Complementary and Alternative Strategies

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nComplementary and alternative therapies/medicine (CAM) refers to health products, and practices such as green tea, tai chi, acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, massage and yoga, which provide alternative medical care to the population. Based on my personal experience, I have used CAM on different occasions by combining them with traditional therapies to manage health condition (Lindquist, Snyder & Tracy, (eds.) 2013). After attending a conference organized by CAM practitioners, I identified crucial information that could be useful in the management of diabetic conditions.

nI have realized that I could use complementary and alternative therapies in the form of integrative medicine. In this regard, I combine these therapies to conventional therapies, which have been certified to possess high-quality effectiveness and safety in management of diabetes. The integrative therapies attempt to assimilate a wider understanding of the type of wellness, healing, and illness. The new methods are intended to facilitate control of complications associated with the disease (Medagama & Bandara, 2014). The main concept behind the use of these therapies is not to replace the conventional medicine but to advance the value of the treatment.

nHowever, other patients intending to use these therapies should acquire them from registered, experienced, and credible practitioners in order to guarantee their safety. It is also important to communicate to the personal physician about the use of these therapies to avoid interactions with conventional medicines (Manya, Champion & Dunning, 2012). Most of the CAM products have been evaluated to determine their safety. However, some natural products such as vitamins, herbal supplements, and dietary supplements are not safe to the patients. Some products may be harmful or affect the standard treatment. It is also advisable to enquire whether the therapy is validated by authorities.

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nLindquist, R., Snyder, M., & Tracy, M. F. (Eds.). (2013). Complementary & alternative therapies in nursing. Springer Publishing Company.

nManya, K., Champion, B., & Dunning, T. (2012). The use of complementary and alternative medicine among people living with diabetes in Sydney. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 12(1), 2.

nMedagama, A. B., & Bandara, R. (2014). The use of Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAMs) in the treatment of diabetes mellitus: is continued use safe and effective?. Nutrition journal, 13(1), 102.