Reflexology is a type of foot massage. The idea behind it is that there are zones running through your body that are linked to parts of your feet. By pressing and massaging parts of your feet a therapist can improve your blood supply and bring balance to your body. There is very little evidence to show that reflexology can treat any condition or relieve symptoms, but many people find it relaxing and soothing.
Many conventional medicines began with natural herbal ingredients, which were then refined into the modern treatments that are widely used by doctors. The idea of herbal medicines is to use these natural ingredients in their original form.
However, it may not always be clear exactly what ingredients have been used in a product you buy, and what the right dose to take is. It comes from a plant. It has been used for hundreds of years as a treatment for mental health problems and for wound healing. You can buy it from a chemist or health food shop without a prescription and many people use it to treat depression. But, doctors do not know what the long-term effects are, or what the right amount to take is.
Complementary therapies are popular in the UK. In fact, around 16 out of people will be treated by a complementary therapist and as many as half of us may use a complementary therapy at some time in our lives. There are many reasons why people choose to use them. Our short survey takes just a few minutes to complete and helps us to keep improving our health information.
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Plant-based or herbal medicine has been around for centuries and has even influenced conventional medicine as we know it today. This information was published by Bupa's Health Content Team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been reviewed by appropriate medical or clinical professionals and deemed accurate on the date of review. Photos are only for illustrative purposes and do not reflect every presentation of a condition. Any information about a treatment or procedure is generic, and does not necessarily describe that treatment or procedure as delivered by Bupa or its associated providers.
The information contained on this page and in any third party websites referred to on this page is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice nor is it intended to be for medical diagnosis or treatment. Third party websites are not owned or controlled by Bupa and any individual may be able to access and post messages on them. Bupa is not responsible for the content or availability of these third party websites.
We do not accept advertising on this page. For more details on how we produce our content and its sources, visit the About our health information section. Back to top Menu. A cross-sectional survey. In the study, the researchers surveyed people who had been diagnosed with thoracic, breast, or gastrointestinal cancer about their attitudes and beliefs about complementary holistic medicine.
The surveys were done between June and September and included questions about the expected benefits of complementary medicine and any perceived barriers to using complementary medicine.
Your doctor wants to make sure you get the quality care you deserve. Coordination between all the doctors and practitioners you see helps to make sure you get the best care possible. For more information on complementary therapies, including the types of complementary techniques, the benefits of complementary therapies, and how to find a practitioner, visit the Breastcancer.
An overview of studies a meta analysis published in suggested that around half of people with cancer use some sort of complementary therapy at some time during their illness. For some therapies there is currently very little research evidence to show that they help with certain symptoms — for example, pain or hot flushes. But there is research going on and we are starting to collect evidence for some types of therapy.
People often use complementary therapies to help them feel better and cope with having cancer and treatment. How you feel plays a part in how you cope. Many complementary therapies concentrate on relaxation and reducing stress. They might help to calm your emotions, relieve anxiety, and increase your general sense of health and well being. Many doctors, cancer nurses and researchers are interested in the idea that positive emotions can improve your health.
There is growing evidence that certain complementary therapies can help to control some symptoms of cancer and treatment side effects. For example, acupuncture can help to relieve sickness caused by some chemotherapy drugs. Or, it can help relieve a sore mouth after having treatment for head and neck cancer. Sometimes it might feel as though your doctor makes many of the decisions about your treatment.
It can feel like you don't have much control over what happens to you. Are you comfortable with the thought of seeing this person on a regular basis? Questions to ask about treatment 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, such as prescription medicines? What side effects can I expect? How long will I need the treatment?
What are the costs? It is very important to tell your complementary therapist about your medical history and 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. A complementary therapist is not a doctor Registered medical doctors GPs may train in one or more types of complementary therapy.
If unsure, ask the therapist to explain or show you evidence of their qualifications and experience. Keep your doctor informed 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. Be wary of some therapists Not all therapists are reputable. Beware of any therapist who: Claims that their treatment is the only treatment that works Receives a commission when they sell a particular product — this could mean that the product they promote is not necessarily the most suitable 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 Charges very high fees or introduces hidden costs or charges.
Think about what you expect to gain from treatment before you start a complementary therapy. Tell your doctor about any treatments you receive. Australian regulatory guidelines for complementary medicines , , Therapeutic Goods Administration, Australian Government. More information here. Give feedback about this page.
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