Complementary medicine

Question 1

Complementary definition

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Alternative definition

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Ayurvedic Medicines

Answer 3

• 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

Question 4

Traditional Chinese Medicines

Answer 4

• 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

Question 5

Acupuncture

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Massage therapy

Answer 6

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

Question 7

chiropractic

Answer 7

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.

Question 8

osteopathic

Answer 8

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

Question 9

homeopathy

Answer 9

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

Question 10

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

Answer 10

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

Question 11

interactions• St John’s Wort – Warfarin

Answer 11

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

Question 12

interactions• Cranberry Juice – Warfarin

Answer 12

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

Question 13

interactions • Vitamin A – Isotretinoin

Answer 13

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