Complementary Therapies
No one treatment works for everyone.
In addition to conventional medicine, there are also complementary and alternative therapies (CAM) that may help PN patients. Complementary therapies are used along with conventional medicine while alternative therapies are used in place of traditional medicine.
Many CAM therapies have not been evaluated in rigorous controlled clinical trials utilized in Western medicine. To address this, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, part of the National Institutes of Health, has developed an international presence in the field with a mission to explore and evaluate complementary and alternative therapies. They do have many research projects in the U.S.
No one treatment works for everyone, but some do find relief from CAM therapies. As with any medical treatments, there can be risks. And, while it is important to be aware of the risks, it is also encouraging to hear about the CAM therapies used by many PN sufferers.
Complementary and alternative therapies should not replace your conventional care. The best approach is to integrate these therapies with your current treatments.
List of Complementary & Alternative TherapiesTypes of Therapies
The breakdown of CAM therapies
This category is the most popular form of CAM, used by more than 15% of the U.S. population. These include herbal medicines, vitamins, minerals, and products sold over the counter as dietary supplements. For a list of possible supplements click here.
Using mind and body practices that focus on the interactions among the brain, mind, body, and behavior, to affect physical functioning and promote health. Examples are: Meditation, yoga, acupuncture, deep breathing exercises, hypnotherapy, progressive relaxation, and tai chi.
These practices focus primarily of the structures and systems of the body, including bones and joints, soft tissue, and circulatory and lymphatic systems. Spinal manipulation and massage fall into this category.
Energy medicine is among the most controversial of the CAM therapies. These therapies involve the manipulation of various energy fields to affect health. The most common practices include those involving electromagnetic fields (magnet and light therapy).