The popularity of combining conventional medicine with complementary therapies is growing. More and more people are embracing a holistic approach to their wellbeing routine with the use of complementary treatments. 

The most common types of complementary treatment include acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, chiropractic treatment, homeopathy, osteopathy, and podiatry.

Complementary treatments take a holistic approach to by focusing on treating the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – rather than focusing solely on physical symptoms or specific conditions. According to the World Health Organisation, complementary medicine is increasingly being used by people with chronic health conditions. These treatments can also help manage a wide range of conditions including stress, anxiety, arthritis, high blood pressure, hormonal imbalances, allergies, and more. 

Interesting fact

Complementary treatments can help with stress and anxiety, muscular pains, lower back pain and joint problems, according to studies.

The different types of complementary treatments

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a treatment derived from ancient Chinese medicine and is one of the most commonly used complementary treatments. It involves inserting fine needles into certain points on the body. The stimulation of these points by the acupuncturist promotes health, by unblocking stagnant Qi (life-force), and moving blood. When Qi does not flow freely through the body, it can cause a wide range of illnesses such as pain, infertility, digestive disorders, stress, depression, migraine, and much more. Acupuncture can alleviate these conditions, and can prevent symptoms from developing into a more serious illness.

The scientific view is that acupuncture points correspond to nerve pathways in the body and inserting needles at these points causes the release of the body’s natural opiate-like painkillers. Acupuncture is often used as a complementary treatment alongside Western therapies such as chemotherapy, surgery, dialysis, and pain management.

A treatment generally lasts one hour, is relatively painless, and induces deep relaxation.

Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for a range of conditions, including:

• General aches and pain
• Chronic pain including back, neck, shoulder; dental, or leg pain
• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Sports injuries
• Headaches, particularly tension headaches, and migraines
• Joint and muscle pain
• Stress
• Cancer symptoms such as pain
• Side effects of chemotherapy treatment such as nausea and vomiting
• Nausea and vomiting after surgery

Did you know?

Acupuncture has been evaluated in numerous studies and is now recognized as a safe method for managing chemotherapy-associated nausea and vomiting.

Chinese herbal medicine

Herbal medicine is the use of plants to treat disease, and enhance health and wellbeing. Chinese medicine practitioners make a formula tailored specifically to your condition, or they can dispense herbal medicines pre-packaged as granules, pills, or raw herbs.

The effectiveness of herbal medicine lies in the active compounds present in plants, which can have therapeutic effects on the body. It is important to note that herbal remedies should be used under the guidance of a qualified herbalist or healthcare professional, as they can interact with medications and may not be suitable for everyone.

Herbal medicine practitioners treat a wide range of conditions including:

• Headaches
• Migraine
• Digestive problems
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Menstrual problems
• Menopausal problems

Chiropractic treatment

Chiropractors use their hands to examine and treat problems of the bones, muscles, and joints. They employ a hands-on therapy called manipulation or adjustment. Chiropractic treatment is based on the concept that restricted movement in the spine leads to pain and reduced function. It aims to improve joint mobility and alleviate pain by focusing on mechanical problems in the spine. Spinal adjustments are carried out with the aim of treating this restricted movement, improving function, and decreasing back pain. 

Research suggests that chiropractic adjustments can provide relief for certain types of musculoskeletal pain, by improve range of motion and overall quality of life. It’s most commonly used to treat lower back and neck pain. Chiropractors may also offer nutritional, lifestyle, and ergonomic advice to support your long-term health.

Chiropractic care can mainly help with:

• Back pain
• Neck pain and stiffness
• Shoulder pain
• Elbow pain
• Migraine and tension headaches
• Whiplash
• Strains and sprains from daily activities
• Overuse injuries
• Work and sports-related injuries
• Arthritis
• Restricted movement in the back, shoulders, neck, or limbs

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a complementary treatment based on the idea that a substance that causes certain symptoms can also help to reduce those symptoms. For example, raw onion makes your eyes water. It can also cause a stinging or runny nose. A homeopathic remedy made from onion can be used to treat patients who have a cold or hay fever along with watering eyes and a runny nose.

It is based on the use of highly diluted substances, given as a pill, capsule, or tincture solution, which practitioners claim can cause the body to heal itself.

Homeopathy is most often used to treat conditions such as:

• Asthma
• Eczema
• Arthritis
• Fatigue disorders like ME
• Headache and migraine
• Menstrual and menopausal problems
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Allergies
• Repeated ear, nose, throat, and chest infections
• Urine infections
• Dermatitis
• High blood pressure
• Depression, stress, and anxiety

Did you know?

Up to 40 per cent of people with cancer use some kind of complementary therapy during their illness, according to cancer research.

Osteopathy

Osteopaths work with the body’s musculoskeletal system, which is made up of the bones, joints, muscles, and tissues. Treatment techniques include muscle manipulation, joint movements, and ‘high velocity thrusts’, which are short, sharp movements. These techniques are designed to reduce joint stiffness along with tension in the muscles, and to help the spine and joints to move more freely. Osteopaths believe that this can improve circulation and promote the body’s own healing process.

Osteopathy is often used for:

• Muscle, joint and postural problems
• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Low back pain
• Pain during pregnancy
• Sports and repetitive strain injuries
• Sciatica
• Headaches
• Osteoarthritis
• Digestive disorders
• Menstrual pain

Podiatry

Podiatry is devoted to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of a range of problems affecting the feet, ankles and legs. Podiatrists work to improve the mobility, independence, and quality of life for patients by providing treatment for a wide range of problems affecting the feet. 

Podiatrists can treat any issue that affects your feet, toes, and lower legs including:

• Ingrown toenails
• Bunions
• Fungal infections
• Toe deformities
• Foot and ankle injuries
• Bunions
• Warts
• Corns
• Calluses
• Foot and ankle arthritis
• Skin conditions affecting your feet and toenails
• Diabetic foot problems
• Sprains and strains
• Circulation problems

Did you know?

Approximately two out of three cancer patients have tried at least one complementary therapy as part of their cancer care. 

Key facts on complementary therapies

• Complementary treatments are intended to work alongside conventional medicine.
• Many people use complementary treatments to support medical treatment. 
• Complementary treatments are not a replacement for adequate medical treatment.

We recommend that you conduct thorough research when selecting a complementary therapy practitioner. Regulatory bodies specific to each therapy can help you ensure that the practitioners are both suitably qualified and safe to practise.

Always talk to your doctor if you are thinking about incorporating a complementary therapy into your healthcare routine, to ensure that the treatments are safe, appropriate, and compatible with any of your existing medical conditions or medications.

Does Your Health Plan Cover Complementary Treatments?

Many out-patient insurance plans include coverage for complementary therapies such as Chinese herbal medicine, chiropractic treatment, homeopathy, osteopathy, and podiatry.

To check your coverage, simply log in to the Lumi app and click on “My Benefits.” If included in your plan, these treatments will be listed in your Table of Benefits.