Complementary medicine Flashcards

1
Q

Complementary definition

A

Complementary – seen to imply it can be used ‘alongside’ conventional treatment

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Alternative definition

A

• Alternative – suggests it should be used ‘instead’ of conventional therapies.
Generally considered ‘natural’ or ‘holistic’ and therefore safe.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Ayurvedic Medicines

A
  • Originates in India over 3000 years ago and is still used today.
  • Holistic approach looking a herbal medicine, food and other practices
  • Based on balancing three elemental properties
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Traditional Chinese Medicines

A
  • Based on concept of ‘Yin’ and ‘Yang’ – two opposing forces which need balance
  • Used in conjunction with other Chinese medicines such as acupuncture
  • Reports of duplication of medicines (i.e. Steroids)
  • No clear registration and qualifications of practitioners
  • Concerns over safety and no products currently have THR
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Acupuncture

A

Originates from china and still part of their healthcare system today
Underlying principal that illness occurs when ‘chi’ cannot flow freely
‘Needles places in points along meridian points
Some evidence of efficacy
‘Traditional’ and ‘Medical’ forms

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Massage therapy

A

Mainly used for relaxation and general wellbeing, but can be used for pain.
NICE recommends that it can be used to treat low back pain, with or without sciatica, but only as part of a other treatment being used
Small amount of evidence for it helps ease symptoms of fibromyalgia

Often used to improve symptoms associated with Cancer in terms of wellbeing Macmillan cancer support

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

chiropractic

A

Chiropractic
Theory – alignment of musculoskeletal structure, especially spine enable body healing.
Manual manipulation of spinal joints. High impact.
The statutory body for chiropractors in the UK is theGeneral Chiropractic Council.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

osteopathic

A

Osteopathic
Aimed to achieve alignment of musculoskeletal system
Achieved through massage, mobilisation and spinal manipulation.
The regulatory body for osteopathy in the UK is theGeneral Osteopathic Council

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

homeopathy

A

Arrived in the UK in 1930’s
Based on the “law of similar” or the concept of ‘like cures like’
Products can be derived from animal, vegetable or mineral
Dilution or Potentization (6x, 30x) – the smaller the amount of active ingredient, the greater the effect
No credible evidence of efficacy and theory for use based on placebo effect
Available on the NHS since 1948, but in 2017 NHS England recommended that GPs and other prescribers should stop this provision

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

interactions: • St John’s Wort – Combined hormonal contraceptive

A

• SJW decreased the efficacy of combined hormonal contraceptives. Severe interaction. MHRA advises avoid. FSRH (Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health) offers more guidance

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

interactions• St John’s Wort – Warfarin

A

• SJW Decreases anticoagulant effect of warfarin. Severe interaction. Avoid use.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

interactions• Cranberry Juice – Warfarin

A

Cranberry increases anticoagulant effect of warfarin. Severe interaction. Avoid use.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

interactions • Vitamin A – Isotretinoin

A

Isotretinoin increased risk of Vitamin A toxicity. Severe interaction. Avoid use.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly