|
||
 |
|
Printer friendly version (PDF 76KB)
Complementary TherapiesWomen's Health Information PackageDefinition'Complementary therapies' (sometimes called alternative / holistic / traditional / natural medicine or therapies) is an umbrella term for a number of disciplines, such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage and aromatherapy, and is usually used parallel to conventional medicine. The philosophy of most complementary therapies is holistic, where the person's social, emotional and physical health are integral to the therapeutic approach. The person is viewed as having an inherent capacity to heal when impediments to health are corrected. Complementary therapies are well suited to the treatment of a variety of concerns in women's health, including menstrual and reproductive issues, perimenopausal health, and mental wellbeing.
 About the information resourcesThis resource aims to highlight some of the more common therapies that are available including: traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), naturopathy, herbal medicine, aromatherapy, homoeopathy, and massage. The resources on complementary therapies contained in this information package were compiled following an extensive search of Women's Health Victoria's (WHV) Clearinghouse Resource Collection database . The list of resources outlined here aims to provide an overview of the different complementary therapies, or modalities, available. A number of the resources include directories to find appropriately qualified practitioners of particular modalities. This can provide an invaluable referral pathway, as well as giving clinicians from other backgrounds the opportunity to liaise with complementary therapy practitioners. Included are details of relevant books, journals, articles, web sites and pamphlets that have been independently reviewed by a health professional. The emphasis is on the Australian context and a social model of health and feminist approach provide the framework within which information is provided. Women's experiences and ethico-legal resources have also been included. All of these resources and a range of others (not listed here) covering many topics from both medical and alternative therapy perspectives are available from the WHV Clearinghouse Resource Centre. A description of how Women's Health Information packages are developed and resources chosen is available here.
General information1. Complementary medicine Full text available here. This article is a useful introduction to the applications and limitations of complementary therapies. It discusses safety, efficacy, evidence, and the context of the complementary approach as an adjunct to biomedical healthcare. It does not give much information about individual modalities, but discusses the holistic framework used by complementary therapists. There are also recommendations on how to seek out a qualified practitioner.
 2. CAM practitioners and "regular" doctors: is integration possible? Cohen MM. Medical Journal of Australia, 2005; 180(12):645-646 Full text available here. The article emphasises the importance of open and honest communication between doctors, complementary therapists, and the clients with whom they work.
3. Complementary medicine: making it work The author discusses how complementary and biomedical approaches can be used to improve health, avoid adverse interactions, and develop professional respect between disciplines.
Naturopathy and herbalism4. Herbs and natural supplements : an evidence-based guide This guide is absolutely essential for any clinician, naturopathic or biomedical, who wishes to have a sound understanding of herbal medicine, nutritional supplements, and potential interactions with pharmaceutical drugs. The authors have conducted thorough research, relevant to Australian practice, and make recommendations on dosage, indications and contraindications.
5. The essential guide to herbal safety This book offers monographs of 125 herbs, with analysis of some of the misinformation that has appeared in popular media. There is data on efficacy, indications, and safety, including during pregnancy and lactation.
6. Women, hormones and the menstrual cycle : herbal and medical solutions from adolescence to menopause (2nd ed) This book gives concise treatment options, both biomedical and complementary, for common gynaecological issues. It is excellent reading for clinicians and consumers seeking complex understanding of women's health and naturopathy. A more basic, consumer focussed version of the book is Women's troubles: Natural and medical solutions , co-authored with humourist, Kaz Cooke ( Sydney : Allen and Unwin, 1998. ISBN 1864486945).
Nutrition7. Nutrition for women An excellent guide to healthy eating across the lifespan by a nutritionist specialising in women's health. The book is useful for both consumers and health professionals to understand how and why nutritional needs change, what the best sources of food are meet these needs, and what to avoid. The author also makes recommendations for dietary changes to address particular health issues, such as premenstrual symptoms, anxiety, and changes that often occur during the perimenopausal period. Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture8. Chinese medicine for women : a common sense approach This Australian book is easy to understand, and written especially for women. It explains the concepts of traditional Chinese medicine and suggests management strategies for specific women's health conditions. Areas covered include terminology, diet and medication, what to expect at a consultation and how to apply the principles of traditional Chinese medicine.
9. Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA) Website: http://www.acupuncture.org.au AACMA is the leading professional association of Chinese medicine practitioners in Australia . The web site discusses the approaches of Chinese medicine modalities, including herbs, acupuncture, and massage. There are links to recent research studies, as well as a directory of registered practitioners.
Touch therapies10. Massage modalities: some different types of treatments used by therapists Full text available here. This page gives an overview of the many different types of massage, including Swedish, Chinese, aromatherapy, remedial massage, lomi lomi, shiatsu and others. The site is managed by a professional association, and has a referral directory of qualified members.
Homeopathy11. Australian Homoeopathic Association Web site: http://www.homeopathyoz.org/ Homoeopathy is a complex field, with a diversity of opinion on its efficacy. This is the site for the national professional body representing homoeopaths. The site has information about homoeopathic philosophy and approaches to treatment, historical contexts, and discussion of the methodology used in clinical trials of homoeopathic remedies.
Aromatherapy12. The complete guide to aromatherapy (2nd ed) A detailed, comprehensive guide to using aromatherapy for many physical and emotional health concerns. There are also chapters on the historical context of aromatherapy, essential oil extraction methods, and chemical constituents of each plant. There are detailed monographs on most essential oils in common use today.
Web sitesThis web site contains excellent explanations of most complementary therapies, and gives links to relevant professional bodies.
14. The Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) ANTA is one of the major professional bodies of natural therapists in Australia . The web site includes a directory of qualified practitioners, as well as links to sites for further information about different modalities. It provides a useful referral pathway for clinicians and consumers.
15. Australian regulatory guidelines for complementary medicines (ARGCM) A comprehensive guide to production standards required of complementary medicines in Australia . There are links to product recalls and alerts, as well as current information on adverse reactions and interactions. It provides a useful resource for clinicians.
Languages other than EnglishIf you are looking for information on a variety of health topics in languages other than English try searching:
Resources reviewed December 2005 For details on how to locate any of this information or to confidentially discuss any of this information, contact your local Women’s Health Service or the RWH Women's Health Information Centre phone line, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm on (03) 9344 2007; Country Callers: 1800 442 007; or email. Health professionals and other service providers wishing to access the services of the WHV Clearinghouse contact us by phone: (03) 9662 3755, fax: (03) 9663 7955; or email. Other resource information on various health topics can be accessed via the Clearinghouse Resource Collection database. Online access is available here. For easy printing of this document open the PDF version
YOUR FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT TO US We would encourage you to take a moment to e-mail our Health Information Officer, at clearinghouse@whv.org.au and let us know:
Return to Complementary therapies page
|
 |
