The main types of complementary therapy

Acupuncture

Acupuncture uses fine needles - inserted in the skin - to treat a wide range of conditions. The needles stimulate special points on the body and increase the release of natural painkillers (endorphin and serotonin). Acupuncture can also affect homeostasis, the body's mechanism for keeping our metabolism in equilibrium. It is effective in the treatment of nausea and vomiting (as is acupressure) and may help low back pain, some other types of pain and migraine. Acupuncture may also be useful in the rehabilitation of stroke patients.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is based on the healing power of plant oils which may be massaged into the skin, inhaled or used in the bath. Anecdotally it is said to induce a feeling of well-being. Aromatherapy massage relieves tension and improves circulation and can reduce anxiety in short-term settings such as intensive care. A trial of 'melissa' (lemon balm) aromatherapy shows highly significant effects in reducing agitation and increasing social interaction in dementia patients.

Herbal medicine

Herbal medicine has always attracted some scientific interest and many well known drugs are plant-derived, for example digoxin from foxgloves and morphine from poppies. The following are some of the herbs commonly thought to be effective:

• St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a safe and effective treatment (if taken as the only treatment) for mild to moderate depression. It may also help fatigue - possibly because fatigue is a common aspect of depression.
• Ginkgo Biloba may be effective in relieving the symptoms of dementia and it may also support memory in all older people.
• Ginger is an effective remedy for nausea and vomiting.
• Phytodolor (a standardised extract of Populus tremula and other herbs) is as effective as synthetic drugs in relieving rheumatic pain.
• Horse chestnut seed extract can alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins.
• Tea tree oil may be effective against fungal infections such as athlete's foot.
• Vegetables from the allium family (onions and garlic) may protect against certain cancers if eaten regularly, especially cancers of the digestive tract, though further studies need to be done.

Remember, some herbal medicines and prescribed drugs do not mix, consult your GP if you are taking conventional drugs. 

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is based on the principle that 'like can be cured with like'. Illness is treated with low-dose preparations that induce similar symptoms - for example hay fever may be treated with a remedy based on onions. Homeopathy may be effective against illnesses with an allergic component such as asthma, hay fever and rhinitis and it may also combat flu. There is some promising evidence that it is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis.

Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a relatively new therapy, which uses manipulation of the bones and other parts of the musculoskeletal system to restore and maintain mechanical function.

Chiropractic therapy

Chiropractic therapy is used to treat similar conditions. Based on the evidence, these treatments are now recommended by the Royal College of General Practitioners for the treatment of low back pain. There is also some evidence that they can help some types of headache. 

Reflexology

Reflexology is the massage and compression of reflex areas in the feet, or sometimes hands. It is used to treat a variety of conditions. In Denmark, where reflexology is very popular and is offered by many employers, research has shown that it can reduce levels of illness in the workplace.