Complementary/Alternative therapies - some words of caution
By David Edgar Lewis, 13th Jul 2011 | Follow this author
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Posted in WikinutHealthAlternative Medicine
Certain complementary / alternative medicines can be very beneficial to those in pain and suffering. However, this article advises the need for some caution, and suggests questions to consider before receiving any such therapy.
- Complementary/Alternative Therapy
- Appropriateness of a therapy
- Effectiveness of a therapy
- The Practitioner
- Bottom Line
Complementary/Alternative Therapy
In the USA, Europe and the UK, there seems to have been an enormous increase in the variety of non-conventional health therapies, and the number of people turning to alternative and complementary therapies. These may be as part of their own health care, with or without medical approval. A great deal of money can be spent on therapies that are not available within a health care system..
There is no doubt that certain Complementary Therapies are very beneficial for some people in pain and suffering, and can be regarded as valuable and therapeutic interventions. However, there is some need for caution.
To have some degree of certainty that a therapy is safe and effective one should ask three main questions: - the appropriateness of the therapy, the effectiveness of the therapy, and the knowledge, competence and professionalism of the practitioner of that particular therapy.
Appropriateness of a therapy
It is wise to discuss the use of a particular complementary therapy with the doctor or nurse, or others in a health care team. In addition, a discussion with the therapist and those who have received the therapy may be beneficial. In this way some knowledge of the therapy (and the therapist) can be gained. For example, does the person need to undress, will the feet be touched, are there side effects, what can be expected, if anything? Especially important is whether the therapy will interfere with any current form of treatment or therapy being received.
A recommendation or referral by registered medical, nursing, or other health care practitioners offers a greater degree of confidence in the therapy and therapist.
Effectiveness of a therapy
Before receiving a therapy it is wise to obtain reliable and appropriate information of the effectiveness of the therapy. If possible this should include research studies. However, some of these are by no means conclusive.
The current position seems to be that, despite their popularity, many of these therapies possess only fringe respectability in health care settings.
The Practitioner
Many practitioners undergo recognised courses of theory and practical training resulting in a recognised qualification. This shows the practitioner to be competent and knowledgeable, and in many instances the practitioner is listed on a register of a reputable organisation.
The above provides a degree of safety and reassurance to the general public that the practitioner is safe, trustworthy and knowledgeable.
There are many very well-meaning, reliable and competent practitioners who have had no formal training and qualifications, and are not on a register or belong to any organisation. Some however may not be competent and there is always a few who play "the game of healing", but have only a limited amount of knowledge and skill, and may only be interested in how much money they can make.
Some therapies claim to be very powerful and can produce powerful emotional release. In some instances this may be very beneficial, but before the start of the therapy the recipient must feel safe, and must have confidence and faith in the practitioner to cope with these powerful effects.
It is often not only the therapy that is therapeutic - the therapist also has a therapeutic effect.
The cost of the therapy must also be considered, as very few are available in a national health service, and some courses of therapy may be very costly.
Bottom Line
Answers to these questions must be thought about in a clear and rational way, with careful consideration given to the answers.
Clear and rational thought may not always be present if a person is in pain, suffering and vulnerable. Although there are many conscientious, capable, knowledgeable and professional practitioners, there is always the chance of charlatans preying on the vulnerable, or of a therapist whose need to help others outweighs the need of the person who needs the help.
Comments
14th Jul 2011 (#)
Well stated my friend. I have had one doctor, throughout my years living with CMP, that understands that we should use both, alternative and medical attention to help live a more pain free life. The rest of the medical personnel have scoffed at the idea of alternative medicine. Mind you, the ones that scoffed at the notion, are also the ones that have stated that, it is all in my head, I must just be depressed, I am lazy and so on and so on. They could not be further from the truth. Back in the late 90's there was a study that proves that our muscles actually, twist and shrink. Now my insurance will cover a lot more stuff since this study has came out. I didn't need their approval that my disease is real, I have been living with it for 23+ years now. Some great information on Complementary/Alternative therapies. Words that us with chronic pain should really consider. Thank you for sharing.:)
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15th Jul 2011 (#)
Many thanks for your comments Denise.
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15th Jul 2011 (#)
Excellent points about Alternative therapy and thoughts on that. People need to be wary.
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15th Jul 2011 (#)
Thanks Mark.
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