Complementary Therapies

Overview

Complementary therapies are treatments and practices used alongside standard medical care. Examples include acupuncture, massage, herbal remedies, meditation, yoga, and relaxation techniques. They are different from alternative medicine, which means using a therapy instead of proven medical treatment. Complementary therapies are not a single condition, and their evidence and safety vary a lot.

Yes. Many people around the world use complementary therapies at some point, often for pain, stress, sleep, or general wellbeing.

Anyone can use them. They are more often used by people with long-term pain, cancer, anxiety, or other ongoing symptoms. Safety matters for everyone, especially children, pregnant people, older adults, and people with serious illness.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Complementary therapies are not a disease, so they do not have symptoms of their own.
• Some people notice mild tiredness, soreness, headache, or digestive upset after a therapy. This often settles, but tell your practitioner and doctor if it does not.
• Watch for allergic reactions such as rash, itching, or swelling. Stop the therapy and get medical advice.

Symptoms in children

• Children may not be able to explain side effects, so watch closely.
• Unregulated herbs or supplements can be especially risky for children.
• Ask a child health clinician before using any complementary therapy, and never use it instead of vaccines or proven care.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults often take several medicines, so there is a higher chance of interactions.
• Skin can be more fragile, and massage or manipulation may need gentler pressure.
• Memory or hearing problems can make instructions harder. Bring a family member or carer if helpful.
• Balance problems and falls risk need extra care with some physical therapies.

Causes

Main causes

• People use complementary therapies for many reasons: to ease symptoms, manage stress, improve wellbeing, or follow cultural traditions.
• Some use them because conventional care has not fully helped, or they want a whole-person approach.
• They are called complementary when used alongside conventional care. Alternative means used instead, which can be unsafe for serious conditions.

Risk factors

• Not telling your doctor or pharmacist about all therapies, medicines, herbs, and supplements.
• Using unregulated products or unqualified practitioners.
• Using a therapy instead of proven care for a serious condition.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding, being a child or older adult, having cancer, liver or kidney disease, a bleeding disorder, or surgery planned.
• Taking several medicines or having allergies.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, chest pain, fainting, or severe bleeding.
• You have signs of infection at a treatment site, such as redness, heat, pus, or fever.
• You have severe pain, new numbness or weakness, or unusual bruising or bleeding.
• Your symptoms get worse quickly after a therapy.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Before starting any complementary therapy, especially if you have a long-term condition, take regular medicines, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are arranging care for a child or older adult.
• Before surgery or a procedure, tell your surgical and anesthesia team about all herbs, supplements, and therapies.
• If you are thinking of using a therapy instead of proven medical care.
• If a practitioner promises a cure, asks you to stop medical treatment, or charges a lot of money upfront.

Diagnosis

Complementary therapy is not a condition to diagnose. A doctor or qualified practitioner will ask about your symptoms, health history, medicines, allergies, and goals. They may assess whether a therapy is safe for you and whether it could interact with your care.

Tests that may be done

• No specific test can check whether a complementary therapy is right for you.
• Standard tests may be used to assess your underlying symptoms or general health as needed.
• Your practitioner should explain their training, regulation, and the evidence behind their therapy.

What to expect at your appointment

Expect a clear discussion of benefits, risks, cost, and alternatives. Ask for written information. Keep your doctor informed, especially before surgery or if your treatment changes.

Treatment

Complementary therapies are used alongside, not instead of, conventional medical care. Evidence varies widely by therapy and condition. Some people find relief from symptoms such as pain, anxiety, nausea, or stress, but no therapy works for everyone. Safe use means checking credentials and interactions and continuing recommended medical care.

Self-care at home

• Check whether the practitioner is qualified, regulated, and insured. Ask about training and their complaints process.
• Ask what the therapy is for, what evidence supports it, likely benefits, risks, side effects, and cost.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every therapy, herb, supplement, and remedy you use.
• Do not stop prescribed treatment or skip tests because of a complementary therapy.
• Stop and get advice if you notice side effects or your symptoms worsen.
• Keep a simple record of what you use, when, and how you feel.

Medical treatments

Conventional care may include medicines, talking therapies, physiotherapy, surgery, and lifestyle support as appropriate. Some complementary approaches, such as relaxation, acupuncture, or massage, may be offered alongside conventional care for certain symptoms, but availability and evidence vary. Your healthcare team can help you decide what is safe and worth trying. Do not start or stop any treatment without advice.

When is surgery considered?

Tell your surgical and anesthesia team about all complementary therapies, herbs, and supplements well before surgery. Some can affect bleeding, blood pressure, or anesthesia. Ask your team whether to stop or continue, and when.

Living with this condition

You can use complementary therapies as part of a balanced approach if they are safe for you and do not replace proven care. Keep your healthcare team informed and review whether the therapy is still helping and worth the cost.

Lifestyle tips

• Build basics for wellbeing: sleep, regular movement, balanced meals, and stress management.
• Choose therapies with clear evidence and qualified practitioners.
• Plan for costs and avoid pressure to buy expensive courses or products.
• Keep appointments for conventional care and recommended health checks.

Diet and exercise

No complementary therapy replaces a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Ask your clinician what movement and eating pattern suits your health. Be careful with extreme diets or supplements that promise quick cures.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with ongoing symptoms can affect mood and anxiety. Complementary therapies may help some people feel calmer, but they are not a substitute for mental health care. If you feel low, anxious, or unsafe, tell your clinician. If you are in crisis, contact your local emergency number or a local crisis service.

Prevention

Complementary therapies are not a disease, so they cannot be prevented. But harm can be reduced by choosing qualified practitioners, checking evidence, telling your healthcare team about all therapies, and not using them instead of proven care.

Vaccines

Not applicable to complementary therapies. Keep up with routine vaccines recommended by your healthcare provider.

Screening programmes

Not applicable to complementary therapies. Continue recommended health checks and screening.

Complications

If left untreated

• Delayed diagnosis or treatment if a therapy replaces proven medical care.
• Interactions between herbs, supplements, or therapies and medical treatment.
• Side effects such as allergic reactions, infection at needle sites, bleeding, or injury.
• Financial strain from costly courses or products.
• Distress if promised cures do not work.

Long-term outlook

Most people can explore complementary therapies safely when they are open with their healthcare team and choose qualified practitioners. Evidence is strongest for some therapies in some situations, so a cautious, informed approach is best. Keep hope and keep your clinician involved.

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