People often ask if complementary medicine and alternative medicine are the same? No - they are not the same. ComplementaryMedicine Complementary medicine is used together with (in harmony with) conventional medicine. An example of a complementary medicine is the use of Reiki to reduce the unpleasant side effects of chemotherapy.
AlternativeMedicine Alternative medicine is used in place of(instead of, in lieu of) conventional medicine. An example of an alternative medicine is using a special diet to treat cancer instead of undergoing surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy that has been recommended by a medical doctor.
Integrative Medicine Integrative medicine, as defined by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), combines mainstream medical therapies and complementary and alternative therapies for which there is high-quality scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness.
All of the energy-based modalities that Laurie uses to assist you in achieving your personal health goals are complementary in nature and are meant to be integrated with conventional medicine. She uses natural therapies to trigger the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Please visit the Menu of Services page for a complete list of the therapies used at HolEssence.
All of these are complementary therapies that are to be used in conjunction with — tocomplement — conventional medicine. They are not to be used as a medical substitute.
Client vs. Patient It’s my perspective that the word Patient refers to a person who is passive; they’re looking to someone else to make a diagnosis and decision for them. A patient is a person who’s inclined to give their authority over to a physician and prescribed treatment. Generally speaking, they’re not included in the decision-making process.
Client, on the other hand, respectfully refers to a person who’s actively part of the decision-making process. Their input is valued and taken into complete consideration throughout the discussion process.
