British Association for Counseling and Psychotherapy
What is complementary therapy?
Complementary therapy is a type of non-medical therapy that is used in conjunction with more conventional medical treatments. This type of therapy can comprise many different treatments, including acupuncture, homeopathy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy.
Complementary therapies offer a different approach to conventional or mainstream medicine. They include therapies that aren’t usually part of conventional medical care, such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture and homeopathy. They are usually used alongside, or as well as, conventional therapies .
Examples of complementary medicine include: Alternative health approaches such as traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, and naturopathy. Mind and body practices like acupuncture, massage therapy , and tai chi. Natural products like herbs, dietary supplements, and probiotics.
Complementary and alternative medicine includes practices such as massage, acupuncture, tai chi, and drinking green tea. Credit: iStock. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is the term for medical products and practices that are not part of standard medical care.
Known as “the treat” and not “the treatment”, massage is an addition, not an alternative, to medical care. Research has shown that massage can reduce stress and anxiety; it can help people cope better with the illnesses and uncertainties they face and shorten the amount of time a patient needs to be in hospital.
Some of the more popular complementary therapies include: acupuncture . Alexander technique . aromatherapy . herbal medicine . homeopathy. naturopathy. reiki. yoga.
One of the most widely used classification structures, developed by NCCAM (2000), divides CAM modalities into five categories: Alternative medical systems, Mind-body interventions, Biologically based treatments, Manipulative and body-based methods, and. Energy therapies .
The NCCAM divides CAM into four major domains— Mind-Body Medicine , Manipulative and Body-Based Practices, Energy Medicine , and Biologically-Based Practices.
Most Popular Alternative Healing Therapies Acupuncture – One of the better known alternative healing therapies is acupuncture . Acupressure – Acupressure just like acupuncture works on the principal of various specific points being energy centers of the human body. Ayurveda – Ayurveda is an ancient healing practice that originated in India.
Complementary and alternative medicine ( CAM ) can include the following: acupuncture, Alexander technique, aromatherapy, Ayurveda (Ayurvedic medicine ), biofeedback, chiropractic medicine , diet therapy, herbalism,
According to the survey, the 10 most commonly used CAM therapies and the approximate percent of U.S. adults using each therapy were: Participation in prayer group for own health, 10% Meditation, 8% Chiropractic care, 8% Yoga, 5% Massage, 5% Diet-based therapies (such as Atkins, Pritikin, Ornish, and Zone diets), 4%
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. These therapies have been practiced for centuries worldwide.
Alternative medicine is a term that describes medical treatments that are used instead of traditional (mainstream) therapies . Some people also refer to it as “ integrative ,” or “ complementary ” medicine . More than half of adults in the United States say they use some form of alternative medicine .
Oncology massage is an approach to massage therapy based in both compassion and specialized massage treatments to help people manage their experience with cancer. In addition, the person’s individual goals are considered and aspects of the disease and cancer treatment side effects.
Absolutely. Light, relaxing massage can safely be given to clients at any stage of their cancer journey. Massage can help with many of the temporary side effect of chemotherapy and radiation, lower anxiety and pain, improve energy, and decrease nausea.
For people coping with injuries or chronic pain, however, massage therapy can serve as a form of alternative medicine , not just a soothing treat. Nearly one in 10 people have used therapeutic massage for many conditions, including stress, anxiety, pain, and sports injuries.