Are Complementary Therapies Safe?

Interest in complementary therapies is growing at a significant rate, easily outpacing the research conducted into their safety and effectiveness. People are often attracted to the 'natural' and safe image of these therapies.

They can be helpful in treating chronic medical conditions, for which conventional treatments are sometimes less than completely effective. They can be seen as an effective means of treating what people consider a ‘small’ ailment where they don’t feel conventional medicine is completely necessary. 

One-half of the population have tried complementary therapies and medicine and as many as one-third use them on a regular basis.

Where research on their effect is conclusive is the positive effects they have on the psychological aspect of the ailment or illness. For example stress; when a person is subjected to stress at a higher level than their coping mechanisms allow, the effects manifest in a variety of conventional ailments from headaches and neck and shoulder tension, through to full mental breakdown.  Conventional medicine can be very effective in treating these ailments, whereas complementary therapies can be very effective at treating the route cause, the stress itself.

It is perhaps appropriate to understand what complementary therapy (often referred to as Complementary and Alternative Medicine or CAM) is. This is answered in Complete Therapies Agency news article Complete Therapies Agency – What is Complementary Therapy?

To use complementary therapies and complementary medicines safely and effectively it is vital to fine the right therapist. A recent report by the House of Lords called for more regulation and more research to investigate complementary therapy effectiveness and safety.  However, until there is governmental regulation most therapies are self regulating and have their own governing body.  A quality assured therapist will be able to provide their qualification certificates, will be fully insured and will have membership with their governing body.

Once you have found your therapist it is important that you feel comfortable with and trust them. An essential part of Complementary Therapies and Complementary Medicine is the development of a therapeutic relationship between you and the therapist. At the first meeting, the pre-treatment consultation will cover:

1. What the treatment will entail.
2. The frequency and number of visits that the treatment is likely to require.
3. What you can expect from the treatments.
4. Any side effects sometimes associated with the therapy.

If you are looking to use complementary therapies along side conventional medicine a good therapist will encourage continued care with your doctor and possibly even liaise with them. They should also have a realistic attitude towards the therapy - for example, they should talk through possible side-effects you may experience as well as potential benefits. Tell the therapist about any conventional medications you are taking and also tell you doctor about any complementary therapies or complementary medicines you are using.

Don't worry about telling your doctor what you are using. Awareness of complementary and alternative medicine is increasing amongst the medical profession and most doctors are sympathetic to its use.

In conclusion then, are complementary therapies safe? Yes, if you choose a properly qualified and experienced practitioner. 

Complete Therapies Agency
Therapy House
23 Archers Close
Droitwich
Worcestershire WR9 9LH
UK
Tel: 0870 067 3240
Fax: 0870 803 1782
enquiry@completetherapiesagency.com

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