Complimentary and alternative therapies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In palliative care, patients may use complementary and alternative therapies due to association with nature. This may lead to the assumption that these therapies are "safe", however, this a a misconception because certain therapies such as herbalism utilise potent plants which in excess quantities can be toxic to the body.

 

 

Definitions of complimentary and alternative therapies:

 

 Complimentary therapies are treatments which are utilised in combination with other treatments that patients are receiving.

 

Alternative therapies are treatments that intend to replace current conventional therapy.