The complementary and alternative therapies listed below are NOT provided at Life Change Associates. Some of the therapies and treatments listed can offer mental and/or physical benefits that are supported with research and evidence. However, other therapies and complementary therapies listed below do not have the benefits and research behind them that they claim to have. To find more information about various complementary and alternative therapies, and whether or not a specific therapy has been researched, can provide mental and physical benefits, and approved for medical use, read the brief summaries associated with each of the therapies
listed below.
Acupuncture
Rooted in the ancient Chinese belief that blocked qi, or energy, triggers pain and that
thin needles inserted in specific areas can relieve pain. Research is still mixed but some studies support its use for osteoarthritis, chronic headaches as well as neck and back pain. It may provide benefit for depression and addiction but no credible studies have been able to provide any evidence of its effectiveness in the treatment of those disorders.
thin needles inserted in specific areas can relieve pain. Research is still mixed but some studies support its use for osteoarthritis, chronic headaches as well as neck and back pain. It may provide benefit for depression and addiction but no credible studies have been able to provide any evidence of its effectiveness in the treatment of those disorders.
Berries
Significant research has shown that acai, blue, cran, goji, and strawberries have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This means that these fruits can help reduce premature aging, risk of cancer, and provide overall health benefits.
CBD
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is sold in various forms and comes from marijuana or its cousin, hemp. CBD does not produce a high and the FDA has recently approved the use of CBD for 2 types of seizure disorders. CBD is still being carefully studied and caution is urged about accepting the many claims about CBD that are not supported with research.
Chelation
Chelation is often sold as a treatment for various mental and physical disorders such as Autism, Alzheimers, or cancer but its only approved use is for heavy metal poisoning. The American College of Medical Toxicology lists no benefits for this type of treatment but does list many serious risks of chelation. Some of these risks include liver, kidney, and neurodevelopmental disorders and death.
Kava
The root and stem of this plant is used in drinks and is used to relieve anxiety and promote relaxation. However, there have been reported cases of liver damage, cirrhosis, hepatitis, and has been banned in some countries.
Garcinia Cambogia
The claims are that this is a weight loss agent but lacks sufficient research. There have been some reports of liver failure and mania with this agent. The FDA has advised against using this product after finding a previously banned version of this agent.
Kratom
Kratom has been cited by the FDA as addictive and works on the brain’s opioid receptors. There have been contamination problems with various makers of kratom and its use has been linked to death and side effects of seizures, liver damage, and withdrawal symptoms. This agent should be avoided at this time.
Light Therapy
Special lamps providing 10,000 lux intensity can be used during the fall and winter months for 30-60 minutes a day to help with seasonal depression. These can be purchased for under $100 and a prescription can be given which might help with insurance plan reimbursement.
Meditation
This hormone is released by the brain to set your body’s 24-hour sleep cycle known as the “circadian rhythm”. This is a helpful agent for those who have sleep problems related to jet lag or shift work. There have been problems, as with all non-FDA regulated compounds, where all compounds found in melatonin are not listed on the label.
Massage
There are various types of massages – deep tissue, sports, Swedish, myofascial and cranial. Massages have shown a range of benefits for conditions involving muscle pain and promoting relation.
Melatonin
This hormone is released by the brain to set your body’s 24-hour sleep cycle known as the “circadian rhythm”. This is a helpful agent for those who have sleep problems related to jet lag or shift work. There have been problems, as with all non-FDA regulated compounds, where all compounds found in melatonin are not listed on the label.
Omega
It is best to get your Omega-3 (fatty acids) from fish, nuts, and seeds. The benefits of obtaining Omega-3’s for the brain and heart via pill form have been less convincing than by simply integrating Omega-3 rich foods into your daily diet.
Probiotics
These “good bacteria” are believed to promote a healthy digestive system. The evolving research is that mood and brain functioning are tied to the health of the digestive system. The use of a probiotic is a low risk and possibly high yield supplement option.
Qi Gong
Like Tia Chi, Qi Gong, is an ancient practice of using a variety of postures, movements, breathing techniques, and sound to improve mental focus and overall health. Some research specifically indicates this might help fibromyalgia as well as patients suffering from both depression and Parkinson’s disease.
Reiki
Is claimed to be healing technique that channels energy from a patient via touch to activate a natural healing process. There is no evidence that supports this technique or mental health disorders.
Tia Chi
Has been nicknamed “moving mediation” which combines movement and meditation and is an ancient martial art. Research has shown that it reduces falls, helps with chronic pain, and may help with symptoms of depression, Parkinson’s disease, and osteoarthritic.
Yoga
While there are more than 100 different types, or schools, of yoga, most sessions typically include breathing exercises, meditation, and assuming postures (sometimes called asana or poses) that stretch and flex various muscle groups. Research suggests yoga may play an ancillary role in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and some chronic pain conditions.