Alternative Therapies Vs Prescription Drugs
Alternative therapies, often referred to as “complementary medicine,” can be an effective complement to conventional medical treatment. These methods may include herbal medications, acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments as well as mind-body interventions like hypnosis or meditation.
Many people have tried alternative therapies and found them beneficial in improving their overall health and well-being. Some of these practices, such as acupuncture and homeopathy, have been studied and proven safe and effective.
However, some traditional remedies and energy therapies have not been thoroughly studied or assessed by the scientific community. Some have been known to cause side effects or interact with prescribed medications.
If you’re thinking of trying a non-traditional therapy, talk to your doctor first. They can assess the potential risks and suggest safer and more effective alternatives.
It is important to assess if any non-traditional therapies you are considering are included in your standard care plan. If so, they could work together with traditional approaches for the most comprehensive and successful treatment possible for you.
CAM, also known as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), is an umbrella term for therapies and practices which have been around for centuries but are not included in mainstream medical systems. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), CAM encompasses a range of therapies and practices that have not been validated by research findings.
Some individuals use CAM for health purposes and some as a form of self-care. Their choices may have been shaped by their religious beliefs or personal philosophy.
Though these therapies can be beneficial, they also carry risks that could prove fatal. Therefore, cancer patients should only use them in combination with standard treatment and under the supervision of a health care provider.
Recent research revealed that many Americans believe CAM to be beneficial for their health, with more likely to try a complementary therapy when facing an ongoing medical issue than when healthy. Furthermore, more than half of all American adults have utilized some type of CAM at some point during their lives.
If you’re interested in learning more about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), be sure to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. It provides a wealth of information regarding this practice.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website provides details on the advantages and drawbacks of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), including its effect on your health and finances. It also provides advice for selecting a practitioner and getting the most from treatments.
At a health store, you’ll find an array of alternative and complementary treatments such as herbs, yoga, massage and more. Some are expensive while others are free or low cost.
It’s essential to be informed about the potential risks and advantages of these therapies, and select a practitioner who has undergone training in research-driven treatments. Furthermore, receiving approval from your primary care physician before beginning any new treatment plan is recommended.
Prescribed medications and other methods to enhance overall health can help to prevent disease, while decreasing the need for prescription drugs and saving money on healthcare costs. Be sure to inform your doctor of all medications, supplements and therapies you’re using so they can keep you informed on current healthcare trends.
