Information and Advice About
Complementary and
Alternative Medicine (CAM)
The use of natural therapies, also known as
complementary and alternative medicine, is increasing rapidly
as more and more people experience the failure of conventional
medicine to deliver health and wellbeing. Many cannot tolerate
the unpleasant side effects of prescription drugs, and would
rather seek alternatives to invasive (and often life-threatening)
surgery. Many are also dissatisfied with the inability (or
unwillingness) of some conventional medical practitioners
to take into account their emotional and psychological needs,
as well as their physical symptoms. An increasing number
of people are also becoming aware of the importance of taking
responsibility for their own health, rather than placing
blind faith in the medical establishment.
Incorporating complementary and alternative
therapies into your health care regime can be extremely rewarding.
It can also be a little daunting if you have never used these
types of therapies before, especially since there are a rapidly
growing number of therapies to choose from. The
following fact sheets provide general information about complementary
and alternative medicine and how it differs from conventional
medicine, how to combine the use of CAM therapies with conventional
medicine for the best results, how to choose a good practitioner,
and some general precautions to take when using complementary
and alternative therapies.
What
is Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)?
Some
Differences Between Conventional Medicine and CAM
How
to Use Complementary and Alternative Medicine
How
to Choose a Practitioner
Precautions
to Take When Using Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Disclaimer
The information provided on the Natural Health NZ web site is for
educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute
for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We
recommend you seek professional medical advice from your GP or
other qualified health care provider regarding any medical condition.
Please read the Terms
and Conditions of use of this site.
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