Alternative Therapies

Medical treatment or therapy is trying to cure a health problem. There are various types of therapies, and as a rule, therapy has indications and contradictions. Many therapies might have an adverse effect or not be effective enough. The treatment options of a health problem are often ranked into lines of therapy: first-line therapy, second-line therapy, third-line therapy, and so on. There are some ​​complementary and alternative therapies, which one can take alongside medicines, and they help in getting more relaxation and a stress-free mind.

First-line therapy

The first therapy tried is called first-line therapy, front-line therapy, or primary therapy induction therapy. The first-line therapy is chosen based on the clinical experience of the physician. If the first-line therapy does not work or resolve the issue or shows adverse effects, then the treatment is moved on to second-line therapy, third-line therapy, and so on. Chemotherapy is an extensive example that has ranking line therapy. As we know, it is extremely difficult to treat cancer successfully; one line or another line of therapy is tried. The therapy line may reach ten or even 20 line therapy in oncology. In combination with chemotherapy or polychemotherapy often, multiple theories are tried simultaneously.

Additional treatment given with the primary or initial treatment is called adjuvant therapy, and the therapy that began before the start of initial therapy is called Neoadjuvant therapy.

Complementary and alternative therapies

Complementary and alternative therapies include body-based therapies, medication-based therapies, herbal-based therapies, and more. Complementary therapy can be described as a treatment done alongside other therapies.

Lots of various or different treatments are covered in alternative or complementary treatment. Alternative and complementary treatments include body-based therapies, medication-based therapies, herbal-based therapies, and more.   

Difference between alternative and complementary therapies

Complementary therapy can be described as a treatment that is given alongside other treatments. Whereas alternative therapies can be described as a treatment that replaces the doctor’s treatment or an alternative to therapy offered by the doctor.

The nature of therapy being alternative or complementary depends on the person and how the therapy is used as a part of treatment. If a person uses the therapy alongside the therapy, then it becomes complementary therapy, and if the therapy replaces the treatment offered by the doctor, it becomes alternative therapy.  

Complementary and alternative therapies are used to treat both physical and mental problems. All kinds of therapies work differently on different people as per their bodies. Provided by experienced and trained doctors, most alternative and complementary treatments are considered safe. It is very important to consult doctors before starting any kind of treatment, especially if you are already taking any other kind of medication or treatment.  

Cognitive behavioural therapy. 

A psychotherapeutic treatment called Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) helps people to learn to acknowledge destructive behaviour or disturbing thought patterns which can cause a negative influence on emotions and behaviour. 

CBT theory is extremely helpful in converting negative thought processes, emotional difficulties, depression and anxiety.

Psychodynamic therapy

The systematic and detailed study of the psychological forces of the human mind that undermines the behaviour, feelings and mood is called Psychodynamics therapy. Psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapies are very similar to each other.  The major work of psychodynamic therapy is to study childhood trauma or experiences. 

Humanistic therapy

The comprehensive approach that concentrates on free will, the human potential of self-discovery is adopted by humanistic therapy. The aim of humanistic therapy is to help in developing a strong and healthy sense of self, exploring the feelings, finding meaning and focusing on your strengths. There are two approaches to this therapy one is empathy and the other one is unconditional positive regard. 

Types of complementary and alternative therapy    

There are many types of complementary and alternative therapy which are mentioned below:

• Herbal remedies
• Homoeopathy
• Hypnotherapy
• Light therapy
• Massage
• Meditation
• Mindfulness
• Reflexology
• Reiki
• Vitamin and mineral supplements
• Yoga

What are herbal remedies? 

The substances that come from plants and have medicinal benefits are herbal remedies. The herbal remedies may come in tea, liquid drops, capsules, or skin cream. These herbal remedies are often termed supplements; herbal remedies aim to treat and cure health problems. As the herbal remedies come from plants, they are believed to have fewer side effects than psychiatric medicines, which is necessarily not true.    

Conclusion

Medical treatment or therapy is a procedure of trying to cure a health problem. There are various types of therapies, and as a rule, therapy has indications and contradictions. Whereas alternative therapies can be described as a treatment that replaces the doctor’s treatment or an alternative to therapy offered by the doctor. The nature of therapy being Alternative or Complementary depends on the person and how the therapy is used as a part of treatment. The substances that come from plants and have medicinal benefits are herbal remedies. The herbal remedies may come in various forms like tea, liquid drops, capsules, or skin cream. These herbal remedies are often termed supplements; herbal remedies aim to treat and cure health problems.