by Christine G.

Created on: November 18, 2008   Last Updated: July 25, 2009

When mainstream medicine fails to produce the desired results, people often look for alternatives. Someone with diabetes may take bitter melon or cinnamon in addition to the prescribed pharmaceuticals. A depressed person may augment antidepressants with aromatherapy massage, yoga, or reiki. Such additions to the doctor's treatment plan are examples of complementary medicine.

Over half of American patients have tried, or are trying, some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Many of these patients will never mention their use of CAM to their doctors, for fear of a negative reaction. This reluctance to communicate can have unfortunate results if the doctor's treatment plan and the patient's complementary regimen are working at cross-purposes instead of synergistically. Fortunately, medical schools are beginning to include CAM in their curricula. Some universities have departments of integrative medicine, which seek to wed conventional mainstream medical treatment with complementary therapies.

Ancient healing systems such as Ayurveda, naturopathy, or Chi Gong existed long before the birth of modern Western medicine. Rather than focusing on clinical symptoms, they address the whole person and his or her lifestyle, spirituality and culture. Many different practices, both physical and spiritual, center on a coherent philosophy of life which holds everything together.

For those who are not willing to have their whole life remodelled, specific therapies are offered by a variety of practitioners. Mind-body connection techniques include meditation, yoga, biofeedback, prayer, hypnosis, relaxation training and art therapy. These are intended to promote harmony and communication between the mind and body.

Dietary supplements and herbal remedies can be found in specialty stores as well as in mainline pharmacies. Touch and manipulation therapies include chiropracty, massage, craniosacral therapy, and acupressure. Energy therapies such as therapeutic touch, Reiki, magnet and light therapy seek to unblock and balance the energy forces in the body.

The more invasive the treatment, the more important it is to be well-informed and seek a competent practitioner. Improperly performed therapeutic touch (which does not actually involve touching the patient) may still have a positive effect if the person performing it shows friendly concern for the patient. On the other hand, an inept chiropractic manipulation could cause permanent damage.

Do complementary

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