It’s complementary therapy time for us at Chamberlain Dunn this February with our 2022 Complementary Therapy awards being presented during the virtual Integrative Health Convention on 11 February.
We have come across so much suspicion and misinformation about it that we thought it was high time to bust a few myths.
- You’ve never had it and wouldn’t touch it
Are you sure? You’ve never had aromatherapy, or massage, or acupuncture or done yoga, used an osteopath or chiropractor?
All these are complementary therapies as well as herbal medicine, hypnotherapy, reflexology, reiki and many others.
- You can’t get it on the NHS
You’d be surprised – it is always worth asking your GP what is available locally. Increasingly referrals are made to take the pressure off mainstream services, for example acupuncture, and chiropractic. Other services are available in cancer units and hospices. Have a look at the finalists of the 2022 Complementary Therapy awards for some impressive examples of what is going on.
- You can’t mix it with NHS services
It mixes well, taking the whole person approach – as in ‘complementary’. Of course, if you have a medical condition, let your GP, midwife or nurse know you are having complementary therapy
- It’s risky – there’s no guarantee of quality
Check that the practitioner is suitably qualified, insured and belongs to a professional association or accredited register. Find out more through the Integrated Medicine Alliance.
- It’s not research-based and you can’t evaluate it
Agreed, there is not much formal research available, but there are plenty of studies using wellbeing indices and case studies that show how overall health, wellbeing and quality of life can be improved using complementary therapy.
With many of us being more aware of what we need to do to stay healthy in mind and body, have a look at how complementary therapy can play a part.