Many of us think that " complementary medicine" and "alternative medicine" are the same thing. Although they are often lumped together and called CAM, they are actually two different types of treatment. They both refer to treatments that are outside the mainstream of Western medicine, such as herbal medicine and acupuncture. But there is a big difference between the two, and one that we all need to know. Let's talk about it briefly today.
Simply put, what is this difference?
Understanding this difference is very important for your health.
- Complementary Medicine: This is when you use another form of treatment in addition to the Western treatment you are already receiving from a doctor . Simply put, it is like "doing this with that".
- Alternative Medicine: This is when you completely stop taking Western treatments prescribed by a doctor and use a different treatment method instead . It's like "doing this instead of that."
Specialist doctors recommend that alternative medical methods, that is, Western treatments, be completely discontinued and other methods avoided, as they can be very dangerous.
Let's look at these examples to further clarify this difference.
| Treatment method | Meaning | An example suitable for Sri Lanka |
|---|---|---|
| Complementary | Use in conjunction with Western treatment. | A person undergoing chemotherapy for cancer may, with the advice of their doctor, practice yoga or meditation to reduce nausea and fatigue. |
| Alternative | Use instead of Western treatment. | Completely stop taking the pills prescribed by the doctor for high blood pressure and drink only an herbal drink instead. (This is very risky). |
Who benefits from these complementary therapies?
Anyone can benefit from these. But the important thing is that not all treatments work the same for everyone. Also, some complementary therapies are better researched than others.
For example:
- Acupuncture: Research has shown that it can provide relief for chronic back and neck pain, arthritis pain, and various headaches.
- Yoga: Yoga helps reduce pain, reduce stress, depression, anxiety, and control blood pressure and heart rate .
- Side effects of cancer treatments: Some complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, can help relieve side effects of cancer treatments, such as fatigue and nausea. Remember, these are not meant to cure cancer, but to help manage the side effects of its treatments.
Aren't there any risks in these?
There are definitely risks. Any medical system, including Western medicine, can have some risks.
However, alternative medicine , which means stopping the treatment given by the doctor and using another method, is very dangerous. Sometimes it can even be life-threatening. The main reason for this is that you do not receive scientifically proven, effective treatments for your disease.
However, some complementary methods, such as meditation, have few or no major side effects and can be used safely.
However, some herbal products, vitamins, and supplements also have risks and side effects. They are not as strictly regulated by the government as Western medicines. Just because something is labeled "natural" doesn't mean it's safe.
Let's look at the risks of several commonly discussed products.
| Production / Treatment | Possible risk |
|---|---|
| St. John's Wort (an herb used for depression) | It can reduce the effectiveness of some Western medications, such as cancer drugs and immunosuppressants. |
| Kava Kava (an herb used for anxiety) | Liver damage may occur. |
| Vitamin C (in very high doses) | It can affect the success of chemotherapy and radiation treatments for cancer. |
| Chinese and Ayurvedic herbal products | Some products may contain heavy metals such as lead and arsenic. |
| Dietary Supplements | Various cancer treatments can cause problems. For example, some supplements can increase skin sensitivity during radiation therapy. |
| Chiropractic treatment, such as acupuncture | Very rarely, conditions such as stroke have been reported. Minor side effects such as headaches are common and are short-lived. |
So how do I decide if this treatment is right for me?
This is the most important part. Before you start any complementary therapy, you should always talk to your Western doctor. He or she will be able to help you make the most appropriate and safe decision for you. He or she may also be able to help you find someone who is qualified and experienced in this type of treatment.
Also, it is essential to tell your doctor about every medication (Western, Ayurvedic, herbal), every supplement, and every treatment you are taking. Don't hide that information. Only then will your doctor be able to check for dangerous drug interactions and treat you safely.
If you are taking any complementary therapies, tell your primary care doctor about them. Also, tell your complementary therapist about any Western medications you are taking. By sharing information openly in this way, you can make the most of both methods safely.
Take-Home Message
- Complementary means things done alongside Western treatments. Alternative means things done instead of Western treatments.
- Alternative medicine, i.e., stopping treatment prescribed by a doctor and doing something else , can be very dangerous.
- Just because something is labeled "natural" doesn't mean it's 100% safe. They can still have side effects and risks.
- Always inform your doctor about any herbal products, vitamins, or other complementary therapies you are taking. It is very important for your safety.
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