Complementary therapy

Conventional, Western medicine plays an important role in treating many health conditions and diseases. Complementary medicine recognizes that, sometimes, patients need support that goes beyond what traditional medicine provides.

At Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic, we use a variety of complementary therapies to deliver whole-person health care to all our patients.

What is complementary therapy?

Providers typically use complementary therapy (also called complementary medicine) alongside conventional medical treatment. It’s designed to complement, not replace, the care regimen your doctor has prescribed for you.

People often use other names interchangeably, but each has a specific meaning:

• Complementary medicine: Complementary therapies are used together with conventional medicine.
• Alternative medicine: Alternative therapies are typically used in place of conventional medicine.
• Integrative medicine: This is a practice that brings complementary and conventional therapies together in a coordinated treatment plan.

Types of complementary therapy

Many different types of treatments fall under the umbrella of complementary therapy. These can include:

• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic care
• Creative arts therapy
• Massage therapy
• Meditation
• Nutritional counseling
• Spirituality
• Stress management
• Yoga

Conditions treated with complementary therapy

Complementary therapies can support treatment and overall well-being for people with a variety of health conditions. The intention of most complementary therapies isn’t to provide a cure, but to ease symptoms or relieve side effects of medical treatments.

Complementary therapies are helpful when used alongside conventional treatment for people coping with:

• Cancer
• Chronic pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches, including migraines
• Insomnia
• Side effects of chemotherapy and other cancer treatments

Complementary therapy side effects

Talk to your doctor if you are considering using complementary therapies in addition to medical treatment. They can help you decide which therapies may be most helpful for symptom management or for supporting your well-being during treatment.

Most complementary therapies are considered relatively safe – especially when done with an experienced, licensed practitioner. But not all complementary medicine therapies have been carefully evaluated for safety and risks.

It’s also important to recognize that natural does not always equal safe. Be cautious when using nutritional supplements of any kind. Tell your doctor about anything you’re considering so they can discuss possible side effects or interactions.