What are alternative and complimentary types of medicine?
Alternative and complimentary medicines include a very broad range of treatments. These range from different philosophies, different approaches, and different therapies in the management of cancer. A treatment is called an alternative treatment when it is used instead of conventionally accepted and proven treatment regimes for cancer. Complimentary therapies on the other hand are used in addition to these conventional treatments. The main purpose of alternative and complimentary therapies is to prevent illness, reduce the levels of stress, and attempt to reduce the side effects and symptoms associated with cancer treatment. Some very commonly used methods of alternative and complimentary medicine include intervention programs for mind and body control such as visualization exercises or relaxation exercises, manual healing techniques such as acupuncture, acupressure, and massage, and vitamin and herbal treatment regimes.
