Ulyana Velikova

What is Complementary medicine? Ulyana Velikova Table of Contents 1)Introduction.............................................................................................................................................1 2)Types of Complimentary medicine.........................................................................................................2 a)Sensory Complementary Medicine....................................................................................................2 -Aromatherapy..................................................................................................................................2 -Landscape Therapy..........................................................................................................................3 -Music Therapy.................................................................................................................................3 -Massage...........................................................................................................................................3 -Therapeutic Touch...........................................................................................................................4 -Reiki................................................................................................................................................5 -Reflexology.....................................................................................................................................5 -Acupuncture....................................................................................................................................6 b)Cognitive Complementary Medicine.................................................................................................6 -Guided Imagery (visualization).......................................................................................................6 -Hypnotherapy..................................................................................................................................7 -Meditation.......................................................................................................................................7 -Relaxation and Deep Breathing.......................................................................................................8 -Biofeedback.....................................................................................................................................8 c)Expressive Complementary Medicine...............................................................................................8 -Psychotherapy.................................................................................................................................9 -Support Groups...............................................................................................................................9 -Journal Writing..............................................................................................................................10 -Art Therapy...................................................................................................................................10 d)Physical Complementary Medicine.................................................................................................10 -Physical Exercise...........................................................................................................................11 Yoga...............................................................................................................................................11 -Tai Chi...........................................................................................................................................12 -Qi Gong.........................................................................................................................................12 e)Medical Systems Complementary Medicine....................................................................................13 -Naturopathy...................................................................................................................................13 -Anthroposophical medicine...........................................................................................................13 - Western herbalism........................................................................................................................14 -Chinese herbalism.........................................................................................................................15 Ayurveda........................................................................................................................................15 3)Conclusion............................................................................................................................................16 1)Introduction Complementary medicine is a group of diagnostic and therapeutic disciplines that are used together with conventional medicine. Even that complementary medicine has a lot of similarities with alternative medicine, there is a significant difference-complimentary medicine doesn't deny conventional medicine and it is used together with it, but alternative medicine denies conventional medicine and it is used instead of It is a form of complementary medicine that relies on the body's nerve endings and pressure points to promote relaxation. There are many forms of massage: Shiatsu, Hellerwork, and Reflexology for example. However, the most widespread variation builds upon the five basic strokes of Swedish massage: effleurage (slow, rhythmic gliding strokes in the direction of blood flow towards the heart) petrissage (kneading, pressing and rolling muscle groups) friction (steady pressure or tight circular movements, often used around joints) percussion, (drumming body) and vibration (rapid movement shaking the muscle back and forth). There are many benefits of massage therapy for patients undergoing treatment for cancer. There are also concerns and possible risks. Massage therapy has been used to treat stress and anxiety, improve mood, induce relaxation, and control pain. For patients undergoing surgery, the application of appropriate massage can promote healing at incision sites and may prevent or reduce scarring. Use of foot massage was shown to have a positive effect on patients' perceptions of pain, nausea and relaxation. There are situations in which massage can be risky or the techniques need to be adjusted. For example; massage should not be given if signs of infection are present at the surgical site. Immediately after surgery when a person is at risk of developing blood clots, massage of the legs is not advised. Patients undergoing radiation should not have massage techniques applied in the area of the radiation field because the massage may further irritate the irradiated skin. During chemotherapy, often patients are at increased risk of infection, anemia or bruising. Special precautions need to be taken with massage at this time. The use of massage therapy as an adjunct to cancer treatment should be discussed with the patient's treating physician (oncologist, radiation oncologist or surgeon). This is so that any risks can be discussed and details about the patient's condition can be provided so that a licensed massage therapist (LMT) can provide a safe and effective massage to the patient with cancer. Massage therapy can be very beneficial to a person undergoing cancer treatment. However, be sure to discuss with your healthcare provider so this therapy can be used safely. -Therapeutic Touch It is a complementary medicine form that presupposes that people have individual "energy fields" that interact with one another and with the environment as part of a universal energy force. These fields are thought of in scientific, rather than in mystical terms. In the late 1960s Dr. Dolores Krieger, Professor of Nursing at New York University learned the technique of "laying on of hands" from a healer, Dora Kunz. She began to teach what she called Therapeutic Touch to her students. In a Therapeutic Touch (TT) session, the practitioner attempts to attune their energy fields with the patient so that disturbances in the "energy flow" are balanced and the body's healing powers can work on feeling stronger or better, or to picture the destruction of tumor cells while in a state of relaxation. In one technique, patients visualize various aspects of treatment, from the least frightening to the most painful, remaining calm and relaxed at each step. This method has helped patients to control nausea before chemotherapy. -Hypnotherapy It would be similar to guided imagery; however, a physician or licensed hypnotherapist would be needed to induce deep relaxation. -Meditation It is a method of relaxing and quieting the mind to relieve muscle tension and facilitate inner peace. There are numerous forms of meditation, taught individually or in group settings. -Physical Exercise When possible for the patient, physical exercises have been shown to release endorphins (mood elevating hormones) and promote better general health, relief of tension and positive attitudes. Even something as simple as walking and certain forms of dance are helpful to patients. -Yoga It is a form of gentle exercise consisting of body postures and breathing techniques. It has been practiced for thousands of years in India and has now become popular around the world. In the West, it is valued more for its physical than spiritual benefits, such as its ability to increase suppleness and vitality and to relieve stress and fatigue. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ulyana Velikova. E-mail-LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-rai-rai-b9b762150/ Long years entrepreneur, I have a huge passion for this. From starting a business from humble beginnings to write articles/advises and sharing my experience with others. As a typical entrepreneur, I have not one, but several activities in which I have a huge passion :))) I like to do professional researches and articles and I have a huge passion about finances, investment and entrepreneurship. I also do translation as my business for more complicated translation (medical and technical one, etc.) Bulgarian, English, Russian. In my free time I like walking, jogging, reading crime novels and meeting with interesting people. If you have the same passions and interests as me, you can follow me on my LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-rai-rai-b9b762150/