What are Complementary Therapies?

Eden Wellbeing Massage Therapies & Reflexology in Swindon November 05, 2014

Complementary therapies have been around for thousands of years. Many people think of them as modern and “new age”, but in fact the conventional medicine that we routinely use and get prescribed from our doctors are often based on complementary therapies, mainly herbal medicine.

Complementary therapies are treatments that sit outside the traditional or conventional medicine of our primary care health system. However, it is important to recognise that a treatment that is complementary for one culture may be traditional in another. For example acupuncture is classed as complementary in the UK, but is classed as traditional in China.

The central concept for the majority of complementary and alternative therapies is that the whole person is looked at rather than just treating a specific symptom, which conventional medicine has sometimes been criticised of. During the first consultation, an in-depth history will be taken, where the therapist will ask questions on the clients well being. Complementary therapists see symptoms as valuable messengers which can indicate an underlying problem. These symptoms can indicate that the balance has been altered and that some adjustments may need to be made for health to be regained. If symptoms are ignored, then more significant problems may occur later on.

This holistic view and the importance of maintaining good health tempts many people to try complementary therapies as they have a desire to improve their lives, as well as having more choice. Holistic comes from the word “whole” and means that the whole person is treated and not just the symptom, as very often one condition can cause the symptoms of another.

Complementary therapies can help restore the body’s natural equilibrium and balance. They can boost the immune system, improve circulation, increase energy levels, help rid the body of toxins and induce a deep state of relaxation. Although most therapies work on this basis, specific therapies lend themselves to treating specific physical, mental or emotional problems, as well as working as a preventative measure.