Getting Started With Complimentary Therapies
Have you noticed that when you are stressed out, you run a greater risk of being under the weather? This can only indicate one thing: your mind and your emotions do have an influence on your health, and that's exactly the basis for a whole flurry of medicinal treatments, called complimentary therapies. Complimentary therapies cure the *causes*, not always the symptoms, of different ailments and sometimes can be as effective as conventional medication. If you want to take the plunge, then follow these rules of thumb to select a practitioner and the right treatment for your case.
In selecting a particular therapy, choose the one that best suits your medical problem and your personal preferences. If you don't mind undergoing radical changes in your diet and lifestyle, then you are a good candidate for naturopathy and other holistic systems that take into account stress levels, lifestyle and emotional considerations. By contrast, simple physical ailments, such as back pain and headaches could be treated as effectively through therapeutic massage or acupuncture sessions without the need for dietary or lifestyle restrictions.
When seeking a complementary therapist, it's always good to proceed with caution. Finding a good practitioner requires more time and effort then simply looking through yellow page listings of health practitioners or your local newspaper. Going through licensing organizations or professional associations, ensures better qualified practitioners. Even then, trust your own judgement and check for relevant accreditations and credentials, and ask for references from previous patients. Don't shy away from asking practitioners about their relevant experience in the treating your own particular case. Reputable practitioners are always happy to provide you with this information.
Once you've chosen your practitioner, it's a good idea to ask about the length of treatment and whether it is possible to have a series of treatment to fit in with your schedule. For instance, smoking can be treating in a single hypnotherapy session while pain relief could take many sessions of needle acupuncture therapy. Have the sessions spread over increasing time intervals to accommodate a busy schedule.
While complimentary therapies are generally less expensive than traditional treatments, prices vary according to the type and length of treatment, your practitioner's experience and where you live. Prices range from $30 to $200 per consultation, and around $50 to $90 per session. Ask about the total cost of treatment and whether you're entitled to any discounts - for instance, if a course of treatment is required. If you're a regular user of complimentary therapies then it's a good idea to seek medical insurance that covers for the complimentary therapy you're interested in.