complementary medicine

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Definition - What does complementary medicine mean?

Complementary medicine refers to a set of therapeutic modalities that represents an auxiliary form of treatment along with traditional medicine in promoting the general health of the mind and body. Although complementary medicine employs unconventional intervention techniques, it continues to gain traction as a practical methodology according to a following that validates its application from traditional beliefs.

SureHire explains complementary medicine

Many people enlist the services of complementary medicine practitioners for different reasons including cost (it is an inexpensive substitute for traditional medicine), the desire to gain autonomy over one’s health, the need to establish an adjunct system to performing regular activities, availability of health resources, and the desire to take a holistic approach to foster wellness. Complementary medicine advances the view that the mind, body, and spirit are an interrelated whole in which natural healing remedies are a preferred medium over traditional medicine strategies that focus exclusively on the disease and its underlying symptoms. The basis for interpreting the health effects of complementary medicine reflects a conscientious effort in the medical community to warrant its use in the healthcare industry.

Complementary medicine covers a range of soluble measures that can mitigate pain or relieve stress including acupuncture, aromatherapy, homeopathy, naturopathy, reiki, and yoga. While complementary medicine can demonstrate positive results, individuals should consult a physician who can lay the groundwork for the safety aspects and any potential side effects that might occur. With natural supplements being a popular alternative, case studies demonstrate that an admixture with regular prescription medication can lead to adverse side effects such as allergic reactions.

In the workplace, many companies are capitalizing on holistic therapy as an agency in diminishing stress levels against high job demands that might otherwise compromise the quality of work and morale among colleagues. Polarizing opinions exist over the merits of complementary medicine evolving in the healthcare field, but many people attest to its traditional customs. Both employers and employees can benefit through marked positivity, enhanced job performance, decreased absenteeism, staff retention, and optimal health, in turn, bolstering economic upturns in business.

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