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What are complementary therapies?
These are ways of helping yourself stay healthy which complement medical treatment. While these can be helpful, care needs to be exercised particularly when you have a mental illness. Some people use them instead of medical treatment or without consulting their doctor – this can be dangerous as substances used in ‘natural’ therapy are not required to undergo the same rigorous tests for safety as prescribed medications. The term ‘natural’ is also misleading, as most prescribed medications are actually derived from natural substances. 

What types of complementary therapies are there, and how effective are they?
There are many different types of complementary therapies with varying degrees of effectiveness. It is very important that you consult with your doctor before using any of them, especially regarding interaction with prescribed medications. Some examples are:

Herbal medicine
Herbal medicine uses plant extracts. These include:
Ginseng (as yet, no scientific evidence of effectiveness)
Ginkgo biloba (may improve memory mildly)
SAMe (may help with mild depression but not tested or approved as a medication in Australia)
St John’s Wort (may help with mild depression but not tested or approved as a medication in Australia; interacts badly with some prescribed antidepressants and can be toxic)
Royal Jelly (can cause severe allergic reaction in some people)

Massage & relaxation
Massage has been practised as a healing tradition in many cultures for thousands of years. Modern studies show that massage and other forms of relaxation and exercise can help in the management of anxiety disorders and depression.

Homeopathy
Homeopathic medicine deliberately mimics or provokes the symptoms of an illness, in the belief that this will strengthen the body's ability to heal itself. There is no evidence as yet that homeopathy can help people manage mental illness.

Meditation
Regular practice of meditation may offer long-term health benefits, such as reduced stress and blood pressure. However, where meditation involves deliberate holding of your attention on some subject, object or process, it is not recommended for people who have an anxiety disorder or psychotic symptoms.

Yoga
Yoga is based on a series of structured, synchronised body poses. The benefits of regular practice include increased fitness and lower levels of stress and anxiety. However, like meditation, when yoga involves intense concentration, it is not recommended for people who have an anxiety disorder or psychotic symptoms. 

How do I find out more?
It is important to ask your doctor about any concerns you have. SANE Australia also produces a range of easy-to-read publications and multimedia resources on mental illness. For more information about this topic see:

- The SANE Guide to Healthy Living
Explains the benefits of being physically healthy, gives tips on how to started becoming healthier and overcome obstacles as well as giving suggestions on finding support to help stay healthy.

- The SANE Guide to Medication and other Treatments
Explains how all the different aspects of treatment work, by looking at clinical care, medication, support in the community and helping yourself.

To order visit the SANE Bookshop at www.sane.org or call 1800 18 SANE (7263)

SANE Australia . . . Complementary therapies

© SANE Factsheet 18.