Exploring the alternative
Curiosity in alternative health therapies has been steadily mounting. So, we asked journalist Laura Potter to find out more about the complementary therapies causing a stir
Complementary and alternative medicine (known as CAM) has been going mainstream in recent years, with scores of people being wooed by health practices once considered too "woo woo". The World Health Organisation is even considering how to harness these practices globally, while the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) already recommends acupuncture for chronic pain, mindfulness for mild depression and osteopathy for lower back pain and sciatica in the UK.
Dr Maria McMahon, a qualified GP and acupuncturist, attributes this to a general “move towards more personalised medicine”, which she describes as “integrating all forms of medicine because nothing in isolation will be perfect.”
People have essentially realised that these therapies are potentially a useful addition to Western medicine, rather than a replacement.
They’re being used for everything from back problems to depression, insomnia to migraines. But also helpful for cancer patients to relieve symptoms, ease drug side effects and improve overall wellbeing. But are they really worth a try?
“Check with your doctor, who understands your holistic medical needs – what medications you’re on and what treatments you’re receiving”, advises Dr Katie Tryon, Director of Health Strategy for Vitality.
“[If you're tempted] be clear what you want to get out of it and try to understand the evidence supporting that."
Also check the practitioner is a member of a reputable professional association, that they’re insured and always ask to see some references. Here, we explore some of the alternative health therapies currently making waves.
ACUPUNCTURE
With origins in Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture is centred on the belief that energy, or Qi, flows through the body along meridians (channels). Research has found that acupuncture stimulates nerves and releases natural pain relievers. Fine needles are placed into the body, left for a short time, then removed. NICE recommends it for chronic pain, tension headaches and migraines and to treat cancer symptoms and side effects of treatments like chemotherapy. There’s also been research into it for anxiety and stress, depression, sleep and mood changes and quality of life.
AROMATHERAPY & MASSAGE
The theory is that using concentrated oils made from plants can improve health and wellbeing. There is some evidence that it might help with anxiety and some side effects of cancer treatment, though more research is needed. It’s thought chemicals in oils like lavender, camomile and peppermint bind with receptors in the brain, affecting the limbic system. Each oil is considered to have unique properties that can help with everything from arthritis to sleep to anxiety, as well as give relief from side effects of chemotherapy like nausea.
EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUE (TAPPING)
This involves using your fingers to gently tap on various points along meridian lines. Dr McMahon is trained in it, and she points to the wealth of research conducted by Dr Peta Stapleton, a psychologist in Australia, which “shows how it can help with fear, anxiety, sickness, pain and trauma.” Research published in The Lancet found that it improved distress, depressive symptoms and fatigue in cancer survivors. EFT is already used for NHS staff, to help prevent sickness absence and enable recovery, while charity PTSD UK suggests it can be helpful.
OSTEOPATHY
An osteopath manipulates your bones and muscles to detect, treat and prevent health problems. It’s used on the NHS for lower back, neck and shoulder pain, sports injuries, arthritis and muscle and joint pain associated with things like pregnancy or work. As well as easing pain and tension, it can improve wellbeing. A word to the wise; you may hear a loud popping sound during treatment – it’s caused by a sudden change of pressure in the joint space and is totally normal.
REFLEXOLOGY
Working on similar pathways to acupuncture, it involves applying gentle pressure to your feet or sometimes hands. It is said to support your body’s healing processes because particular points on your feet and hands correspond to certain organs and glands via your nervous system. It’s a popular therapy among people with cancer, available at many hospitals, as evidence shows it can help us feel calmer, relieve pain, ease depression and aid sleep to improve our overall wellbeing.
