| What are Complementary Therapies?
Complementary therapies (CT) are those that are not part of conventional Western biomedicine. They are therapies that may be used in conjunction with, rather than a replacement for conventional medical treatment. Complementary therapies can also be used alone when they are used to promote health and well being i.e. massage and relaxation techniques. Tataryn classifies them within four paradigms of health and illness. These include: Body, Body/Mind, Body/Mind/Energy, and Body/Mind/Spirit (Health Canada, 2001, Perspectives on Complementary and Alternative Health Care, p.1.5).
What Therapies are Included?
| Acupressure |
Acupuncture |
| Affirmations |
Alexander Method |
| Aromatherapy |
Art Therapy |
| Ayurvedic Medicine |
Bach Flower Remedies |
| Bioenergetics |
Biofeedback |
| Body Toning |
Bowen Therapy |
| Chakra Balancing |
Craniosacral Therapy |
| Colonhydrotherapy |
Expressive Arts Therapies |
| Dream Interpretation |
Feldenkrais |
| Facial Therapy |
Herbalist |
| Healing Touch |
Hypnosis |
| Homeopathy |
Visualization |
| Imagery |
Kinesiology |
| Iris Analysis |
Light Touch Therapy |
| Labyrinth |
Meditation |
| Massage Therapy |
Moxibustion (Cupping) |
| Mitzvah Technique |
Naturopathy |
| Music Therapy |
Nutrition |
| Neuro-Linguistic Programming |
Pilates |
| Osteopathy |
Prayer |
| Polarity Therapy |
Reiki |
| Reflexology |
Shiatsu |
| Rolfing |
Tai Chi |
| Spiritual Healing |
Trager Approach |
| Therapeutic Touch |
Yoga |
| Traditional/ Shamanic Healing |
|
Article: Complementary Therapies - Finding the right balance
From CNA - Nursing Now - Issues and Trends in Canadian Nursing, July 1999 Number 6
CNO Practice Guideline: Complementary Therapies (2005) in full
(7 MB zip file containing PDFs) |
