Archives of General Internal Medicine

Archives of General Internal Medicine 44 7897 074717

Chinese Medicine Uses Open Access Journals

Complementary therapy is understood by many various terms, including medicine, alternative therapy, medicine, holistic therapy and traditional medicine. A wide range of therapies and treatments exists under the term ‘complementary therapy’, which makes it difficult to supply a blanket definition. Complementary therapies are used besides conventional medicines or treatments. Alternative therapies are sometimes grouped with complementary therapies, but they ask different concepts. Alternative therapies are utilized in place of conventional medicines or treatments. Here is evidence to support the utilization of some complementary therapies, but alternative therapies are typically unproven or are shown to be ineffective. There is no scientific or medical evidence for a few complementary therapies and lots of alternative therapies, and that they could also be unsafe or cause harmful side effects. Conventional medicine is based on rigorous science and evaluation. Historically this has not been the case for complementary therapies. Some complementary therapies have now been tested in good quality scientific trials, but most have not. Conventional medicine and complementary therapies can often be used alongside one another. However, it's important to inform your doctor and your complementary practitioner of all medicines, treatments and remedies you're taking or use. Some complementary therapies have the potential to cause side effects or interact with conventional medicines. Never stop taking prescribed medications, or change the dose, without first discussing together with your doctor.

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