Why do people use complementary medicine?
Lifestyle changes Complementary and alternative practices can help people make important health and lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, lowering blood pressure, reducing stress and anxiety, and boosting energy and immune system responses, among other benefits. Pain management Chronic, recurring pain, such as back, neck, head, or joint aches, are the most common health reasons that Americans use complementary and alternative care.* Other health issues Complementary and alternative approaches may be able to help treat colds, anxiety, depression, gastrointestinal disorders, hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms, sleep problems, and infertility.* Prevention or reduction of side effects A growing number of people believe that complementary and alternative care has fewer side effects than some conventional medical treatments. To supplement conventional treatment Some people may turn to complementary practices to help improve their symptoms if their health problems don’t respond
