Whole medical systems

Many complementary therapies are part of whole medical systems. The main whole medical systems used in Australia are – Ayurvedic medicine, Chinese medicine, homeopathy and naturopathy.

These systems share some concepts:

• The body needs to be balanced physically, emotionally and spiritually to be healthy.
• Ill health often has more than one cause.
• The body has a vital energy reflecting its level of wellbeing.
• The body can heal itself.
• Health care is usually tailored to the individual.

Using whole medical systems

Ayurvedic medicine

Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient Indian system founded on the concept that health is achieved when the mind, body and spirit are in balance. The term Ayurveda comes from the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (knowledge). According to Ayurvedic theory, everyone is a combination of 5 elements: air, water, fire, earth and space. These elements form 3 energies or life forces called doshas: vata, kapha and pitta.

• What to expect
  • An Ayurvedic practitioner takes a case history and assesses vital force and balance in the body, often by looking at your tongue and by taking your pulse.  Treatment may include herbal medicine, dietary changes, massage, meditation and yoga.
• Evidence for people with cancer
  • There is good evidence for the effectiveness of some parts of Ayurvedic medicine, such as massage, meditation and yoga. There is limited clinical evidence on the herbal remedies and certain diets used.

Chinese medicine

Chinese medicine is based on the idea of balance between mind, body and environment to prevent and manage diseases. Chinese medicine considers the person’s overall condition, not just their symptoms. It includes many different practices such as acupuncture; breathing and movement exercises called qi gong; movement exercises called tai chi; the practice of burning herbs near the skin called moxibustion; herbal medicine; and dietary changes.

• What to expect
  • A practitioner will take a case history and do a physical examination. This usually includes looking at your tongue and taking your pulse (tongue and pulse analysis) to work out the flow of energy and imbalances in your body. Treatment is tailored to each person using a variety of therapies.
• Evidence for people with cancer
  • There is clinical evidence for the benefits of some aspects of Chinese medicine, while for other aspects the evidence is limited.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a system of health care based on the theory that “like cures like”. Homeopathic remedies are made from plant, mineral and animal substances that are diluted in water. They are said to stimulate energy in the body that relieves the symptoms of ill health, helps restore vitality and reduces emotional imbalances in the body. Homeopathy is commonly used in India alongside conventional treatment.

• What to expect
  • A homeopath considers your medical history, as well as the kind of person you are and how you respond physically and emotionally to your symptoms. A remedy is prescribed as liquid drops or tablets, which are taken throughout the day. You may also be given a cream for your skin.
• Evidence for people with cancer
  • There is no reliable scientific evidence that homeopathy has any benefits for people with cancer.

Naturopathy

Naturopathy has two main beliefs – that good health depends on the interaction of the mind, body and spirit, and that the body has its own healing ability. It is based on 6 principles: the healing power of nature; identify and treat the causes; first do no harm; doctor as teacher; treat the whole person; and focus on prevention.

• What to expect
  • After taking a case history, a naturopath may suggest a combination of dietary changes, exposure to natural elements (water and sunlight), massage or exercise, lifestyle changes, counselling, and herbal or nutritional remedies.
• Evidence for people with cancer
  • Some aspects of naturopathy, such as massage and nutrition (excluding extreme dietary practices), have good clinical evidence. Other aspects have mixed levels of evidence.