Complementary Versus Alternative Medicine

by Chef K.T. Murphy

In this article information on Complementary Versus, Alternative Medicines will be provided. Complementary and alternative medications have long been mistaken as the same thing, but they aren’t. Both terms refer to medicinal treatments that aren’t commonly part of mainstream healthcare. The difference comes into play with how the medicines are used.

Alternative medicines are when you use these uncommon treatments instead of traditional medicine and complementary medicine refers to when you use these treatments alongside traditional medicine.

Using alternative medicine is rather uncommon and often advised against among doctors, as it can be fairly risky. However, complementary medicine is gaining more and more popularity as the combination of traditional and non-traditional treatment has proven quite effective.

Alternative vs. Complementary: Which is Better?

Most doctors agree that complementary medicine works far better than alternative medicine and some even argue that complementary and traditional medicine works better than traditional medicine alone.

Many people find acupuncture, yoga, and other complementary therapies to be effective when added to traditional methods in treating pain, depression, anxiety, blood pressure, heart rate, and even help with some of the symptoms of cancer and its treatment.

Complementary medicine is far better and safer than alternative medicine. When used in conjunction with traditional medicine, complementary medicine can help to make your treatment more complete, filling in the gaps traditional medicine often leaves.

Due to the fact that alternative medicine frequently involves questionable and unproven methods without any proven methods to help, it’s quite risky and more often than not ineffective.

Are There Risks Involved with Alternative or Complementary Medicine?

As with all types of medicine and treatment, there are some risks involved. Admittedly, there is far more risk involved with alternative medicine than complementary. When used exclusively, alternative medicines can cause potentially life-threatening problems, as you’re likely not getting the proper treatment for your condition.

Complementary medicines don’t have as many risks, but depending on the type of treatment, there could be mild risk involved. The following are known problems with certain herbs, supplements, and vitamins:

• Kava Kava – This herb is often used to treat anxiety, but it can cause liver damage

• Dietary Supplements – Certain dietary supplements can interfere with cancer treatments.

• Vitamin C – High doses of vitamin C can affect the effectiveness of radiation and chemotherapy.

• St. John’s Wort – While this herb is often used to treat depression, it can reduce the effectiveness of certain cancer medications, immunosuppressants, and antiretrovirals.

• Herbal Products for Chinese and Ayurvedic Medicine – Some of these may contain heavy metals that are dangerous to the body like arsenic or lead.

• Chiropractic Treatment – There are common side effects to this treatment like mild headaches that don’t last long, but there’s also a slight greater risk. In the rare cases that chiropractic treatment has been done on the spine, it’s led to a stroke in the patient.

Final Thoughts

The difference between alternative and complementary medicines is very simple; one is exclusive, the other isn’t, respectively. Before deciding whether to take the plunge into complementary medicine or, more drastically, alternative medicine, we recommend highly consulting with your doctor first.

Keep in mind that while complementary medicine can help make a more complete treatment when added to traditional methods, alternative medicine can be rather risky, potentially even life-threatening.We also insist that you always do thorough research before just jumping into a medical treatment, and this goes for traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine. Your doctors know a lot, but they aren’t perfect. Likewise, you can’t trust everything you read on the internet, on social media, or hear from someone on the street. Do your research through verified and legitimate sources before you try any medical treatment of any kind and talk to your Doctor.

All the best

Chef Murph

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