Alongside classical medical treatments, complementary and supportive therapies are also used. Complementary therapies have been practiced for thousands of years, especially in Far Eastern countries. However, in other regions, they have been applied since the 1990s.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “traditional medicine” encompasses all knowledge, skills, and practices based on theories, beliefs, and experiences specific to different cultures, which are used for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, or cure of physical and mental illnesses, as well as for maintaining good health—whether explainable or not.

“Complementary medicine” treatments include all health practices that support the main treatment. Integrative medicine, which combines traditional and complementary treatments, comprises all methods and applications defined as holistic medicine.

Conventional medicine is divided into branches and treats each body system within its own specialty. In contrast, complementary or integrative medicine takes a holistic approach to the person, considering mind, spirit, body, energy, and environmental factors.

How Are Complementary and Supportive Therapies Applied?

The application of complementary and supportive therapies has been preceded by scientific research. These methods are then taught to medical doctors during their studies and post-graduation, based on evidence-based knowledge and practical training.

Furthermore, it is necessary to ensure that individuals with specialized training perform these practices under supervision.

There are fundamental differences between complementary and traditional medicine. Complementary medicine differs from traditional medicine. The principle of complementary medicine is based on the body's innate ability to heal itself.

Support is given to the body to enable self-healing. Unlike traditional medicine, complementary medicine specialists do not eliminate symptoms but focus on removing the root cause of the illness. Physiological and psychological conditions affecting the person's health are analyzed. Complementary medicine techniques approach the individual as a whole.

Treatments aim both to reduce symptoms and to fully restore health to improve quality of life.

What Are Complementary and Supportive Therapies?

• Acupuncture
• Apitherapy
• Phytotherapy
• Hypnosis
• Leech Therapy
• Homeopathy
• Chiropractic
• Cupping Therapy
• Larval Therapy
• Mesotherapy
• Prolotherapy
• Osteopathy
• Ozone Therapy
• Reflexology
• Music Therapy