By Andrée Noye Reading Time: 2 Minutes
In the realm of healthcare, there are essentially two types of medicine: those that have undergone thorough testing and those that have not; those that have been proven to work and those whose efficacy remains uncertain.
The classification of a treatment as “complementary” is largely irrelevant once it has been subjected to rigorous scientific evaluation. If a treatment is found to be reasonably safe and effective through such testing, it gains acceptance within the medical community.
However, C+M continues to utilize the term complementary to maintain a clear delimitation between the practices and ensure clarity for our clients.
The ongoing debate around certain complementary practices stems from the lack of comprehensive testing and evidence supporting their efficacy. Until a complementary treatment has been rigorously evaluated, its effectiveness remains in question. This uncertainty can lead to hesitancy among healthcare professionals to fully endorse these practices, and if consensus has not been achieved, we feel it would be unwise to promote or offer such treatment.
However, once a complementary treatment has demonstrated its safety and effectiveness through scientific scrutiny, it transcends its initial classification and becomes a recognized part of mainstream medical practice. The key to acceptance lies in the evidence-based validation of the treatment’s benefits and safety.
In summary, the distinction between alternative and conventional medicine diminishes once a treatment has been proven effective. The debate surrounding certain complementary practices will persist as long as there is insufficient evidence to support their claims. The ultimate goal is to ensure that all treatments, regardless of their origins, are held to the same standards of scientific rigor and evidence-based practice.
Professional Services considered in a grey zone at C+M Community Wellness Centre
Complementary Medical Systems: homeopathy (with some exceptions)
Physical Manipulation Interventions: iridology (we use this method to support physical examination, along with pulse and tongue analysis, but not as a standalone intervention or method of diagnosis – which would be illegal within our scope of practice)
Herbal and Nutritive Interventions: vitamins and supplements, restrictive diets (e.g. we’d support a ketogenic diet for epilepsy, diabetes, and/or neurological conditions, under strict RN guidance)
Mind-Body Interventions: reiki as an alternative treatment for physical illnesses (we do offer it as support therapy and/or spiritual practice), hypnotherapy (with some exceptions)
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The Conversation. (2014). Retrieved from Here’s why we should research alternative therapies