Complementary Healthcare: Getting the Answers You Need

Whether or not to get complementary care depends on many factors. Talk with your medical doctor and to different complementary caregivers. They’ll offer some answers that can help you decide.

Ask your medical doctor

• What concerns do you have about complementary healthcare?

• Will this care interfere with my current treatment in any way?

• Have you worked professionally with a complementary caregiver? Will you work with one now?

• Do you recommend any type of care or a specific care provider?

Ask the complementary care provider

• What benefits can I expect from this care?

• What, if any, side effects does this type of care have?

• Have you had success treating people with my health problem?

• Will you work with my medical doctor?

• What licensing, certification, and membership in professional organizations do you have?

Resources

Research complementary healthcare in your local library, on the Internet, or contact:

• American Association of Naturopathic Physicians  www.naturopathic.org

• American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine  www.aaaomonline.org

• American Chiropractic Association  www.acatoday.org

• American Massage Therapy Association  www.amtamassage.org

• Center for Mind-Body Medicine  www.cmbm.org

• National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine  www.nccih.nih.gov.health

• Yoga Alliance Registry www.yogaalliance.org