Complementary therapies Flashcards
What does the practice of complementary & alternative medicine (CAM) involve?
Any medical system based on a theory of disease or method of treatment other than the orthodox science of medicine taught in medical schools
Who visit and use complementary practitioners/medicines?
~10% of adults consult a complementary practitioner every year
~30% of people with cancer use complementary therapies
~50% of GPs provide access to complementary medicine for NHS patients
90% of contact happens outside the NHS
Why do people turn to complementary therapies?
Persistent symptoms
Real or perceived adverse effects of conventional treatments
Preference for ‘holistic’ approach to their problem
May feel they receive more time and attention
High level of satisfaction reported
What are doctor’s perspectives of complementary therapies?
Believe some established forms may be of benefit
Common concerns include:
- Patients may see unqualified practitioners
- May risk missed or delayed diagnosis
- May refuse conventional treatment
- May waste money on ineffective treatments
- The mechanisms of some complementary treatments is so implausible it cannot work, e.g. homeopathy
Appropriate use of resources?
Why is there little evidence base for complementary therapies?
Who will fund the trials?
Trial of a single intervention may not reflect reality
Difficult to make double-blind
What arguments for NICE to evaluate complementary therapies are there?
High public interest
Half GPs provide access
Could address inequalities in access/ opportunity
Should apply same standards
NICE could stimulate more/ higher quality research
What arguments against NICE evaluating complementary therapies are there?
Money in NHS limited
NICE had higher priorities
Poor quality evidence
Describe the practice of aromatherapy
Controlled use of essential oils, with therapeutic properties such as relieving stress, easing tension, improving health & promoting a sense of wellbeing
How are essential oils used in aromatherapy?
Essential oils are highly flammable essences from plants
Evaporate quickly
Trained practitioners use them topically, with massage & through inhalation
Name some specific essential oils and their (claimed) effects
Basil – sharpening concentration, uplifting effect on depression, relieve headaches and migraines
Clove oil – topical analgesic, especially useful in dentistry
Lavender oil – to calm and relax, and to soothe headaches and migraine
Black Pepper – stimulating the circulation and for muscular aches and pains
Yarrow Oil – Reduce joint inflammation and relieve cold and influenza symptoms
What is acupuncture?
Trigger points, and their characteristic patterns of referred pain, can be treated by direct needling at the trigger point
Also used in MSK medicine, with trigger points being treated by manipulative techniques
