Complementary therapies
Complementary Therapies
Complementary therapies (pronunciation: /kɒmplɪˈmɛntəri θɛrəpiːz/) are a variety of health-related therapies and disciplines that are typically used in conjunction with, or as an addition to, conventional Western medicine.
Etymology
The term "complementary" originates from the Latin word "complementum", meaning "something that completes". In this context, it refers to therapies that are used to enhance or complete the treatment provided by conventional medicine.
Types of Complementary Therapies
There are many types of complementary therapies, some of the most common include:
- Acupuncture: A traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body.
- Chiropractic: A form of alternative medicine that focuses on diagnosis and treatment of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine.
- Herbal medicine: The use of plants or plant extracts for medicinal purposes.
- Homeopathy: A system of alternative medicine that treats a disease with minute doses of natural substances that in a healthy person would produce symptoms of the disease.
- Massage therapy: The manipulation of soft tissues in the body to relieve pain, reduce stress, and promote wellness.
- Meditation: A practice where an individual uses a technique to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state.
- Yoga: A physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in ancient India.
Related Terms
- Alternative medicine: Any of a range of medical therapies that are not regarded as orthodox by the medical profession.
- Integrative medicine: A holistic approach to care that uses both conventional and complementary therapies.
- Holistic health: A concept in medical practice upholding that all aspects of people's needs, physical, social, and mental should be taken into account and seen as a whole.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Complementary therapies
- Wikipedia's article - Complementary therapies
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