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How to Use
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
(Natural Therapies)
You should always discuss any complementary or alternative
(CAM) treatment with your primary health care provider.
This is for your safety, and also to ensure your health
care provider can develop a comprehensive treatment plan
that is best for you.
Diagnosis
Always obtain a diagnosis from a medical doctor before undergoing any
alternative treatment to make sure you don’t have a condition
which requires urgent attention. Complementary and alternative medicine
practitioners do not have the same diagnostic skills as conventional
doctors, unless they have had substantial medical training.
If you have received a diagnosis of disease from a doctor and have
had little or no success using conventional medicine, you may want
to ask your doctor whether a particular alternative treatment might
help.
Combining CAM Therapies With Conventional Medicine
Complementary and alternative (natural) therapies are often best used
together with conventional medicine. Both have their strengths and
weaknesses.
What Conventional Medicine is Best For
Conventional doctors are best used for diagnosis, and for treatment of
any sudden or acute problems, such as heart attack, stroke,
severe infections or respiratory problems.
What CAM Therapies are Best For
One of the strengths of complementary and alternative therapies lies
in the prevention of illness, through the use of diet, supplements
and lifestyle changes. CAM therapies are also good for the treatment
of chronic conditions, such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes
and fibromyalgia. They are also helpful for treating chronic pain,
strains and sprains, minor infections, digestive problems, allergies,
skin conditions and minor psychological and emotional problems. In
any situation where prescription drugs can cause side-effects with
prolonged use, natural therapies can be a much better option.
Ideally, both conventional and CAM practitioners will
work together to provide the best approach to your healthcare.
Combining Different CAM Therapies
Consider using more than one type of therapy for some ailments. For example,
problems relating to stress can benefit from massage therapy to ease
tension in the body, counselling to address emotional issues, and herbal
or homoeopathic remedies to promote calm and balance.
Medication and Supplements
Never stop taking any medication you are on without consulting your doctor.
Some medications require a weaning period. Many alternative treatments
should be considered as complementary to medication rather than a substitute.
Discuss all your health conditions, including pregnancy with your natural
health practitioner, and tell them of any medications you are taking,
including contraceptives
and any herbal or nutritional supplements. Be aware that some herbs
and other supplements can interfere with prescription medication -
ask your doctor and natural health practitioner about this.
Monitor Your Progress
Keep a record of your progress and responses to treatment, and tell your
doctor and natural health practitioner about any changes. Don’t
expect miracles to happen, or to be cured overnight. Natural healing,
which focuses on the cause of illness rather than treating symptoms,
can be a slow process. Before beginning treatment, ask your therapist
how long it is likely to be before any improvement is shown. If possible,
talk to others who have had the same treatment and ask about their
experiences. If you have no response at all after six to eight weeks
of treatment with one type of therapy, it may not be working for you.
You may want to try a different practitioner in the same field (who
might be more skilled), or try a different type of therapy.
Take Control of Your Health
Remember that your health is your responsibility. Don’t
rely solely on others to make you (or keep you) well. Inform yourself
about all the choices open to you, and use those choices wisely. Actively
participate in your healing process. Make the decision to commit to lifestyle
changes that will promote good health and wellbeing. Become attuned to
your own body, listen to what it is telling you. And remember that wellness
is not just a physical attribute; it involves emotional, mental and spiritual
aspects as well. Make sure you attend to all of those aspects on your
journey to good health and wellbeing.
References
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