Complemetary Therapies

Question 1

What does the practice of complementary and alternative medicine involve?

Answer 1

Any medial system based on a theory of disease, or method of treatment, other than the orthodox science of medicine as taught in medical schools

Question 2

What % of adults consult a complementary practitioner each year?

Answer 2

10%

Question 3

What % of people with cancer use complementary therapies?

Answer 3

30%

Question 4

What % of GPs provide access to complementary medicine for NHS patients?

Answer 4

50%

Question 5

What % of complimentary medicine contact happens outside of NHS?

Answer 5

90%

Question 6

Why do people turn to complementary therapies?

Answer 6

Persistent symptoms
Real of 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

Question 7

What do most doctors believe about complimentary therapies?

Answer 7

Some established forms may be of benefit

Question 8

What are the common concerns doctors have regarding complementary therapies?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

What is the problem with obtaining a greater evidence base for complementary therapies?

Answer 9

Who will fund the trials?
Trial of single intervention may not reflect reality
Difficult to make double blind

Question 10

What are the arguments for NICE evaluation of complementary therapies?

Answer 10

High public interest
Half GPs provide access
Could address inequalities in access/opportunity
Should apply same standards
NICE could stimulate more/higher quality research

Question 11

What are the arguments against NICE evaluation of complementary therapies?

Answer 11

Money in NHS limited
NICE has higher priorities
Poor quality evidence

Question 12

Give two examples of complementary therapies?

Answer 12

Aromatherapy

Acupuncture

Question 13

What is aromatherapy?

Answer 13

The controlled use of essential oils

Question 14

What are the therapeutic properties of essential oils?

Answer 14

Relieving stress
Easing tension
Improving health
Promoting sense of wellbeing

Question 15

What are essential oils?

Answer 15

Highly fragrant flammable essences from plants, which evaporate quickly

Question 16

What are practitioners trained to do in aromatherapy?

Answer 16

Use them topically combined with massage and through inhalation

Question 17

How is aromatherapy thought to work?

Answer 17

By stimulating the limbic system of the midbrain, which releases hormones that influence mood

Question 18

Give 5 essential oils

Answer 18

Basil
Clove oil
Lavender oil
Black pepper
Yarrow oil

Question 19

What is the claimed effect of basil?

Answer 19

Sharpening concentration
Uplifting effect on depression
Relieve headaches and migrates

Question 20

What are the claimed effects of clove oil?

Answer 20

Topic analgesic, especially useful in dentistry

Question 21

What are the claimed effects of lavender oil?

Answer 21

Calm and relax

Sooth headaches and migraines

Question 22

What are the claimed effects of black pepper?

Answer 22

Stimulating the circulation
For muscular aches and pains

Is this unit for real

Question 23

What are the claimed effects of yarrow oil?

Answer 23

Reduce joint inflammation

Relieve cold and influenza symptoms

Question 24

What happens in acupuncture?

Answer 24

Trigger points, and their characteristic patterns of referred pain, can be treated by directing needling at trigger point.

Question 25

Where are the concepts used in acupuncture also used?

Answer 25

In musculoskeletal medicine

Question 26

How are acupuncture concepts used in musculoskeletal medicine?

Answer 26

Trigger points are treated by manipulative techniques