What are Complementary and Alternative T



What are Complementary and Alternative Treatments?Complementary and alternative treatments are treatments that are not part of mainstream care. You may also hear them being called ‘holistic treatments’.You can use complementary and alternative treatments alongside other treatments. For example, they can be useful to deal with side effects of medication and symptoms of mental illness.Can I complementary and alternative treatments for mental health problems?People use complementary and alternative treatments to treat many different health conditions. The NHS gives information about these treatments for some health needs. However, there is still a lack of reliable scientific evidence about their use in treating mental and physical plementary and alternative treatments will look at all parts of your recovery and needs, and aim to look at your physical, mental, spiritual wellbeing. This is known as a holistic approach. Many people with mental illness find this approach beneficial.AcupunctureAcupuncture is based on an ancient Chinese treatment. A practitioner will put small thin needles into your skin at certain points on your body. These needles start healing processes in your body.Some acupuncture therapists say it can be used to treat mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and insomnia. There has been some research into its uses for depression and schizophrenia. But at this point there is not a lot of scientific evidence into its effectiveness in treating mental health conditions.AromatherapyAromatherapy is the use of essential oils to improve health and wellbeing. ?Some oils can be used to treat mental and emotional health problems. You can use aromatherapy oils in massages, bathing or by breathing them in. Research has shown that aromatherapy can be useful to treat symptoms of depression and anxiety.? ?Herbal medicineHerbal medicine (sometimes known as herbal remedies) is medicine which is made from plants. You can get herbal remedies in different forms such as liquid, powder or cream. It is important to go to a qualified herbalist to get an assessment and proper treatment. Many mainstream drugs and medicines are based on herbal medicines. You should always talk to your doctor, psychiatrist or a pharmacist before taking any herbal remedies. This is to make sure they do not have a negative interaction with medication you already take or a health condition you have.?The table below has some of the commonly used herbal remedies for mental health needs.?NameUsesSt John's WortDepressionValerian?AnxietyPassion FlowerAnxiety, alcohol withdrawalBach Flower Remedies ? ? ? ? ??Anxiety, panic, traumaRoseroot / RhodiolaStress, anxiety, tirednessSageDepression and anxiety, memory problemsChamomileMild sedativeHomeopathyHomeopathic medicines are usually plant or mineral based medicines which are highly diluted. They are said to work by getting the body to heal itself. There are homeopathic treatments for all kinds of health conditions, including depression, anxiety and stress.NICE guidelines do not recommend homeopathic medicines but some GPs and hospitals in the NHS offer this treatment.MassageMassage is a form of structured and pressurised touch, or kneading, of the body. Massage relaxes and relieves muscle pain. There are different types of massage, including:Swedish massage, which involves light strokes aiming to relax the muscles to relieve tension?shiatsu massage, which puts pressure on certain points to help balance your energy.You can get a massage with aromatherapy oils, which can improve the effects of the treatment.? ?Meditation and mindfulnessMeditation and mindfulness is when you sit and focus your mind on your breath, a mantra (a repeated phrase) or an object. It is a way of paying attention to the present moment. When you practice meditation or mindfulness you learn to be more aware of your thoughts and feelings. Once you are more aware of your thoughts and feelings, you can learn to deal with them better.Mindfulness based cognitive behavioural therapy (MCBT) is a combination of mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends MCBT to treat depression. A MBCT programme lasts eight weeks. Each session is two hours and you have daily practice. You should have four follow-up sessions in 12 months after the end of therapy.You can also access mindfulness through courses, self-help guides or mobile apps. You can find out more about mindfulness at?bemindful.co.uk/.Spiritual/Energy HealingPeople who practice spiritual or energy healing believe that you have a ‘physical body’ and an ‘energy body’. Spiritual or energy healers believe that your ‘energy body’ affects your mental health. A practitioner helps to fix your energy body. They do this by putting their hands above your body in certain places. One of the most well known forms of energy healing in England is ‘Reiki’.You may feel relaxed during and after the treatment. Reiki may help with symptoms of depression and stress after 6 weekly sessions.There is little research into the effects of energy healing for people with mental illness.? ?Supplements/vitaminsHaving a balanced diet can help maintain your mental health. You can ask your GP to refer you to a nutritional therapist or you can go to one yourself.If you choose to take supplements then make sure you look at the evidence and information about the supplement. You should talk to your GP about supplements you want to take as some may be harmful if not used correctly.? ?YogaYoga is form of exercise. Yoga involves breathing techniques while doing different movements. Yoga can help to reduce depression and anxiety and improve overall wellbeing.? ................
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