Complementary medicine Flashcards
Complementary definition
Complementary – seen to imply it can be used ‘alongside’ conventional treatment
Alternative definition
• Alternative – suggests it should be used ‘instead’ of conventional therapies.
Generally considered ‘natural’ or ‘holistic’ and therefore safe.
Ayurvedic Medicines
- 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
Traditional Chinese Medicines
- 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
Acupuncture
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
Massage therapy
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
chiropractic
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.
osteopathic
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
homeopathy
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
interactions: • St John’s Wort – Combined hormonal contraceptive
• SJW decreased the efficacy of combined hormonal contraceptives. Severe interaction. MHRA advises avoid. FSRH (Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health) offers more guidance
interactions• St John’s Wort – Warfarin
• SJW Decreases anticoagulant effect of warfarin. Severe interaction. Avoid use.
interactions• Cranberry Juice – Warfarin
Cranberry increases anticoagulant effect of warfarin. Severe interaction. Avoid use.
interactions • Vitamin A – Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin increased risk of Vitamin A toxicity. Severe interaction. Avoid use.