Complementary, alternative and holistic medicine are three commonly used terms about which there are many misconceptions. They cover a wide variety of treatments and approaches that have different levels of acceptance in the traditional medical community.
However, being aware of these practices and how they can improve the quality of your life and health as a person with a disability is always a good idea.
Types of MedicineComplementary medicine - Complementary medicine is used in conjunction with traditional medical treatment. This includes practices like using massage, music or aroma therapy during a medical or dental procedure to ease discomfort and anxiety.
Alternative medicine - Alternative medicine refers to non-traditional techniques used in place of more typical medical approaches. Alternative medicine can include using diet to control a disease instead of medication generally recommended and accepted as the standard course of treatment by doctors.
Holistic medicine - Holistic medicine, meanwhile, does not refer to any specific type of treatment, but rather the philosophical approach of some healthcare providers -- both traditional and alternative. Holistic medicine looks not just at resolving the problem with a particular part of the body, but at treating the whole person -- physically, mentally and spiritually. Complementary medicine practices are often used in a holistic approach.
The holistic approach has marked benefits for people with disabilities, because it requires medical professionals to address some of the potential consequences of living with a disability that affect your overall well-being without being traditionally considered a medical matter.
These include issues of self-image and social acceptance, which can be particularly challenging if you are adjusting to life with a disability or a change in your health status. Additionally, the holistic approach ensures you will always be treated as a whole person instead of your disability being focused on to the exclusion of all else.
Find a DoctorTo find a doctor with a holistic approach or to find out more about holistic medicine in general, visit the American Holistic Medical Association. A holistic practitioner can help you connect to practitioners of complementary medicine that meet your needs. In many cases, a holistic practitioner will have some complementary medicine practitioners they work with on a regular basis such as acupuncturists and other providers whose work focuses on encouraging the body to heal itself to the best of its abilities.
You can also find information on complementary medicine through the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The Mayo Clinic also has excellent articles to help you understand common complementary and alternative practices including the use of supplements, herbalism and touch-related practices.
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