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by
Chris Gaine
—
last modified
2008-01-24 03:04
Complementary therapies focus on the whole person, not just on a specific ailment. They look for the root cause of a condition and seek to treat the whole person. The patient is also encouraged to take responsibility for their health and take an active part in the healing process.
Complementary therapies are becoming increasingly popular, with one in five people having tried them. Complementary medicine is used in the treatment and prevention of many ailments as well as being used to maintain good health. It can be very expensive to see a practitioner but where possible we’ve tried to show you how to benefit on a budget.
There is now a wide range of therapies available. The most well known are acupuncture, aromatherapy and massage, osteopathy, chiropractics, homeopathy and herbal medicine. There are many others such as naturopathy, nutritional medicine, crystal healing and energy work. Some therapies belong to whole medical systems such as traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine from India.
When selecting a therapist try asking around for recommendations as well as asking your GP and checking that the therapist has appropriate qualifications and membership of a professional body and professional indemnity insurance. Ask the practitioner about training and experience and how often they've treated your condition in the past.
Questions to ask a therapist
Complementary therapies on the NHS
The NHS now offers some complementary therapies, depending on availability. Many GP’s are now trained in complementary therapies. If you\'re interested contact your GP who will be able to tell you what\'s available locally.
Disclaimer
All content in the Healthy Ideas section is for general information only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult your GP if you are concerned about your health. SPAN is not responsible or liable for any actions taken by a user of this site. SPAN is not liable for the contents of any external sites listed, nor does it endorse any advice, products or services mentioned on these sites.
There is now a wide range of therapies available. The most well known are acupuncture, aromatherapy and massage, osteopathy, chiropractics, homeopathy and herbal medicine. There are many others such as naturopathy, nutritional medicine, crystal healing and energy work. Some therapies belong to whole medical systems such as traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine from India.
When selecting a therapist try asking around for recommendations as well as asking your GP and checking that the therapist has appropriate qualifications and membership of a professional body and professional indemnity insurance. Ask the practitioner about training and experience and how often they've treated your condition in the past.
Questions to ask a therapist
- Are you a member of a professional body? If so, which one?
- What training have you received?
- How long have you been practising?
- Have you treated my condition before? If so, how long did it take and what was the result?
- How many consultations will I need?
- What will be the total cost?
- Do you have professional indemnity insurance?
- If relevant - are you willing to talk to my GP so the two treatments can dovetail well?
Complementary therapies on the NHS
The NHS now offers some complementary therapies, depending on availability. Many GP’s are now trained in complementary therapies. If you\'re interested contact your GP who will be able to tell you what\'s available locally.
Disclaimer
All content in the Healthy Ideas section is for general information only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult your GP if you are concerned about your health. SPAN is not responsible or liable for any actions taken by a user of this site. SPAN is not liable for the contents of any external sites listed, nor does it endorse any advice, products or services mentioned on these sites.
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