Complementary Alternative Medicine - Essay Example

"Complementary Alternative Medicine" is a perfect example of a paper on Complementary and Alternative Therapies. Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) presents a unique way of dealing with illnesses of any health issues. According to the name, doctors do not prescribe CAM; however, patients can use the alternatives in conjunction with clinical medicine. The types of CAM that exist range from the use of herbs and exercise to the use of specialized therapy. The benefits of the CAM depend on the kind of alternative that individuals choose. CAM has multiple applications when it comes to treating specific illnesses or conditions.

Therapy
Complementary therapy plays a significant role in the recovery of mental health patients. Many patients opt to combine therapy with clinical medicine to hasten their recovery. The therapy provides benefits to the patients in several ways. First, therapy helps in reducing stress levels. Mental health patients have increased stress levels owing to the pressure that they receive from society through stereotypes. Furthermore, complementary therapy helps reduce anxiety levels associated with different mental issues (Kristofersson, 2016). A complementary therapist assures a patient using various tools. The patient enjoys the company and friendship provided by a therapist. Consequently, feelings of loneliness and isolation gradually evaporate.

Therefore, complementary therapy is used as a means of interacting with patients on a personal level. The personal interaction provided by CAM makes it possible for mental health patients to enjoy the treatment process. Patients find someone that they can talk to about their fears and expectations (Kristofersson, 2016). The CAM heals both the physical and mental aspects since having someone to talk to helps combat fears and doubts that one may have about a particular treatment.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture presents a unique way of receiving treatment. Acupuncture relieves stress by inserting needles into the primary pressure points of the body. The process requires high precision to avoid fatal injuries resulting from piercing an artery or a critical nerve ending. In the past, acupuncture was used as a method of relieving stress; however, the usage has gradually drifted to clinical applications. Acupuncture helps mentally ill patients alleviate their stress by triggering feel-good hormones (Amorim et al., 2018). Acupuncture has helped many individuals that suffer from depression and anxiety. Similarly, acupuncture is now used as a means of curing cancer by inducing good emotions. Studies show that good feelings significantly stop the growth and development of cancer.

Hope
The use of natural remedies or unconventional treatment methods provides hope to patients. Patients feel that they have more control over their illness since they can try new practices that help them get better. Particularly, mentally ill patients do not like being treated as sick individuals. CAM helps them diligently follow clinical treatment since they take charge of their treatment plans (Vitale, 2016). The unconventional methods provide confidence that makes it easy for patients to get better. Hope also reduces the chances of the patients developing other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety because of a lack of confidence in treatment methods.

Overall, CAMs present a unique way of dealing with health problems. Patents pursue other avenues that can increase their recovery, promote progress, develop hope, and help them feel better. CAM connects the treatment process to emotions and humanity, making the science of healing a wholesome adventure. Without CAM, many individuals would find it hard to get well because of the stigma, loneliness, and stereotypes associated with some types of diseases. Finally, CAM has multiple uses that prove beneficial to human health.