Complementary medicine: What is it?
In the field of medicine there are many terms that are confusing to a person who does not have experience in health matters. Complementary medicine can be described as a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic methods that can be used in conjunction with traditional medicine. One example of a complementary medicine is meditation to calm during stress. Another example is the use of aromatherapy after a surgical procedure to ease a patient’s discomfort. Lavender is often cited as the most soothing aromatherapy scents.
Western medical schools and hospitals are starting to use alternative medicine practices along with conventional medicine. Many complementary medicines that have been used for centuries in other countries are not used as of yet for a plethora of reasons such as culture differences, economics or research has not yet shown the value of some practices. Though Western medicine is including many disciplines, there are many more that have not been incorporated.
Complementary medicine is not the same as alternative medicine. Whereas complementary medicine is paired with conventional medicine, alternative medicine is used as an instead of conventional medicine. An example of an alternative therapy is using a special diet or supplements to treat cancer instead of undergoing traditional treatments.
The average layperson is familiar with many more types of treatment than what they might think. Complementary medicine in the form of acupuncture has been used for women who are pregnant and with natural childbirth if all is going well with the mother. Other types of complementary medicine that many recognize are yoga, aromatherapy, biofeedback, diet therapy, herbalism and massage therapy. Many cancer treatments are using complementary medicine to help bring pain relief and ease the discomfort of the patient’s condition.
Every individual should seek out different types of practices with certified, accredited practitioners to see if any of the complementary medicine disciplines can help with their health plan. Many complementary medicine practices encourage different elements of lifestyle change that may include exercise, diet and supplements along with prescribed medications at the advice of their physician.
Complementary medical treatment techniques are 100% natural and safe. These therapies are often prescribed by traditional doctors who have started using complementary medicine in conjunction with their traditional treatments. Talk to your physician today to find out if there are complementary medical practices you can pursue to bring comfort and healing in your situation.