Complementary and Alternative Medicene

Complementary and Alternative Medicene:

Complementary and alternative therapies date back to ancient cultures whose management of disease was based on spirituality, prayer, herbal remedies and acupuncture. Modern Eastern cultures continue to use these therapies far more commonly than Western cultures. Therapies called "complementary" in Europe may be called "alternative" in the US. Complementary treatments such as acupuncture and herbalism are traditional medicine in Asia. In a search for less toxic therapies and improved quality of life, increasing numbers of patients are turning to complementary and alternative treatments.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine refers to a broad range of therapies used both to treat and prevent disease. Practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine believe that the state of your health is dependent on the whole you: your body, your mind and your spirit. This holistic approach is the foundation of many of these therapies.

Complementary medicine is used in addition to conventional treatments. Cancer patients use these therapies primarily to manage or prevent pain, nausea, and treatment related side-effects; to reduce stress and anxiety; and to promote healing. Complementary therapies can relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life for some patients. Other names for complementary medicine are holistic medicine and natural medicine.

Alternative medicine is often used instead of conventional treatments. Many alternative therapies seek to treat illness by helping the body to heal itself or to treat the "source" of the disease. Integrative medicine combines conventional medical care with complementary and/or alternative therapies. Chiropractic care, acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage therapy, behavioral therapies, and mind-body self-care are often integrated with conventional treatment.