When we think about finding a cure for a mental health problem, we immediately think of seeking a therapist. Start mentally preparing yourself to listen as to why you are facing a certain underlying issue and how to go about with it, the treatment, immediate results, etc. Even though there are plenty of conventional and creative therapies that exist outside the therapist’s office, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as a form of therapy needs to be explored more. Let’s delve in and understand what these therapeutic techniques have in store for us.
Complementary and alternative therapy—a holistic approach
First and foremost, we need to understand that complementary and alternative medicine are treatments that are not always used in conventional or traditional forms of medicine or therapy. These therapeutic techniques have existed for years, but it is only in recent times that CAM is being utilised in traditional medicine as well. Some of the common types of CAM are:
Aromatherapy: healing by using essential oils for the body.
Yoga: Despite being considered as a form of exercise, yoga is also considered a common therapeutic technique for mental well-being.
Dietary supplements: Supplements that include probiotics and herbs like ginkgo Biloba, St. John's wort, vitamin supplements, and echinacea to cure mental health disorders.
Meditation is often prescribed by therapists for enhancing concentration and being in tune with the individual’s surroundings. This therapeutic technique also helps to reduce stress and anxiety.
Massage Therapy: Involves the kneading of soft tissues to relieve pain in specific areas of the body. Even though this technique is used to cure physical ailments, massages are often recommended to relieve stress and anxiety.
Acupuncture: This is a form of therapeutic technique that involves the stimulation of certain pressure points by the penetration of needles in the skin. It is often used to provide relief from chronic pain and migraines, but it is also effective for releasing anxiety.
Hypnotherapy: A procedure that involves a hypnotherapist accessing your subconscious mind so they can put you in a relaxed state. This is used to treat addiction and other mental disorders.
Reiki: An ancient form of Japanese therapy that focuses on "spiritually guided life force energy". The process involves a practitioner transferring energy to their client through various hand gestures. It is said to promote relaxation.
Is CAM effective?
The benefits of CAM are still considered to be a debatable topic as there isn’t much evidence produced or enough research being undertaken. Many techniques like Reiki and homoeopathy are sidelined or rejected by clients due to hesitation and scepticism. However, some research does say some of the techniques have been beneficial. For example, in 2007, a study was conducted to determine how effective complementary and alternative medicine was among women suffering from depression. A majority of women with predominant mood disorders were found to depend on CAM as they found it effective.
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