Category Archives: Alternative Medicine

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is treatment that falls outside of mainstream healthcare.

These treatments range from acupuncture and homeopathy, to aromatherapy, meditation and colonic irrigation.

There's no universally agreed definition of CAM.

Although "complementary and alternative" is often used as a single category, it can be useful to make a distinction between the terms.

The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) uses this distinction:

There can be overlap between these categories.

For example, aromatherapy may sometimes be used as a complementary treatment and in other circumstances is used as an alternative treatment.

A number of complementary and alternative treatments are typically used with the intention of treating or curing a health condition.

Examples include:

To understand whether a treatment is safe and effective, we need to check the evidence.

You can learn more about the evidence for particular CAM practices by reading about individual types of treatment.

See our Health A to Z index for a list of all conditions and treatments on the NHS website.

Some CAM treatments are based on principles and an evidence base that are not recognised by the majority of independent scientists.

Others have been proven to work for a limited number of health conditions.

For example, there's evidence that chiropractic is effective for treating lower back pain.

When a person uses any health treatment, including CAM, and experiences an improvement, this may be due to the placebo effect.

The availability of CAM on the NHS is limited, and in most cases the NHS will not offer such treatments.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides guidance to the NHS on effective treatments that are value for money.

NICE has recommended the use of CAM in a limited number of circumstances.

For example:

If you think you may have a health condition, first see your GP. Do not visit a CAM practitioner instead of seeing your GP.

It's particularly important to talk to your GP before trying CAM if you have a pre-existing health condition or are pregnant.

Some CAM treatments may interact with medicines that you're taking or should not be tried if you're pregnant.

The practice of conventional medicine is regulated by laws that ensure that practitioners are properly qualified and adhere to certain standards or codes of practice. This is called statutory professional regulation.

Chiropractors are regulated in the same way. However, there's no statutory professional regulation of any other CAM practitioners.

Chiropractic is regulated in the same way as conventional medicine.

All chiropractors must be registered with the General Chiropractic Council. You can use the General Chiropractic Council website to find a registered chiropractor near you or check if someone offering chiropractic services is registered.

Apart from chiropractic, there's no professional statutory regulation of complementary and alternative treatments in the UK.

This means:

If you decide to use a CAM practitioner, it's up to you to find one who will carry out the treatment in a way that's acceptable to you. Professional bodies and voluntary registers can help you do this.

Some regulated healthcare professionals, such as GPs, also practise unregulated CAM.

In these instances, the CAM practice is not regulated by the organisation that regulates the healthcare professional (such as the General Medical Council), but these organisations will investigate complaints that relate to the professional conduct of their member.

Many types of CAM have voluntary registers, some of which are accredited by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA) or professional associations that practitioners can join if they choose.

Usually, these associations or registers demand that practitioners hold certain qualifications and agree to practise to a certain standard.

Organisations with PSA-accredited voluntary registers include:

This means that these organisations have met the PSA's demanding standards, which are designed to help people make an informed choice when they're looking for a practitioner.

Read about accredited registers on the Professional Standards Authority website

Once you have found a practitioner, it's a good idea to ask them some questions to help you decide if you want to go ahead with treatment.

You could ask:

Page last reviewed: 01 March 2022Next review due: 01 March 2025

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Complementary and alternative medicine - NHS

Alternative treatment (CAM) for MS facts

Multiple sclerosis symptoms vary widely, and a description of "typical" symptoms is difficult. Some signs and symptoms of MS may include:

What is complementary or alternative treatment or CAM?

CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) is care provided in addition (integrative medicine) to or instead of traditional or standard medical practices. This group of therapies is wide-ranging and includes:

Some people who seek out alternative medicine feel that conventional therapy has not successfully controlled their symptoms, or that the potential side effects associated with traditional therapy aren't acceptable. Others find that adding complementary medicine to their program allows improved control of symptoms. When complementary medicine is added to traditional routes, it is referred to as integrative medicine.

Recent studies through the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), specifically the National Health Interview Survey, suggest that as many as 38% of residents within the United States seek out CAM.

Many therapies that are considered within the group of complementary and alternative medicines haven't been studied extensively or investigated in comparison to conventional treatment options.

What is of multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that causes demyelination of the brain and spinal cord or a loss of the covering around axons. When this occurs, the axons (the parts of the nerve cells that transmit impulses to other cells) don't work well. As more areas of the central nervous system are affected by the loss of myelin, different symptoms develop.

What are the symptoms of MS?

The specific symptom seen in MS is related to the area of injury in the brain or spinal cord. Examples of symptoms of MS include:

What alternative treatments can be used for MS symptoms?

Fatigue and spasticity seem to respond best to CAM.

Therapies that have been shown to be of some benefit for fatigue have included:

Spasticity has reportedly been reduced with the use of acupuncture and massage therapy. A sense of tingling (paresthesias) has been reportedly improved with reflexology.

Symptoms including depression, memory loss, urinary incontinence, and progression of MS itself (including relapses, disease extent as measured on MRI), and disability have had limited improvement when treated with CAM.

Therapies tested in an effort to improve these symptoms have included:

None of these treatments led to any significant benefit in the studied symptoms.

What about medical marijuana (cannabis) for MS symptoms?

There have been a number of studies looking at the potential benefits of medical marijuana (cannabis) on MS symptoms, including spasticity and chronic pain. There is some suggestion that FDA-approved forms of medical cannabis (Marinol or Sativex) may be beneficial in improving spasticity or bladder frequency. However, there are no reports that ingested or inhaled medical marijuana is beneficial for conditions associated with MS.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has more information about medical marijuana for MS symptoms (http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Treating-MS/Complementary-Alternative-Medicines/Marijuana)

Who is eligible to pursue treatment with CAM?

Anyone can participate in CAM therapy. However, it is important to recognize that most of these therapies are not covered by insurance, and may be an "out of pocket" cost for patients with MS.

Patients who decide to pursue CAM need to share this information with their physicians, as some supplements may interact with conventional medication and lead to side effects.

How much does CAM cost?

The costs of CAM can vary widely; regular exercise and yoga can be low or no-cost options, while massage therapy, acupuncture, and some supplements can be quite expensive.

Every patient must have a good relationship with treating healthcare professionals of traditional and non-traditional therapies to best understand potential costs.

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What are the potential risks and side effects of CAM?

Side effects of CAM vary depending on the treatment.

It is important to discuss any potential or ongoing use of CAM with your healthcare professional, who may need to adjust your current therapies to prevent any adverse effects caused by interactions between the two types of therapies.

What different types of CAM were studied in the National Health Interview Survey?

Different types of complementary and alternative medicines that were studied in the National Health Interview Survey from 2002 through 2012 include:

Medically Reviewed on 10/26/2022

References

REFERENCES:

Clarke TC, Black LI, Stussman BJ, Barnes PM, Nahin, RL. Trends in the Use of Complementary Health Approaches Among Adults: United States, 2002-2012. National Health Statistics Reports. Number 79; February 10, 2015.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society. MS Symptoms.

UpToDate. Patient information: Multiple sclerosis in adults (The Basics).

Yadav V, Bourdette D. Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Is There a Role in Multiple Sclerosis? Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports 2006, 6:259267.

Yadav V, Bever C, Bowen J, et al. Summary of evidence-basaed guideline: Complementary and alternative medicine in multiple sclerosis. Report of the Guideline Development Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology 2014;82;1083-1092.

Excerpt from:

Alternative Treatment (CAM) for MS: Types, Side Effects & Cost

complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), any of various approaches intended to improve or maintain human health that are not part of standard medical care, also known as conventional, or Western, medicine. The various approaches of CAM typically are used in a manner that is complementary to standard medical practices or are used in place of standard medicine. Such approaches are sometimes referred to as holistic or traditional medicine, although those areas of medicine do not cover all forms of CAM. Indeed, CAM includes not only classical systems, such as Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, which are centred on bringing together the mind, body, and spirit, but also a wide range of other forms of therapy, including chiropractic medicine, biofeedback, art therapy, hypnosis, prayer, specialty diets, and therapeutic touch. Many of those practices are considered to be marginal when compared with conventional practicesthat is, they usually are not a central part of the medical curriculum, nor are they typically prescribed by physicians who practice conventional medicine. However, partly because of the growing evidence base that supports the safety and efficacy of certain CAM approaches, some practitioners of conventional medicine have also become practitioners of CAM.

Prior to the rise of scientific medicine in the 19th century, medical practice was a relatively undifferentiated field. Herbal remedies were prescribed regularly, and the range of practitioners on offer included not only the precursors of contemporary doctors but also groups such as bonesetters and healers. In some cultures those suffering from illness and disease were able to make use of what was a relatively strong cradle of neighbourliness and community support, where the human condition was viewed holistically. In other cultures, however, the sick and disabled were shunned, alienated, or neglected, largely because of a lack of knowledge of disease. With the rise of scientifically based medicine and the development of the modern medical profession, however, the understanding of human disease increased dramatically. Health care became increasingly centred on biomedicine, and a division of labour proliferated. Some doctors, for example, specialized in surgery, whereas others focused on areas such as infectious disease, human development, or mental health. In addition, beginning in the 19th century, scientists discovered ways to isolate and synthesize the active ingredients of plant-based medicines, which gave rise to the modern pharmaceutical industry. By the mid-20th century the advances in medicine had marginalized CAM in Western countries.

In the 1960s and 70s, however, a sort of medical counterculture arose in the West, born from the more general countercultural trend that involved, among other things, a rising interest in Eastern practices of meditation, mysticism, and other philosophies. There was a growing awareness of the limits of conventional medicine, and some believed that modern biomedicine was becoming increasingly counterproductive. Such perspectives were fueled in part by highly publicized medical tragedies, such as those involving thalidomide, which was withdrawn from the market in the early 1960s, and diethylstilbestrol, which was withdrawn in the 1970s; both agents were found to increase the risk of prenatal toxicity. Some people also associated conventional medicine with depersonalization and disempowerment of the patient. Consumers demanded increasing control over their own health, which led to the development of self-help and to the emergence of campaign groups that lobbied on behalf of health consumers and specific groups, such as the disabled and those afflicted by cancer and HIV/AIDS. In the wake of the counterculture, public interest in CAM gained new impetus.

The number of people in Europe and North America who use CAM is considerable. In the United States, for example, a 2007 survey revealed that about 38 percent of adults had used some form of CAM in the past year. A study published in 2010 indicated that about 26 percent of people in England had used CAM at some point in the year prior to filling out the studys survey.

The therapies employed and the extent of their use vary considerably by country. Although the majority of use involves self-help (e.g., use of over-the-counter herbs), a rise in the number of CAM practitioners enabled increasing numbers of people to seek the assistance of CAM providers. Growing numbers of conventional practitioners also employed CAM. In such cases, CAM therapies tend to be prescribed or administered for very specific and evidence-supported purposes, such as the use of acupuncture to relieve pain. As a result, in some cases, the use of CAM by conventional practitioners is not wholly in agreement with traditional principles. Acupuncture, for example, is viewed in traditional Chinese medicine as a panacea, being used to restore balance between the polar forces of yin and yang along meridians.

Reluctance among doctors to employ CAM often is related to the protection of their patients. Despite the ideology of a safe, natural approach to health care frequently espoused by CAM therapists, the approaches used in CAM pose certain hazards to users, ranging from punctured lungs in the case of acupuncture to potentially fatal overdosing from herbal remedies. There are also major gaps in the evidence that has been provided for such therapies. By the late 20th century many complementary and alternative therapies still had not been explored in clinical trials in human patients, unlike most drugs and devices employed in conventional medicine. That was largely because manufactured pharmaceuticals and other medical products were thought to be superior to complementary and alternative therapies, and so the latter did not attract significant investment from governments and biomedical companies. In the early 21st century, however, an increased need for medicines generally resulted in renewed interest in natural-products drug discovery and in unorthodox medical practices, which in turn led to a rise in the clinical exploration of various CAM therapies.

Much debate remains about how to assess the efficacy of CAM. The need for large-scale randomized controlled trials is highly controversial, particularly because many complementary and alternative therapies have been used by humans for centuries and because certain conventional medicines that have been scrutinized by such means have later been discovered to cause severe side effects, resulting in their removal from the market. There are also significant methodological questions about whether the randomized controlled trial is the best way to evaluate complementary and alternative therapies, especially when they are employed holistically. Many treatments associated with CAM are targeted toward individuals, rather than toward conditions (e.g., diabetes or heart failure) as in conventional medicine, suggesting that alternative methods of assessment may be more appropriate. For example, randomized controlled trial methodology attempts to eliminate the placebo effect, but some researchers have claimed that the placebo effect should be more fully employed in studies of complementary and alternative therapies. Other methods, such as case studies and consumer-satisfaction surveys, are attractive evaluative tools for CAM.

Many small-scale controlled trials of CAM have been conducted, with comparisons to placebos and to conventional approaches. Some of those trials have produced encouraging resultsfor example, the use of acupuncture in the relief of chronic pain. However, from the standpoint of conventional research methodologies, the numbers of participants usually has been too restricted to make firm judgments about the likely efficacy of particular complementary and alternative therapies. In such cases, systematic reviews of trial data can be helpful, provided that clear criteria to assess the quality of the studies are employed and that there is a sufficient number of credible trials on which to build the meta-analysis. In the field of herbal medicine, such systematic reviews have suggested that extracts of St. Johns wort (Hypericum perforatum) can provide symptomatic relief in cases of mild to moderate depression and that peppermint oil is more effective than a placebo for the treatment of irritable bowel disease.

Beyond evidence from randomized controlled trials, the data set on CAM is enriched by a plethora of individual case studies, many of which indicate the positive qualitative outcomes that can be obtained from such therapies. The use of CAM also tends to produce high levels of consumer satisfaction. The subjective views elicited in such research, however, must be weighed against a variety of methodological pitfalls in interpreting such results. Nonetheless, data from case studies and consumer surveys have indicated that unorthodox therapies could help to fill the vacuum created in areas where conventional medicine has little to offer. Case studies and surveys have also emphasized the fact that the many diverse approaches of CAM vary in their effectiveness and use. In the United Kingdom, for example, research has suggested that therapies such as herbalism, homeopathy, and osteopathy tend to be relatively more effective for users than approaches based on crystal therapy, iridology, and radionics. Such variations in evidence for specific forms of CAM have necessitated careful and critical scrutiny of claims about curative or palliative powers.

Even where it is felt that CAM can benefit patients, major challenges remain. For example, complementary and alternative therapies may not be accessible to consumers within state-financed health provision and insurance programs. Furthermore, complementary and alternative therapies are not inexpensive versions of conventional medicines or practices. Some CAM approaches can, in fact, be quite costly, particularly when repeat visits are made to a practitioner. Thus, patients cannot turn to CAM to save on health care costs.

Another issue concerns the extent to which CAM is regulated in terms of protecting the interests of health consumers. The remedies themselves, as well as CAM practitioners, have been increasingly subject to regulation, but the parameters of regulation are not always well balanced. For instance, despite growing trends toward professionalization, the practice of CAM in some countries may be exclusively concentrated among certain doctors, medical groups, or allied health professionals. In other countries, CAM is loosely assigned to anyone who wishes to be engaged in the field, with CAM systems largely based on voluntary regulatory arrangements to which not all practitioners are legally bound.

Finally, CAM does not simply challenge biomedicine in terms of best practice. In its most radical forms, it also challenges some of the assumptions underpinning medical orthodoxy and questions the medical concept of disability. Many of those currently involved in practicing CAM, for example, no longer see consumers in medicalized terms as patients. Rather, individuals are seen as actively participating in their own well-being. Given its links to the counterculture, the self-help aspect of CAM therefore may not be viewed simply as an appendage to medicine. Some see it instead as challenging the power of the medical profession. Scientifically based medicine remains dominant, but the approaches that are categorized as CAM are expected to become more fully integrated into conventional medicine, which ultimately could give rise to a new medical orthodoxy.

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Complementary and alternative medicine | History & Facts

The term alternative medicine encompasses a wide range of medical practices and systems from cultures around the world. In countries such as the United States, people use it to describe practices that are outside mainstream medicine.

The term alternative medicine is subjective. While doctors in one part of the world might regard a practice as mainstream, doctors elsewhere might view the same practice as alternative.

This article discusses what alternative medicine is, different types of alternative medicine, and whether it is better than conventional medicine.

The term alternative medicine describes any form of medicine or healing that does not fall into conventional medical practice.

In the U.S. it refers to forms of medicine that are not widely accepted or practiced by medical doctors, particularly those that do not have as much scientific evidence to support them as more mainstream methods.

Some types of alternative medicine have been around for hundreds and even thousands of years. Others are quite new. Sometimes, something that begins as an alternative treatment can become part of mainstream medicine due to strong evidence that it works and has no safety risks.

Many people use terms such as alternative medicine, integrative medicine, and complementary medicine interchangeably. However, each term describes something different:

Some people group complementary and alternative medicine together under the acronym CAM. There are many types of CAM. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) group them into five broad categories.

Mind-body therapies focus on the relationship between the mind and body to help treat or manage a condition. Some examples include:

Meditation is an ancient practice that is prominent in religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism. Today, there are many forms of meditation people can try; some are religious in nature, and some not.

Many studies have verified that meditation has health benefits. It can lower blood pressure and stress levels. Research suggests it may also reduce the symptoms of:

Learn more about the types of meditation.

Biofeedback involves the use of machines that measure unconscious or involuntary bodily processes, such as heart rate or muscle contractions. The device then converts the information into audio, visual, or tactile signals. A therapist then helps someone learn to control these signals.

Biofeedback can help people learn to relax painful muscles, alter their mental state, and more. Its most common uses include management of neuromuscular disorders, chronic pain, anxiety, and incontinence.

Hypnosis involves someone going into a deep state of relaxation and focusing on suggestions a clinician makes while the person is in a hypnotic state. The aim is for the suggestions to help change a persons mental state, resulting in health benefits.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), most clinicians agree hypnosis has benefits for:

Similar to meditation, yoga is a mind-body exercise that originates in spiritual practices. It involves moving through sequences of poses and stretches while also focusing on breathing. Many people around the world practice yoga to promote mental and physical well-being.

Some research suggests yoga may help:

Most studies on yogas benefits have been with small numbers of people, so more research is still needed.

Tai chi is a martial art that originated in China. It involves a series of postures or slow movements combined with controlled breathing. Some research suggests tai chi may help:

Biologically based therapies use substances such as plants and foods to improve health or treat conditions. Some examples include:

Some CAM and integrative practitioners use nutritional supplements, such as vitamins, minerals, or other beneficial compounds, to treat or manage conditions.

This includes the use of plants or plant compounds for medical benefits. There are many examples of plants that people use to treat symptoms or conditions. Popular examples include:

Dietary approaches to medicine involve using food itself to treat certain conditions. This may mean eating foods with specific medicinal properties, following diets that contain certain nutrients, or avoiding some foods altogether.

These therapies aim to help people by manipulating invisible energy fields. According to some medical systems and practices, the energy around the body can influence health. By addressing disturbances or blockages in energy, practitioners believe it is possible to treat certain conditions.

Some examples of biofield therapies include:

This involves a practitioner running their hands over or gently touching someones body to control or restore their flow of energy.

Reiki originally comes from Japan. During reiki treatments, practitioners try to control energy in the body by using their hands. This may involve placing them on someone, just above them, or even working at a distance from a person. The aim is to free blocked energy and improve the bodys natural healing abilities.

Body-based therapies involve a therapist physically moving one or more parts of a persons body for therapeutic benefits. Common examples include:

During massage, a practitioner uses their fingers, hands, or tools to knead, rub, or press the bodys soft tissue. It is an ancient therapy, and people have practiced it in most cultures throughout history. There are many types of massage, each of which involves different techniques, rhythms, and areas of the body.

Reflexology involves pressing or manipulating pressure points in the hands or feet. The idea behind it is that a practitioner can target and help other parts of the body. It can also promote relaxation.

This therapy manipulates someones muscles, tissues, or bones to help the body heal from musculoskeletal conditions or help someone cope with a condition that may be causing pain.

Whole medicine systems refer to sets of beliefs and practices that work together. These systems have typically evolved over hundreds of years. Some of the most well-known methods include:

TCM is a complex system based on a belief in two opposite forces: yin and yang. For the body and mind to be in good health, practitioners believe that yin and yang must be in balance. TCM practitioners use a combination of herbal, mind-body, and physical therapies to achieve this.

TCM is over 2,000 years old and is where practices such as acupuncture and tai chi have their origins.

Ayurveda is a holistic health system that developed in India thousands of years ago. Ayurvedic practitioners believe that everyone is made up of five elements: air, fire, water, earth, and ether (or space). The way these elements combine dictates how the body works.

Homeopathy comes from Germany and is around 200 years old. It focuses on two theories: that like cures like and that the lower the dose is of something, the more effective it is.

There is little evidence that homeopathy works for any condition. Additionally, some substances homeopathy uses are toxic, such as white arsenic and deadly nightshade.

Naturopathy is a system that includes a mixture of traditional and alternative approaches to medicine. It focuses on using natural and noninvasive ingredients and techniques, such as herbs, exercise therapy, dietary changes, and massage, among many others.

In some U.S. states, naturopathic doctors can also prescribe pharmaceutical medications, but this varies based on location.

Many people debate whether conventional medicine is better than alternative medicine. When comparing them, it is important to consider the following:

One of the main benefits of standard medical care is that it undergoes rigorous research. Through clinical trials and studies, scientists can determine whether certain techniques, medicines, and courses of treatment are effective and safe.

Many scientists use these methods to study alternative medicine, too. However, the data is not always as abundant or reliable. Some types of alternative medicine, such as homeopathy, have very little scientific evidence to support them.

There are exceptions to this. Some types of alternative therapy have been well-researched by scientists, so doctors can safely recommend them to patients. Examples of this include yoga and meditation, as well as acupuncture. The American College of Physicians recommends acupuncture as a first-line treatment for lower back pain.

Some people believe that alternative medicine is better than conventional medicine because it often focuses on natural substances, which some believe to be safer, gentler, or more suitable for the human body than manufactured medicines.

However, as with conventional medicines, natural medicines can also cause side effects, drug interactions, and poisoning at the wrong dosages. Some natural products can also contain harmful substances not listed on the label. For example, some Ayurvedic products contain naturally occurring toxins, such as mercury or lead.

Even when natural products are safe, it can be more difficult for companies to ensure they have consistent levels of potency and purity. Third-party testing can reduce this problem, but not all companies use it.

For some, conventional medicine is more difficult to access than the alternative treatments available within their communities. In comparison to the U.S. healthcare system, alternative medicine may be:

These are important factors and can make alternative medicine more appealing. People who have had negative experiences of healthcare may also prefer to seek alternative options.

Alternative medicine refers to medical practices that are not mainstream. In the U.S., people use this term to refer to a wide range of therapies and medical systems, from Ayurveda to reflexology.

Whatever form of treatment a person chooses, it is always important to consider the evidence that supports it, potential risks and side effects, and whether the practitioner is fully qualified. Where possible, always speak with a medical doctor before trying alternative treatments, as they can have risks.

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Alternative medicine: Definition, examples, benefits, and risks

Would you call a balneotherapist when your face breaks out? How about a reflexologist when your asthma flares? No matter how weird they might seem, alternative medical practices are gaining traction in the U.S.

Weve put together a guide to some of the most popular alternative physical therapies working their way into the mainstream.

In general, the term alternative therapy refers to any health treatment not standard in Western medical practice. When used alongside standard medical practices, alternative approaches are referred to as complementary medicine.

Beyond that, complementary and alternative therapies are difficult to define, largely because the field is so diverse. It encompasses diet and exercise changes, hypnosis, chiropractic adjustment, and poking needles into a persons skin (aka acupuncture), among other treatments.

The benefits of alternative therapies are hotly contested. More research is needed to determine the efficacy of nearly all of these practices, but that hasnt stopped people from checking them out.

In 2008 (the most recent valid data we could find),more than 38 percent of American adults used some form of alternative medicine, according to the NIH. Here are some of the practices that are changing the way Americans approach medical care.

Naturopathic medicine is premised on the healing power of nature, and its a broad branch of alternative medicine.

Naturopathic doctors are trained in both conventional and alternative medicines. They seek to understand the cause of a condition by exploring its mental, physical, and spiritual manifestations in a given patient.

Naturopathy typically involves a variety of treatment techniques, including nutrition, behavioral changes, herbal medicine, homeopathy, and acupuncture.

Acupressure is similar in practice to acupuncture (see below), only no needles are involved. Practitioners use their hands, elbows, or feet to apply pressure to specific points along the bodys meridians.

According to the theory behind acupressure, meridians are channels that carry life energy (qi or chi) throughout the body. The reasoning holds that illness can occur when one of these meridians is blocked or out of balance.

Acupressure is thought to relieve blockages so energy can flow freely again, restoring wellness. More research is needed, but a handful of studies have found positive results.

In 2013, researchers worked with a group of adolescents suffering from insomnia. They found that acupressure helped them fall asleep faster and get deeper sleep.Carotenuto M, et al. (2013). Acupressure therapy for insomnia in adolescents: a polysomnographic study. DOI: 10.2147/NDT.S41892

Acupressure may also offer pain relief. In 2014, researchers did a review of existing studies and found that acupressure could relieve a range of issues, including pesky lower back pain, headaches, and even labor pain.Chen YW, et al. (2014). The effectiveness of acupressure on relieving pain: a systematic review. DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2012.12.005

There may even be some mental health benefits as well. A 2015 review of 39 studies found that acupressure provided immediate relief for people experiencing anxiety.Au DW, et al. (2015). Effects of acupressure on anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis. DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2014-010720

Another study that same year found that acupressure 3 times per week for a month was able to assuage anxiety, depression, and stress for dialysis patients.Hmwe NT, et al. (2015). The effects of acupressure on depression, anxiety and stress in patients with hemodialysis: a randomized controlled trial. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2014.11.002

Though reading about this practice of traditional Chinese medicine may immediately bring sharp needles to mind, the term actually describes stimulating specific points on the body.

The best-known variety consists of penetrating the skin with thin needles controlled by a practitioner, but electrical stimulation can also be used.

We have known for a while that acupuncture can have positive results on PMS,Habek D, et al. (2002). Using acupuncture to treat premenstrual syndrome. DOI: 10.1007/s00404-001-0270-7 insomnia,Cao H, et al. (2009). Acupuncture for treatment of insomnia: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. DOI: 10.189/acm.2009.0041 and many types of chronic pain, like neck pain and osteoarthritis.Vickers AJ, et al. (2012). Acupuncture for chronic pain: individual patient data meta-analysis. DOI:10.1001/archinternmed.2012.3654

Newer research looks promising as well. For example, a 2016 study with 2,349 participants found that acupuncture may be effective for tension or chronic headaches, though more trials are needed to be sure.Linde K, et al. (2016). Acupuncture for the prevention of tension-type headache. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007587.pub2

Thinking its the placebo effect? Not so. A 2017 metanalysis confirmed that the positive outcomes of acupuncture could not be explained by the placebo effect alone, and its therefore a reasonable treatment option for those who have to deal with chronic pain on the regular.Vickers AJ, et al. Acupuncture for chronic pain: Update of an individual patient data meta-analysis. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2017.11.005

Aromatherapy uses essential oils highly concentrated extracts from the roots, leaves, seeds, or blossoms of plants to promote healing. Its a practice that can be traced back to at least 5,000 years ago.Stefiltisch W. (2017). Aromatherapy From traditional and scientific evidence into clinical practice. DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-116476

The oils can be inhaled using a diffuser, or diluted in a carrier oil and massaged into the skin. Some are used to treat inflammation or infections while others are used to promote relaxation and calm.

In clinical settings, researchers have focused on aromatherapy for anxiety, depression, pain relief, nausea, and insomnia. In a 2017 study, for example, aromatherapy with lavender was found to promote sleep and reduce anxiety for patients with heart disease.Karadag E, et al. (2017). Effects of aromatherapy on sleep quality and anxiety of patients. DOI: 10.1111/nicc.12198

In 2017, researchers rounded up a group of female nurses working night shifts, curious to see if aromatherapy massage would help their sleep. It turns out, after massage with sweet marjoram essential oil, and drinking a glass of warm water, their sleep quality improved.Chang YY, et al. (2017). The effects of aromatherapy massage on sleep quality of nurses on monthly rotating night shifts.DOI: 10.1155/2017/3861273

If youve heard inhaling scents can help with stress, there may be something to that. Though more research is needed in this area, a 2013 study found that pregnant women who inhaled linalool (found in mint) and linalyl acetate (found in lavender) felt calmer after just 5 minutes.Igarashi T. (2013). Physical and psychologic effects of aromatherapy inhalation on pregnant women: A randomized controlled trial. DOI: 10.1089/acm.2012.0103

Note: Its important to consider others in the area when using aromatherapy. Some essential oils can be dangerous for pregnant women, children, or pets. Do not apply them directly to skin, and avoid prolonged exposure without ventilation.

Also known as Ayurveda, this modality originated in India and has been around for thousands of years. Practitioners use a variety of techniques, including herbs, massage, and specialized diets, with the intent of balancing the body, mind, and spirit to promote overall wellness.

There are several studies that show positive results for specific Ayurvedic practices, like taking turmeric for inflammation,He Y, et al (2015). Curcumin, inflammation, and chronic diseases: How are they linked? DOI: 10.3390/molecules20059183 using a Neti pot to clear the sinuses (called nasal irrigation),Chen JR, et al. (2014). The effectiveness of nasal saline irrigation (seawater) in treatment of allergic rhinitis in children. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2014.04.026 or swishing coconut oil in your mouth to pull out bacteria (known as oil pulling).Shanbhag VK. (2017). Oil pulling for maintaining oral hygiene A review. DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.05.004

And we cant forget about yoga, which is mentioned in Ayurvedic texts. In the latest research available, yoga has been shown time and time again to address a range of mental and physical health issues, like anxiety,Ross A, et al. (2014). National survey of yoga practitioners: Mental and physical health benefits. DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2013.04.001 depression, high blood pressure,Hagins M, et al. (2013). Effectiveness of yoga for hypertension: systematic review and meta-analysis. DOI: 10.1155/2013/649836 and insomnia, among others.

Sometimes confused with hydrotherapy, balneotherapy involves the use of water for therapeutic purposes, and it dates as far back as 1700 BCE. Its a popular course of treatment in several European countries to this day think thermal baths in Hungary. (Yes, please.)Galvez I, et al. (2018). Balneotherapy, immune system, and stress response: A hormetic strategy? DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061687

Its based on the idea that water benefits the skin and might treat a range of conditions from acne to pain, swelling to anxiety. Practitioners use mudpacks, douches, long soaks, and wraps in attempts to reap aguas many rewards. For this reason, its often called spa therapy.

Balneotherapy has been studied for its effects on chronic pain, with some positive results. For example, a 2015 study found that spa therapy combined with exercise could ease low back pain in the long-term. Worth noting, though, the researchers said better studies were needed.Karagulle M, et al. (2015). Effectiveness of balneotherapy and spa therapy for the treatment of chronic low back pain: a review on latest evidence. DOI: 10.1007/s10067-014-2845-2

Proponents of the therapy cite findings that mineral water might boost peoples immune systems or aid arthritis, but so far that research remains inconclusive.

Biofeedback techniques allow people to control bodily processes that normally happen involuntarily such as heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, and skin temperature in order to improve conditions including high blood pressure, headaches, and chronic pain.

Patients work with a biofeedback therapist to learn these relaxation techniques and mental exercises. In initial sessions, electrodes are attached to the skin to measure bodily states, but eventually the techniques can be practiced without a therapist or equipment.

Researchers still arent sure how or why biofeedback works, but a lot of research suggests it does. Relaxation seems to be a key component, as most people who benefit from the practice have conditions that are caused by, or exacerbated by, stress.

During biofeedback, you become more self-aware of how you react physically to stress, exercise, or emotions. In turn, you can learn to reduce negative effects on your body and health.

In 2017, researchers gathered 451 records on biofeedback and sports performance. Of all the papers, they found seven to review in-depth. The results were fascinating: 85 percent of athletes improved their performance by messing with their own heart rate using biofeedback.Jimenez MS, et al. (2017). Effect of heart rate variability biofeedback on sport performance, a systematic review. DOI: 10.1007/s10484-017-9364-2

But even if youre not an athlete, theres good news. A 2016 study showed that biofeedback can be an effective treatment for headaches, which 90 percent of people get at least once a year.Sesic A, et al. (2016). Biofeedback training and tension-type headache. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27333731

Chiropractic work is widely accepted in the medical community, and thus qualifies more as a complementary medicine than alternative. The practice focuses on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, treating issues in the back, neck, joints, arms, legs, and head.

The most common procedure performed by chiropractors is spinal manipulation, aka an adjustment, which involves applying controlled force (typically the chiropractors hands) to joints that have become hypomobile.

The idea is that joint movement becomes restricted when surrounding tissues are injured either during a single event, like tweaking a muscle during a weight-lifting session or through repetitive stress, like sitting with poor posture for extended periods.

Chiropractic adjustments are intended to restore mobility and loosen the muscles, allowing tissues to heal and the pain to resolve. Studies generally affirm its efficacy, with research suggesting it can improve conditions like neck painBryans R, et al. (2014). Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with neck pain. DOI: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2013.08.010 or low back pain.Goertz CM, et al. (2018). Effect of usual medical care plus chiropractic care vs usual medical care alone on pain and disability among US service members with low back pain: A comparative effectiveness clinical trial. DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2018.0105

Homeopathy functions in much the same way as a vaccine: Its based on the principle of treating like with like, meaning a substance that causes adverse reactions when taken in large doses can be used in small amounts to treat those same symptoms.Bellavite P. (2015). Homeopathy and integrative medicine: keeping an open mind. DOI: 10.1007/s12682-014-0198-x

This concept is sometimes used in conventional medicine, as well. For example, Ritalin is a stimulant used to treat patients with ADHD.

Homeopaths gather extensive background information on patients before prescribing a highly diluted substance, usually in liquid or tablet form, to jumpstart the bodys natural systems of healing. These treatments are called remedies.

Theres some clinical evidence that homeopathy is more effective than placebos for some things, like anxiety in mice. However, that same year, another study on humans showed that it was not effective for treatment of anxiety. The battle wages on.Lakshimpathy PR, et al. (2012). Anxiolytic effect of homeopathic preparation of Pulsatilla nigricans in Swiss albino mice. DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2012.05.003 Paris A, et al. (2012). Effect of gelsemium 5CH and 15CH on anticipatory anxiety: a phase III, single-centre, randomized, placebo-controlled study. DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-8206.2011.00993.x

Some remedies (such as arnica for bruising) show promise. But since remedies are individualized for each patient, its difficult to examine effectiveness. More research is needed.

Until we know more, it may not be worth messing around with the more serious stuff, like cancer or chronic conditions. In fact, the NIH says, there is no reliable evidence that homeopathy is effective for any health condition.

Reflexology involves applying pressure to specific areas on the feet, hands, or ears. The theory is that these points correspond to different body organs and systems. Pressing them is believed to positively affect these organs and a persons overall health.Embong NH, et al. (2015). Revisiting reflexology: Concept, evidence, current practice, and practitioner training. DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2015.08.008

For example, applying pressure to a spot on the arch of the foot is believed to benefit bladder function. A person can use reflexology on themselves or enlist the help of a reflexologist.

People around the world use this therapy to complement conventional treatments for conditions including anxiety, cancer, diabetes, kidney function, and asthma.

Some studies have found that reflexology can improve depression and hospital anxiety in patients with cardiovascular disease, quell nausea and fatigue brought on by chemotherapy, and reduce stress in general.Bahrami T, et al. (2019). The effect of foot reflexology on hospital anxiety and depression in female older adults: a randomized controlled trial. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31489059 Ozdelikara A, et al. (2017). The effect of reflexology on chemotherapy-induced nausea, vomiting, and fatigue in breast cancer patients. DOI: 10.4103/apjon.apjon_15_17 Payrau B, et al. (2017). Fasciatherapy and reflexology compared to hypnosis and music therapy in daily stress management. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28912904

If youre going to try out reflexology, be sure to work with a professional you trust. If performed incorrectly, reflexology can cause pain and bruises.Embong NH, et al. (2017). Perspectives on reflexology: A qualitative approach. DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.08.008

Reiki is a form of energy healing based on the idea that a life force energy flows through everyones body. According to this philosophy, sickness and stress are indications that life force energy is low, while energy, health, and happiness signify a strong life force.

In a Reiki session, a practitioner seeks to transfer life energy to the client by placing their hands lightly on the clients body or a slight distance away from the body. Reiki can also be performed long-distance.

The purpose is to promote relaxation, speed healing, reduce pain, and generally improve the clients well-being. For the most part, theres no regulation for Reiki practitioners.

A 2015 analysis found that Reiki may provide pain and anxiety relief for those with cancer, post-operative pain, and other ailments. Its important to note that out of 49 articles examined, only 7 contained data the researchers considered legit, which means more studies are needed.Thrane S, et al. (2014). Effect of reiki therapy on pain and anxiety in adults: An in-depth literature review of randomized trials with effect size calculations. DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2013.07.008

2017 studies echoed similar sentiments. A review of 13 studies found that Reiki is more effective than placebo for pain relief, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and overall quality of life.McManus, DE. (2017). Reiki is better than placebo and has broad potential as a complementary health therapy.DOI: 10.1177/2156587217728644

So, what did we learn, kids? For one thing, the field of alternative medicine is vast. If it seems like new therapies and studies are cropping up all the time, its because they are.

Its an evolving area and more research in all of these therapies is needed. That said, integrating a handful of these into your routine may have solid benefits to your health. Theres a reason some of these have been around for thousands of years, after all.

The bottom line is this: We believe in doing what works, as long as youve consulted with a doctor or practitioner you can rely on. You may need a combination of Western medicine and complementary therapies to heal.

As always, do your research and listen to your body no one knows it better than you do.

Excerpt from:

Alternative Medicine: The Science Behind 10 Alternative Therapies

Alternative medicine treatment without scientific basis for claims made

Detoxification (often shortened to detox and sometimes called body cleansing) is a type of alternative-medicine treatment which aims to rid the body of unspecified "toxins" substances that proponents claim accumulate in the body over time and have undesirable short-term or long-term effects on individual health. Activities commonly associated with detoxification include dieting, fasting, consuming exclusively or avoiding specific foods (such as fats, carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, juices, herbs), colon cleansing, chelation therapy, and the removal of dental fillings containing amalgam.

Scientists and health organizations have criticized the concept of detoxification for its unsound scientific basis and for the lack of evidence for claims made.[1] The "toxins" usually remain undefined, with little to no evidence of toxic accumulation in the patient. The British organisation Sense About Science has described some detox diets and commercial products as "a waste of time and money",[2] while the British Dietetic Association called the idea "nonsense" and a "marketing myth".[3] Dara Mohammadi summarizes "detoxing" as "a scam [...] a pseudo-medical concept designed to sell you things", and Edzard Ernst, emeritus professor of complementary medicine, describes it as a term for conventional medical treatments for addiction which has been "hijacked by entrepreneurs, quacks and charlatans to sell a bogus treatment".[4]

Suspicions of the inefficacy of purging became widespread by the 1830s.[5] Biochemistry and microbiology appeared to support auto-intoxication theory in the 19th century, but by the early twentieth century detoxification-based approaches quickly fell out of favour.[6][need quotation to verify][7] Even though abandoned by mainstream medicine, the idea has persisted in the popular imagination and amongst alternative medicine practitioners.[8][9][10] Notions of internal cleansing had resurgence along with the rise of alternative medicine in the 1970s and following; it remains unscientific and anachronistic.[8] With the rise of the environmentalist movement, many detox diets use the diet format as a political platform to advocate for environmental ideas about pollution and toxic contamination.[11]

Detox diets are dietary plans that claim to have detoxifying effects. The general idea suggests that most food contains contaminants: ingredients deemed unnecessary for human life, such as flavor enhancers, food colorings, pesticides, and preservatives. Scientists, dietitians, and doctors, while generally viewing brief "detox diets" as harmless[citation needed] (unless nutritional deficiency results), often dispute the value and need of "detox diets", due to lack of supporting factual evidence or coherent rationale.[2][12] In cases where a person suffers from a disease, belief in the efficacy of a detox diet can result in delay or failure to seek effective treatment.[13]

Detox diets can involve consuming extremely limited sets of foods (only water or juice, for example, a form of fasting[14] known as juice fasting), eliminating certain foods (such as fats) from the diet, or eliminating processed foods and alleged irritants.[15][unreliable source?] Detox diets are often high in fiber. Proponents claim that this causes the body to burn accumulated stored fats, releasing fat-stored "toxins" into the blood, which can then be eliminated through the blood, skin, urine, feces and breath. Proponents claim that things such as an altered body-odor support the notion that detox diets have an effect. The mainstream medical view is that the body has mechanisms to rid itself of toxins, and a healthy diet is best for the body.[16] In the short-term, such detox diet may lead to weight loss, due to the strict caloric restriction, however after returning to a normal diet there is a weight gain.[17] Although a brief fast of a single day is unlikely to cause harm, prolonged fasting (as recommended by certain detox diets) can have dangerous health consequences or can even be fatal.[18][19]

Colon cleansing involves administration of an enema (colonic) containing some salt, and sometimes coffee or herbs to remove food that, according to proponents,[20] remains in the colon, producing nonspecific symptoms and general ill-health. However, the colon usually does not require any help cleaning itself.[21] The practice can be potentially dangerous if incorrectly practised.[18]

Practitioners may recommend detoxification as a treatment to address the notion that mercury poisoning arises from consumption of contaminated fish and from dental amalgam fillings Quackwatch states: "Removing good fillings is not merely a waste of money. In some cases, it results in tooth loss because when fillings are drilled out, some of the surrounding tooth structure will be removed with it."[18]

Certain devices are promoted to allegedly remove toxins from the body. One version involves a foot-bath using a mild electric current, while another involves small adhesive pads applied to the skin (usually the foot). In both cases, the production of an alleged brown "toxin" appears after a brief delay. In the case of the foot bath, the "toxin" is actually small amounts of rusted iron leaching from the electrodes.[22] The adhesive pads change color due to oxidation of the pads' ingredients in response to the skin's moisture. In both cases, the same color-changes occur irrespective of whether the water or patch even make contact with the skin (they merely require waterthus proving the color-change does not result from any body-detoxification process).[18]

A 2015 review of clinical evidence about detox diets concluded: "At present, there is no compelling evidence to support the use of detox diets for weight management or toxin elimination. Considering the financial costs to consumers, unsubstantiated claims and potential health risks of detox products, they should be discouraged by health professionals and subject to independent regulatory review and monitoring."[1]

Detoxification and body cleansing products and diets have been criticized for their unsound scientific basis, in particular their premise of nonexistent "toxins" and their appropriation of the legitimate medical concept of detoxification. According to the Mayo Clinic, the "toxins" typically remain unspecified and there is little to no evidence of toxic accumulation in patients treated.[23] According to a British Dietetic Association (BDA) Fact Sheet, "The whole idea of detox is nonsense. The body is a well-developed system that has its own builtin mechanisms to detoxify and remove waste and toxins."[3] It went on to characterize the idea as a "marketing myth",[3] while other critics have called the idea a "scam"[24] and a "hoax".[25] The organization Sense about Science investigated "detox" products, calling them a waste of time and money.[2][26][27] Resulting in a report that concluded the term is used differently by different companies, most offered no evidence to support their claims, and in most cases its use was the simple renaming of "mundane things, like cleaning or brushing".[2]

The human body is naturally capable of maintaining itself, with several organs dedicated to cleansing the blood and the gut.[28] Alan Boobis, a professor and toxicologist at Imperial College London, states:

The bodys own detoxification systems are remarkably sophisticated and versatile. They have to be, as the natural environment that we evolved in is hostile. It is remarkable that people are prepared to risk seriously disrupting these systems with unproven 'detox' diets, which could well do more harm than good.[2]

Scientific skeptic author Brian Dunning investigated the subject in 2008 and concluded that "Anyone interested in detoxifying their body might think about paying a little more attention to their body and less attention to the people trying to get their money... Why is it that so many people are more comfortable self-medicating for conditions that exist only in advertisements, than they are simply taking their doctor's advice? It's because doctors are burdened with the need to actually practice medicine. They won't hide bad news from you or make up easy answers to please you."[29]

Despite unsound scientific basis, detoxification is popular, and detoxification products and regimes have become a profitable health trend.[1] As with some other alternative medicine treatments, efficacy has been attributed to astroturfing, the placebo effect, psychosomatic improvements, or natural recovery from illness that would have occurred without use of the product.[30]

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Detoxification (alternative medicine) - Wikipedia

Heres how complementary and alternative medicine modalities can help patients with a variety of mental health problems.

Psychiatry, as conventionally practiced, is being influenced by increasing openness to non-Western healing traditions in the context of accumulating research evidence for select complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities and growing demands for more personalized care.

James Lake, MD, recently shared his expertise on CAM as chair of the Psychiatric Times Special Report on Integrative Medicine. In this Mental Health Minute, he shares some background on CAM and its role in the field of psychiatry, then introduces the Special Report articles by fellow experts who discuss 3 key areas of CAM that are influencing how mental health care is practice in North America and around the world:

Lake also discusses his CME article from within the same issue, which reviews CAM interventions for mental health problems associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

We hope that the Special Report will deepen your understanding of complementary and alternative approaches for improving wellbeing and addressing depressed mood, anxiety, and other mental health problems, Lake said.

Dr Lake is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with more than 25 years clinical experience. He is an adjunct fellow at the National Institute of Complementary Medicine Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Australia. He founded and chaired the American Psychiatric Associations Caucus on Complementary, Alternative and Integrative Medicine from 2004 through 2010, and has chaired symposia and workshops at American Psychiatric Association conferences and other national and international conferences on complementary, alternative, and integrative mental health care. Dr Lake is the author or editor of 5 textbooks on alternative and integrative mental health care and a 10-volume series of self-help books on alternative and integrative treatments of depressed mood, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, and other mental health problems.

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Alternative Approaches to Mental Health and Wellbeing - Psychiatric Times