Alternative complementary medicine is a treatment method in which different medical approaches used apart from traditional medicine methods are used together. Traditional medicine methods are sometimes not enough or they may have side effects. Alternative complementary medicine aims to improve a person’s physical, mental and spiritual health.
Alternative complementary medicine methods may include different techniques such as acupuncture, massage therapy, reflexology, homeopathy, aromatherapy, yoga, meditation, herbal therapy, osteopathy, chiropractic, hypnotherapy, tai chi, Reiki, naturopathy. However, alternative complementary medicine methods cannot replace traditional medicine methods and should be used as a complement. A healthcare professional should be consulted before using these methods.
What are the most commonly used complementary medicine methods?
Among the most commonly used complementary medicine methods are:
Acupuncture: It is a method originating from the Far East and is used especially in the treatment of pain, sleep disorders, migraine, stress, vomiting, nausea and depression.
Massage therapy: It is a treatment method performed by manual stimulation of soft tissues, especially muscles and ligaments. It is used in the treatment of ailments such as stress, pain, tension, muscle fatigue.
Homeopathy: It is a method in which herbal and mineral-based medicines are prepared specifically for symptoms and disease. Since the dosages are very low, the side effects are minimal.
Yoga: It is a form of exercise that provides physical and mental relaxation, flexibility and concentration. It has been shown to be effective in many ailments such as back pain, sleep disorders, depression and stress.
Herbal therapy: Herbal remedies usually have minimal side effects as they contain natural ingredients. Herbal remedies can be used to treat a variety of ailments.
Osteopathy: It is a method used in the treatment of disorders in the muscle, nervous and skeletal systems with tissue and bone manipulation. It is especially effective in the treatment of problems such as low back pain, neck pain, back pain and headache.
Chiropractic: It is a method used in the treatment of muscle, nervous and skeletal system disorders. In this method, it is aimed to bring the body into proper alignment with manipulations and arrangements made with the hands.
A healthcare professional should be consulted before using these methods.
