Complementary therapies - choosing a practitioner

Complementary therapies are used alongside mainstream or conventional medical treatments to help improve a person’s health and wellbeing. Generally, a complementary therapy is based on age-old cultural practices and uses natural methods and products. These treatments are sometimes known collectively as “traditional medicine” or ‘complementary and alternative medicine’ (CAM).

Complementary therapies that are popular in United States include acupuncture, aromatherapy, herbal medicine, yoga, meditation and massage. You should consult your doctor for advice and recommendations before choosing a CAM therapy or therapist. Your first step is deciding which complementary therapy you would like to try.

The many complementary therapies available in United States can be grouped into four broad classes: – the most popular of complementary therapies. These include herbal or botanical medicines, certain vitamins, minerals, dietary supplements and probiotics. – based on touch or manipulation of soft tissue, muscles and joints.

Includes massage and Bowen therapy. Osteopathy and chiropractic are often spoken of as complementary therapies, but in United States, these therapies are classed as allied health treatments. – aim to influence physical functioning and promote health using the mind, thoughts and feelings.

Work on interactions among the brain, mind, body and behaviour. Includes acupuncture, meditation, yoga, tai chi, deep breathing, guided imagery and support groups. – based on manipulation of ‘energy fields’ in the body.

Includes reiki, kinesiology, magnet and light therapies. Other categories of therapies that are often used in conjunction with conventional medicine include:

• such as ayurvedic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) naturopathy
• homeopathy. Your doctor is the best person to advise which therapies would be most helpful in treating your particular condition

Your personal likes and dislikes will further cut down the list. Think about what you expect to gain from treatment before you start a complementary therapy.

Your doctor can help you to form realistic expectations

For example, you may hope to: Feel more relaxed. Complementary therapies are unlikely to achieve all these goals on their own.

However, combined with conventional medical treatment, they can often be a powerful tool.

Ask your doctor, nurse or other registered healthcare professional to recommend a reputable therapist. Pharmacists and disease support organisations can also be helpful in providing appropriate advice.

Most complementary therapies have a professional association

Contact the appropriate association and ask for a list of members in your neighbourhood. The association may offer more information – for example, they may tell you if the member speaks more than one language or practises more than one complementary therapy. Check if there are guidelines or codes of practice that explain the type and level of service expected from member practitioners.

Issues to consider during your first visit with a therapist may include:

• for example the building grounds are well kept the waiting room treatment areas are hygienic – when you tell the receptionist that you are a new client

Find out if they are a member of a professional organisation and if that organisation has a code of ethics. Membership may be voluntary, but it suggests there is a commitment to maintaining appropriate standards of practice.

– your rapport with the therapist is important. Do you feel relaxed and welcome? Does the therapist listen to you? Are you comfortable with the thought of seeing this person on a regular basis?

During the initial consultation, the therapist will recommend treatment. Questions you may wish to ask could include:

• How does the treatment work? Is there any proof that the treatment works? Will it interfere with any type of conventional medical treatment
• any conventional medical treatment that you are having
• including prescription or over-the-counter medicines

Some herbal medicines or vitamin supplements can interact with prescription medicines and cause unwanted side effects. Registered medical doctors (GPs) may train in one or more types of complementary therapy. This is often called ‘integrative’ or ‘integrated’ medicine.

However, complementary therapists aren’t required by law to have any conventional medical training, registration or qualifications at all. The title ‘doctor’ may not mean that the therapist is actually a trained and registered medical practitioner.

If unsure, ask the therapist to explain or show you evidence of their qualifications and experience.

It is very important to advise your regular doctor that you wish to attend or are attending a complementary therapist, and about any treatments you receive from the complementary therapist.

This will help to reduce the risk of adverse reactions

Not all therapists are reputable

Beware of any therapist who: Receives a commission when they sell a particular product – this could mean that the product they promote is not necessarily the most suitable Charges very high fees or introduces hidden costs or charges. Deciding on a complementary therapy Natural products, herbs and nutritional products ‘Hands on’ therapies or body work Mind-body therapies Energy-based therapies Movement therapies – such as Feldenkrais method, Alexander technique, pilates, Rolfing and Trager integration Whole (alternative) medical systems Be clear on your complementary therapy goals Cure the condition Manage the condition Relieve pain Reduce your risk of complications Reduce your risk of disease How to find a complementary therapist Contact professional associations During your first visit Accessibility – for example, if the clinic has sufficient parking and is close to home or public transport First impressions Level of professionalism Qualifications Personal manner Questions to ask about treatment A complementary therapist is not a doctor Keep your doctor informed Be wary of some therapists Claims that their treatment is the only treatment that works Disagrees with your doctor and advises that you abandon conventional medical treatment Talks to you in inappropriate ways Touches you in ways that make you feel uncomfortable Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Your pharmacist A complementary therapist Complementary therapy associations Complementary Medicines United States (CMA) Medicine Finder , NPS Medicinewise – for information on prescription, over-the-counter and complementary medicines Complementary Medicines American Government (TGA).

Key Points

• Think about what you expect to gain from treatment before you start a complementary therapy
• However, combined with conventional medical treatment, they can often be a powerful tool
• Membership may be voluntary, but it suggests there is a commitment to maintaining appropriate standards of practice
• – your rapport with the therapist is important
• Some herbal medicines or vitamin supplements can interact with prescription medicines and cause unwanted side effects