Complementary and Alternative Therapies – Treatments

Posted: August 23, 2016 at 3:42 pm

Many patients today with chronic conditions, including psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, have an interest in complementary and alternative therapiesthese focus more on preventative care and pain management.

Surveys for the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and National Center for Health Statistics (part of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention) show more than a third of Americans (36 percent) use complementary and alternative therapies. These therapies include diet, herbs and supplements, mind/body therapies such as aromatherapy, yoga and meditation, physical therapies, exercise and the ancient arts of acupuncture and tai chi.

Much of the evidence supporting complementary and alternative therapies for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis is anecdotal. Increasingly, researchers have studied complementary and alternative therapies particularly in looking at drug interactions, dietary outcomes and safety. Most complementary and alternative therapies are safe. However, some can interfere with your treatments prescribed by your doctor.

Always talk to your doctor or consult with a licensed health care professional before adding any complementary and alternative treatments to your treatment plan for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Need help sorting through alternative treatments? Naturopathic physicians use diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and natural therapies to promote wellness in their patients lives and help with disease management or minimize side effects from other therapies.

To find a licensed naturopathic doctor near you, contact NPFs Patient Navigation Center. We specialize in finding licensed naturopaths who also understand diseases related to the immune system, like psoriatic disease.

Or,locate a licensed naturopathic doctorthrough the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

Many people with psoriasis have no doubt suspected what they eat affects their condition. Some wonder whether eliminating certain foods can help their psoriasis to clear. Learn more about how certain foods may impact your symptoms. View more about diet and nutrition

Many herbal remedies have become mainstream in recent years. Don't mistake the terms "herbal" or "natural" or safe. Read more about herbal remedies

Mind-body techniques can help reduce your stress levels. Learn about mind/body therapies

Some psoriasis patients report hands-on alternative therapies can help relieve their psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis symptoms. More about alternative therapies

Physical activity is important for your overall health and especially so if you have psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Your risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes is increased when you have psoriasis. Read more

Yoga combines controlled breathing, stretching and strengthening exercises, and meditation to help control stress and improve blood flow to areas affected by psoriasis. Like yoga, Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese art that can be effective in treating arthritis. Learn more

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Complementary and Alternative Therapies - Treatments

Posted in Holistic Medicine| Posted by jos | Comments Off on Complementary and Alternative Therapies – Treatments

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