, and connect mind and body.

How to help with dry mouth after chemotherapy?

Relieve pain. Reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Reduce side effects including hot flashes. Help with dry mouth. Acupuncture may be able to help with these other symptoms, although there is less research: Headache. Fatigue.

What can a trained therapist do?

Trained therapists can guide a person through music therapy or art therapy. It can improve recovery, general wellbeing, and reduce anxiety. This kind of therapy works especially well for people receiving palliative treatments and those staying in the hospital.

What is complementary medicine?

Complementary and alternative medicine are medicines and health practices that are not usually used by doctors to treat cancer. Complementary medicine is used in addition to standard treatments. Alternative medicine is used instead of standard treatments. Examples of complementary and alternative medicine include—. Acupuncture. Herbs.

What is the best treatment for cancer?

Acupuncture. external icon. Herbs. Tai chi, yoga, and other mind-body therapies. Vitamins, herbs, and other nutritional therapies. Talk to your doctor before you start any kind of complementary or alternative medicine, even for managing side effects from standard treatment. Complementary and alternative medicines may make standard cancer treatments ...

What is complementary therapy?

A complementary therapy means you can use it alongside your conventional medical treatment. It may help you to feel better and cope better with your cancer and treatment. An alternative therapy is generally used instead of conventional medical treatment. All conventional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, ...

What is the difference between complementary and alternative therapies?

The difference between complementary and alternative therapies (CAMs) There is an important difference between a complementary therapy and an alternative therapy . The phrases complementary therapy and alternative therapy are often used as if they mean the same thing. They may also be combined into one phrase – complementary ...

Why are some health professionals reluctant to use complementary therapies?

This is usually because many therapies have not been scientifically tested in the same way as conventional treatments. Research has been carried out to see how well complementary therapies work for people with cancer.

What are some examples of alternative cancer treatments?

Examples of alternative cancer therapies include: laetrile. shark cartilage.

Can complementary therapy help with cancer?

They may also help you to cope better with symptoms caused by the cancer or side effects caused by cancer treatment. A good complementary therapist won't claim that the therapy will cure your cancer.

Can alternative therapies cure cancer?

People with cancer have various reasons for wanting to try alternative therapies. There is no scientific or medical evidence to show that alternative therapies can cure cancer. Some alternative therapies are unsafe and can cause harmful side effects.

What are some examples of therapies that incorporate the senses?

Examples of therapies incorporating the senses include: Art, dance, and music. Visualization and guided imagery.

What are some examples of body therapies?

Examples of body therapies include: Chiropractic and osteopathic medicine. Massage. Body movement therapies. Tai chi. Yoga. Diet and herbs. Over the centuries, man has gone from a simple diet consisting of meats, fruits, vegetables, and grains, to a diet that often consists of foods rich in fats, oils, and complex carbohydrates.

What is CAM in medicine?

For example, acupuncture is also used in conventional medicine. In the U.S., CAM is used by about 38% of adults and 12% of children. Examples of CAM include: Traditional alternative medicine. This field includes the more mainstream and accepted forms of therapy, such as acupuncture, homeopathy, and Oriental practices.

How is touch used in medicine?

Touch has been used in medicine since the early days of medical care. Healing by touch is based on the idea that illness or injury in one area of the body can affect all parts of the body.

Why do people with cancer use complementary methods?

People with cancer might think about using complementary methods for a number of reasons:

Using a complementary method is your decision

It's important to learn as much as possible about a treatment before you use it. But be aware that the information available about many complementary methods often includes less high-quality research than what is available about mainstream treatments.

What are complementary approaches to health?

Complementary physical and/or psychological approaches include tai chi, yoga, acupuncture, massage therapy, spinal manipulation, art therapy, music therapy, dance, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and many others. These approaches are often administered or taught by a trained practitioner or teacher. The 2012 NHIS showed that yoga, chiropractic and osteopathic manipulation, and meditation are among the most popular complementary health approaches used by adults. According to the 2017 NHIS, the popularity of yoga has grown dramatically in recent years, from 9.5 percent of U.S. adults practicing yoga in 2012 to 14.3 percent in 2017. The 2017 NHIS also showed that the use of meditation increased more than threefold from 4.1 percent in 2012 to 14.2 percent in 2017.

What are the benefits of integrative cancer care?

Cancer treatment centers with integrative health care programs may offer services such as acupuncture and meditation to help manage symptoms and side effects for patients who are receiving conventional cancer treatment. Although research on the potential value of these integrative programs is in its early stages, some studies have had promising results. For example, NCCIH-funded research has suggested that:#N#Massage therapy may lead to short-term improvements in pain and mood in patients with advanced cancer.#N#Yoga may relieve the persistent fatigue that some women experience after breast cancer treatment, according to the results of a preliminary study.#N#Tai chi or qi gong have shown promise for managing symptoms such as fatigue, sleep difficulty, and depression in cancer survivors.

What is integrative health?

Integrative health aims for well-coordinated care among different providers and institutions by bringing conventional and complementary approaches together to care for the whole person. The use of integrative approaches to health and wellness has grown within care settings across the United States.

What is the most commonly used nonvitamin, nonmineral dietary supplement?

The most commonly used nonvitamin, nonmineral dietary supplement was fish oil. Researchers have done large, rigorous studies on a few dietary supplements, but the results often showed that the products didn’t work for the conditions studied. Research on others is in progress.

What is nutritional approach?

Nutritional Approaches. These approaches include a variety of products, such as herbs (also known as botanicals), vitamins and minerals, and probiotics. They are widely marketed, readily available to consumers, and often sold as dietary supplements.

How to help with breast cancer pain?

Massage therapy may lead to short-term improvements in pain and mood in patients with advanced cancer. Yoga may relieve the persistent fatigue that some women experience after breast cancer treatment, according to the results of a preliminary study.

Does qi gong help with cancer?

Tai chi or qi gong have shown promise for managing symptoms such as fatigue, sleep difficulty, and depression in cancer survivors. For more information, see NCCIH’s fact sheet on cancer.

What is integrative medicine?

Integrative medicine is an approach to medical care that combines standard medicine with CAM practices that have shown through science to be safe and effective. This approach often stresses the patient's preferences, and it attempts to address the mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of health.

What is biofield therapy?

Biofield therapy, sometimes called energy medicine, involves the belief that the body has energy fields that can be used for healing and wellness. Therapists use pressure or move the body by placing their hands in or through these fields. Some examples are:

What is CAM in medical terms?

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is the term for medical products and practices that are not part of standard medical care. People with cancer may use CAM to: Help cope with the side effects of cancer treatments, such as nausea, pain, and fatigue. Comfort themselves and ease the worries of cancer treatment and related stress.

What is the difference between homeopathy and acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a common practice in Chinese medicine that involves stimulating certain points on the body to promote health, or to lessen disease symptoms and treatment side effects. Homeopathy: Uses very small doses of substances to trigger the body to heal itself.

What are some examples of healing systems?

These are healing systems and beliefs that have evolved over time in different cultures and parts of the world. Some examples are: Ayurvedic medicine: A system from India in which the goal is to cleanse the body and restore balance to the body, mind, and spirit.

Is CAM a standard treatment?

Some standard medical care practitioners are also practitioners of CAM. Complementary medicine is used along with standard medical treatment but is not considered by itself to be standard treatment. One example is using acupuncture to help lessen some side effects of cancer treatment. Alternative medicine is used instead ...

Is CAM therapy safe?

The Safety of CAM. Some CAM therapies have undergone careful evaluation and have been found to be generally safe and effective. These include acupuncture, yoga, and meditation to name a few. However, there are others that do not work, may be harmful, or could interact negatively with your medicines.

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