Complementary & Alternative Medicine

Complementary and alternative medicine are a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices and products not considered to be a part of conventional medicine (Defined by NCCAM).

Complementary medicine and alternative medicines are worlds apart from each other even though many people assume they actually mean the same thing. Complementary medicine is often used in conjunction with more conservative medicine which helps alleviate a person's discomfort following their surgery for instance whilst alternative medicine is used instead of actual conservative medicine. In other words, a deliberate decision is made to stop conservative treatment and follow an alternate route instead.

Alternative medicine often includes treatments such as special diets to treat illnesses instead of the more conventional treatments such as chemotherapy or surgery etc.

Complimentary and Alternative medicines can be defined into five categories,
These are..

· Alternative medical Systems
Which have a foundation built on theory and practice. These types of systems have often evolved away from the conventional method which is usually approached by most western countries. They include therapies such as Homoeopathic therapies and also those such as Indian alternative medicines such as Ayurveda.

· Mind Body Interventions
Use techniques which assist in enhancing the capacity of the mind to take control of their own illness and bodily functions. This type of technique is often used by support groups and can include cognitive behavioural therapy. Many other mind/body interventions can also use the power of prayer and/or mental healing.

· Biologically based Therapies
Herbs, foods and supplements are used in biologically based therapies. This often includes dietary supplements and specific types of herbal remedies. Other natural substances can also be used to treat specific illnesses.

· Manipulative and Body Based Methods
Osteopaths and chiropractors use manipulative body based treatments. These types of treatment involve massage, and manipulation of body parts to ensure relief is given to the person being treated.

· Energy Therapies

Energy fields which are split into two types are used to give treatment in this field.

a) Biofield therapies involve the use of the energy which surrounds our body. Reiki and Gi gong are alternative treatments which uses energy fields to heal the body and clear the mind.

b) Bioelectromagnetic-based therapies use electromagnetic fields, direct current/alternating current fields to assist with healing.

Whatever type of alternative or complementary medicine you do decide to use, it's important to remember that you should always consult your health care provider to ensure you don't put your health at risk. Also you should never stop your conventional treatment unless your doctor has sanctioned it.