Four Complementary and Alternative Therapies (CAT) for Effective Pain Management

Up to 64 percent of those who practiced complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) felt that they experienced improvements in pain intensity, sleeping patterns, and overall activity levels, according to a recent survey on people suffering from various joint disorders. Around 43 percent of the subjects reported that they were no longer experiencing pains. Over two-thirds claimed that they were sleeping better at night.
It has been noted that more and more people are using complementary and alternative therapies as part of the management program of various medical conditions. Patients have also found these therapies very beneficial in terms of relieving their pains and in improving their quality of life.

The concept of complementary and alternative therapy is not actually new- having been observed by many pain sufferers throughout the years. In fact, people from other countries have long used these remedies for addressing different conditions. It has only been recently that this method of pain management has gained popularity in the country and other western nations.

To avoid any confusion, CAT should be distinguished from what we may consider as conventional medicine. While there might be gray areas in between, its main distinction lies in the fact the conventional methods use medications and other invasive forms of treatment. The use of exercise which may be considered as CAT has also been included by doctors in the pain management of patients.

For those who may wish to use these alternative therapies, it is advisable to discuss it first with your doctor. He might even make some recommendations or in some cases, may explain why some of the options may not be advisable.

Among the more popular and preferred complementary and alternative therapies observed in the country are the following with a brief description of each:

Herbal therapy
Having been used by almost all cultures and civilizations throughout history, herbal therapy may be considered the oldest form of medicine. In fact, herbal therapy may be considered as the basis of modern medicine. Well-known drugs today such as aspirin and antibiotics are actually derived from these sources. The difference may be in the manner of the processing of these products and the testing and accreditation performed by official bodies.

Massage Therapy
This form of therapy traces its roots in ancient times where it has long been used for pain management and stress relief. This involves rubbing or kneading of the muscles to take away the pains, stress, or stiffness. Massage has been acknowledged as an effective method for relaxation and a way of improving circulation of blood throughout the body.

Acupuncture
Another ancient form of therapy which even the World Health Organization has recommended for pain management is acupuncture. This ancient Chinese art uses needles to promote stimulation of the body's major meridians or energy-carrying channels. Chinese philosophy believes that energy imbalances within the body are corrected when the nerves are stimulated by the needles. Western doctors have attributed the relief of pain with the release of endorphins which are chemicals that block signals of pain once nerves are stimulated.

Yoga and meditation
Also gaining wide acceptance in the country is the practice of yoga which may be considered as a form of meditation. Originating from India, this form of therapy has been shown to be very beneficial in terms of bringing relaxation and improvement in range of motion. Practitioners have claimed it reduces stress by slowing down the heart rate and breathing. Achieving this state has reportedly resulted to the relief of pain and discomfort in numerous medical conditions.

Those listed are just a few of the several complementary and alternative therapies available today. Those interested in using these forms of therapy may choose any form which may suit his tastes, preferences, and limitations. There are various organizations in the country today that will be more than willing to help anyone learn these alternatives.