Complementary Medicine Therapies At Shakthi

What is complementary medicine? Many people hear the term and are not quite sure what complementary medicine encompasses. In fact, often they are lumped together with alternative medicine and complementary medicine and that can be a little problematic because though they may have similar therapies they are two different types of medical practices. So how do we separate the two treatments from each other?

Complementary medicine is when therapies that are alternative to the standard traditional medical treatments are used in combination with those traditional treatments. So, for example when acupuncture is used with traditional pain management techniques. We think that utilizing these treatments together can give you a more comprehensive treatment plan that takes into consideration your whole body.

Examples of Complementary Treatments

Complementary therapy practices can be found under the branch of Integrative Medicine. Integrative health care combines standard medical practices with complementary approaches in a structured fashion. This deliberate and coordinated care plan allows patients to maximize the effectiveness of their treatments while enhancing their health.  

Complementary medicine therapy emphasizes whole-body wellness rather than just focusing on one condition or one body part. Patients may be encouraged to participate in multiple modalities like conventional medicine, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. 

To incorporate a complementary medical approach for your health and wellness, you may have the inclusion of several healthcare providers.  Some complementary therapies may include: 

• Acupuncture  
• Lifestyle Adjustments 
• Diet changes 
• Nutritional supplements  
• Photobiomodulation
• Lymphatic Enhancement Therapy
• Essential Vitamin Injections
• Regenerative Medicine Therapies
• Infrared Sauna

Patients incorporate complementary medicine therapies to better enhance their physical and health potential. Complementary medicine supports conventional therapies to elevate your health and promote total body wellness.  

The incorporation of complementary medicine has grown in popularity in the United States over the years. Under the umbrella of integrative medicine, many individuals have been exploring the benefits of complementary medicine. 

What started as “alternative or holistic medicine” became complementary as providers and patients realized the value of combining therapies. Combining these modalities established better care for the whole person and encouraged whole-body wellness.  

The relationship between these two approaches (standard vs alternative) may have started individually, but over time have been combined as a medical discipline itself.  

Types of Complementary Health Care Categories

Complementary healthcare approaches can be categorized by their delivery (how the therapy is internalized by the patient). Typically, there are classifications for the way complementary medicine is applied in a patient’s life. These primary inputs include nutritional, physical, emotional, and emotional and physical, and/or emotional & nutritional. These therapy approaches can be defined as:

Nutritional: Specialty diets, structured nutritional habits, the inclusion of herbs, prebiotics, probiotics, and dietary supplements. 

Physical: Spinal manipulation, chiropractic therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, reiki, and biomat application.

Emotional: Counseling, meditation, hypnosis, relaxation therapy 

Emotional & Physical: A combination of emotional and physical therapies like yoga, dance, or art therapy 

Emotional & Nutritional: Cognitive behavior therapy to avoid emotional eating, mindful eating, and eating intuitively. When approaching nutritional practices, these include the incorporation of natural products, whereas emotional and/or physical practices include body and mind practices.

Advantages of Complementary Medicine

So why do we think it is such an advantageous idea to combine these two very different types of treatments – alternative and traditional medical practices? It is because we at Shakthi really believe that your wellness and health journey is individual, and some will respond better to this marriage of philosophies and treatments. 

We think that the most important thing about using complementary treatments is ensuring it is matched to the health issues that our patient is dealing with. Each complementary treatment is advantageous to different health issues, but most bring with them some overarching advantages.

These advantages include:

• Pain Reduction
• Decreased Stress & Anxiety
• Help with Nausea
• Mood Improvement
• Increased Relaxation
• Enhanced Healing
• Reduction of Muscle Tension
• Better Circulation and Flexibility

Specialized Health Care Model with an Integrative Approach

When trying to improve and enhance your health, you may receive various advice on several different methods to do so. There can be multiple approaches to elevating your vitality, and several therapies may be mentioned. 

The most common are “complementary,” “alternative,” and “integrative.” These terms may be used interchangeably, but they should not be. So, what do these terms mean?  

“Alternative Medicine” will refer to a health care approach that is used instead of conventional medicine. “Complementary Medicine” will refer to a health care approach that is used with conventional medicine. 

For example, acupuncture is sometimes used in conjunction with cancer pain treatments to help with side effects. “Integrative Medicine” refers to healthcare providers that combine aspects of conventional medicine and complementary therapies as part of one integrated treatment plan.

Complementary Medicine Treatments At Shakthi 

If you are interested in learning why complementary medicine is important or would like more information about improving your health and wellness, CALL Shakthi Health and Wellness Center today! You can speak to one of our dedicated staff members who will set up your consultation with Dr. Jyothi Rao. 

Dr. Rao is a deeply experienced specialist who will effectively evaluate your symptoms and optimize your body’s vitality. Call (301) 703-5067 and speak to our integrative speciality care staff to schedule your appointment today! Schedule Complementary Medicine Consultation Here.