Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) refers to therapies not typically included as part of traditional medical care, as well as practices used alongside traditional approaches.
Most types of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) have not been evaluated with as much scientific rigor as standard treatments; nonetheless, some forms are widely utilized and safe.
Holistic therapies
Holistic therapies aim to treat the whole person rather than treat symptoms alone. Typically using natural products and believing illness to be caused by imbalance within the body rather than individual disease, holistic therapies typically believe the body can recover under appropriate conditions.
Conventional medicine, however, relies heavily on science for evaluation. Unfortunately, most complementary therapies haven’t undergone rigorous scientific trials before being shown effective; nonetheless it’s wise to discuss their use with your physician as some could interact with existing medicines or pose potential harm if used incorrectly.
Meditation, hypnosis and reiki are some of the most widely practiced holistic therapies, helping patients relax and ease stress while encouraging healthy diet and exercise programs to enhance overall well-being.
Many holistic treatments fall under the umbrella of “whole systems of complementary and alternative medicine” (WSCAM). This category includes Chinese herbal medicine (including acupuncture), Tibetan or Buddhist healing, Ayurveda medicine, classical homeopathy as well as indigenous healing systems.
Holistic therapists generally employ psychotherapeutic approaches in their treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychoanalysis, which will enable them to address all aspects of health and wellbeing for patients, including physical, emotional and spiritual elements. For instance, someone suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder could experience anxiety and depression alongside physical pain and lack of trust in society as safe or nurturing places.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves inserting needles into specific points on the body in order to relieve pain and promote relaxation, and is frequently used as an adjunct therapy in treating chronic conditions and side effects of cancer therapy. While safe for most, acupuncture should be avoided by those taking blood thinners, as it could interfere with its electrical pulses that keep pacemakers functioning normally.
Most complementary therapies haven’t been subject to rigorous scientific scrutiny like conventional medicine has, as they tend to rely on traditions from other cultures that aren’t taught widely at medical schools. Some therapists may claim their therapies are safe and effective; it’s essential that you ask your healthcare professional if their training includes treating health conditions similar to your own.
As well as informing traditional healthcare providers of any complementary therapies you try, it is also vital that they are informed about any complementary therapies you use and their effects so they can ensure they do not interact or cause negative side effects. Furthermore, your healthcare provider can help determine how much time and effect these complementary therapies have had on your health so they can advise if any may be worthwhile trying – for instance acupuncture and meditation have both been shown to reduce stress levels which in turn makes you feel better and helps cope with chemotherapy side effects more effectively.
Massage
Manual manipulation of soft tissues of the body to enhance health and wellbeing is widely practiced across cultures, and considered part of complementary medicine (CAM). Most therapies that fall under “complementary and alternative medicine” (CAM) have less scientific backing than mainstream treatments like medicines like nitroglycerine or digitalis.
Studies suggest that therapeutic massage may help alleviate anxiety and enhance blood circulation and immune function, especially among individuals living with rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia. Other research indicates it may reduce pain caused by chemotherapy treatments for cancer, promote relaxation and reduce episodes of nausea and vomiting.
However, it’s essential to be aware of any potential side effects from complementary therapy and consult your GP before beginning any form of complementary medicine therapy. It is especially important if your condition makes it harder for you to relax or sleep well; and keep in mind that some practitioners might be incompetent; it is therefore advisable only using legal registered therapists with an established ethical code and full insurance cover.
Many NHS centers for integrated and complementary medicine provide a range of therapies, which your GP may refer you for. Your private health insurance may also cover some complementary therapies.
Aromatherapy
Complementary therapy and alternative medicine are often used interchangeably, yet there is a slight distinction. Complementary refers to therapies used alongside conventional medical treatments like physical therapy for pain relief. Meanwhile “alternative” therapies include homeopathy as an alternative medicine solution versus medication. It’s important to keep in mind that not all complementary and alternative medicines have been scientifically verified as safe or effective.
Many individuals who live with health conditions find comfort and relief from complementary therapies that can help manage their symptoms. These therapies tend to be safe with few side effects; many even help improve mood! It’s best to talk to your physician first before considering complementary therapies; you want their opinion before proceeding with anything new.
People living with cancer may turn to complementary therapies in hopes that it can boost their immune system and help fight their illness. Doctors do not know whether this is true; however, clinical trials are currently investigating how complementary therapies might impact an individual’s immunity system.
Some complementary and alternative therapies are provided through the NHS; this varies by location. If you want to try one of these therapies, ask your GP for a referral; otherwise you can search privately.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is a form of psychotherapy that can help individuals break unhelpful habits and gain control over their thoughts and feelings. Studies have proven its efficacy at helping some quit smoking or lose weight successfully, as well as manage pain caused by conditions like fibromyalgia, headaches or menopause-related hot flashes.
There are various forms of hypnotherapy, and you may require multiple attempts before finding one that suits you. When searching for a therapist it’s essential that they be registered with an established body, and do not make claims that their therapy can cure cancer or any other conditions.
Some complementary therapies have been subjected to rigorous scientific trials, while many others have not. There may be many reasons for their failure; possibly an insufficient effect or harmful interactions with other treatments have not been documented as definitive proof that they work.
Some complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners may feel their therapies aren’t being taken seriously by health professionals; however, most health professionals support using complementary therapies. Before trying them on your own, be sure to discuss it with either your cancer doctor or GP so they can advise whether the therapy would benefit your needs and how safely to implement it.
Reiki
Reiki is an energy healing technique involving gentle hand movements designed to direct healthy energy (sometimes referred to as life force energy) into your body to relieve stress and promote healing. There’s evidence that it may reduce daily stress levels as well as help manage chronic illnesses, like rheumatoid arthritis.
No matter your choice of complementary therapies, it’s essential that they be discussed with your healthcare provider. No one knows whether they work, nor how they might interact with conventional cancer drugs and radiotherapy treatments.
There is some evidence that certain complementary therapies may help alleviate certain side effects and symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment, including nausea caused by chemotherapy drugs or massage to ease post-surgical discomfort for head and neck cancer. There is even some speculation that Reiki could reduce stress and anxiety during cancer therapy treatment.
As no one knows exactly how well complementary therapies work or if they’re safe, it is wise to seek advice from an experienced practitioner before engaging in them yourself. Always inform them what medications you’re taking (for instance herbal remedies could interact with cancer treatments and cause adverse side effects), and be honest when disclosing other factors like pregnanctly breastfeeding; although many people seem drawn to complementary therapies because they appear natural and non toxic.
