Complementary versus alternative
Complementary approaches are used alongside conventional medical care; alternative approaches are used instead of it. Integrative health aims to coordinate conventional and complementary approaches while emphasizing the whole person and available evidence.
Ask five safety questions
- What is the goal?
- What evidence supports benefit?
- What are the risks and interactions?
- Who is qualified to provide it?
- How will we know whether to continue or stop?
Herbs and supplements
Supplements can contain active ingredients, interact with medicines, affect surgery or pregnancy, and vary in quality. Tell every member of your healthcare team what you take, including teas, powders, oils, gummies, and traditional remedies.
Mind-body approaches
Meditation, yoga, tai chi, relaxation, and other mind-body practices may support stress management, mobility, balance, or quality of life for some people. They should be adapted for health conditions and should not delay needed diagnosis or treatment.
Red flags for health fraud
Be cautious of products or practitioners that:
- Claim to cure many unrelated diseases
- Promise guaranteed results
- Tell you to stop proven treatment
- Rely only on testimonials or conspiracy claims
- Hide ingredients, credentials, risks, or total cost