Factors to Know Before Choosing an Alternative Therapy 

There have been considerable increases in the number of people using common forms of alternative therapy, such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, reiki and massage therapy.

Tell all your alternative therapist about all the health approaches you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

The most important factor is probably the realization that it is still medicine and should not be taken lightly or without knowledge. Just because you can buy herbs off the shelf does not always mean you should use them. Consult a therapist, practitioner, such as a homeopathic doctor, acupressure therapist etc before embarking on an alternative therapy journey.

Find out and consider what scientific studies have been done on the safety and effectiveness of any alternative therapy that is recommended to or interests you.

Discuss the information and your interests with your therapist before making a decision. Only use treatments for your condition that have been proven safe. 

Benefits

• Get alternative therapy services you need when you need it at your convenience.
• Many complementary therapies concentrate on boosting relaxation and reducing stress. They may help to calm your emotions, relieve anxiety, and increase your general sense of health and well being.
• Alternative therapies allow to take a more active role in the treatment and recovery in partnership with their therapist. You decide which therapy to use and how often you use it. Alternative therapies may also help people to feel more in control of their feelings and emotions.
• Many patients use alternative therapies because they like the idea that they are non toxic and natural.
• People believe that specific alternative therapies help control or cure their health problem if they are used instead of conventional treatment.
• Many alternative therapies safer and less expensive than conventional therapies