IndexP4 - Explain the role of complementary therapies in relation to orthodox treatments. M2 - comparing the role of two complementary therapies with those of more orthodox treatmentsCells and tissues: from healthy to cancerousNHS Choices, (2015)NHS Choices, (2015)NHS Choices, (2014)Hypnotherapists.Org.Uk, (2015)Doctors classify depression as:NHS Choices, (2016)P4 - Explain the role of complementary therapies in relation to orthodox treatments. M2 - comparing the role of two complementary therapies with that of more orthodox treatmentsComplementary therapies are often used together with orthodox medical treatments. Orthodox treatment is the use of drugs and surgery to cure diseases. The role of complementary therapies is to improve an individual's health and well-being through adopting a holistic approach to care. This means treating the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of a specific disease. Many complementary therapies are not scientifically proven to work in the same way that medicine is often proven to work, for example tablets (they are tested before medical professionals deem them suitable for treating an illness). However, many people believe that complementary therapies work. This would suggest that there is a placebo effect involved in the use of complementary therapies. Complementary therapies are used to treat the symptoms of more chronic conditions. For example, a person with cancer may become stressed, the therapy will work by relaxing and calming the person in order to reduce stress. While the orthodox treatment will work by controlling the condition, in this example the orthodox treatment may be radiotherapy, chemotherapy or other anticancer drugs. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayCells and tissues: from healthy to cancerousNormal cells can become cancer cells. Before cancer cells form in the body's tissues, the cells undergo abnormal changes called hyperplasia and dysplasia. Hyperplasia is an increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue that appear normal under a microscope. Dysplasia is the condition in which cells appear abnormal under a microscope but are not cancer. Hyperplasia and dysplasia may or may not develop into cancer. Musculoskeletal disorders are injuries or pain in the joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves, tendons, and structures that support the body's limbs, neck, and back. Musculoskeletal disorders are degenerative diseases, meaning the condition will continue to worsen, and inflammatory conditions that cause pain and impair normal activities. A common musculoskeletal condition is arthritis, according to NHS Choices (2015) there are 10 million people in the UK who suffer from arthritis. There are two types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. NHS Choices, (2015) states that osteoarthritis is the most common form and affects 8 million people living in the UK. Osteoarthritis often develops in adults who are in their 40s or older. It is also more common in women and individuals with a family history of the condition. However, it can occur at any age following an injury or may be associated with other joint-related conditions. Osteoarthritis begins by affecting the smooth cartilage lining of the joint. It makes movement more difficult than usual, causing pain and stiffness. Once the cartilage lining begins to roughen and thin, the tendons and ligamentsthey have to work harder. This can cause swelling and the formation of bone spurs, called osteophytes. Severe cartilage loss can lead to bone rubbing on bone, which changes the shape of the joint, forcing the bones out of their normal position. The joints most commonly affected are those of the hands, spine, knees and hips. Below is a diagram comparing the anatomy of a healthy human hand to that of a hand affected by osteoarthritis. Orthopedic Research UK, (2012) states that to diagnose arthritis you will need to carry out a physical examination of the hand and possibly other joints in the body. Your doctor will need to see how the movement of each joint has been affected. X-rays are taken to see how much the joint has changed. These tests can help determine how severe the degenerative damage caused by arthritis has become. X-rays also help your doctor estimate how much joint cartilage (smooth, white tissue that covers the ends of bones where they join to form joints) is still present on the surface of your joints. Refer to the image above. Arthritis cannot be cured. However, there are medications that can be prescribed to slow the condition. If the condition becomes extremely severe, a series of surgical procedures may be performed to better manage the condition. These procedures include: arthroplasty (joint replacement), arthrodesis (joint fusion), and osteotomy (where a bone is cut and realigned). NHS Choices, (2015) Acupuncture is a commonly used complementary therapy among people suffering from arthritis. Arthritis.Org, (2014) states that there is research that suggests the treatment can stimulate nerves under the skin and in muscle tissue. The use of acupuncture is to relieve pain that is a symptom of arthritis. Individuals may not receive acupuncture if they suffer from bleeding disorders such as hemophilia or those taking anticoagulants that prevent the blood from clotting. The Alexander technique is another type of complementary therapy that can be used to relieve pain symptoms in someone suffering from osteoarthritis. The Alexander technique focuses on the relationship between the head, neck and spine, as well as the rest of the body. The Alexander technique will look at the way the individual moves, the goal is to eliminate any bad habits that could be causing a person to become ill. The technique should help the individual have a better quality of life. The technique is currently being researched to find out if there is scientific evidence of its success. NHS Choices, (2015) Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an example of a metabolic condition. Symptoms of IBS include stomach pain and cramps, changes in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea, bloating or bloating of the stomach, and even excessive flatulence. IBS symptoms tend to occur from time to time: some people experience symptoms after eating or drinking a certain foodNHS Choices, (2014) The cause of IBS is not known. However, many health professionals suggest that it could be caused by inflammation, infection, or diet. Orthodox treatments include laxatives that help the individual go to the bathroom, antispasmodics that help reduce inflammation, and even antidepressants that can help stomach pain. Some people may turn to complementary therapies to relieve symptoms associated with the condition. Acupuncture is a recommended complementary therapy to help the body relax and aid digestion. This therapy also works by relieving stress and symptomsdepression. It is suggested that it increases the production of serotonin and endorphins (Han, 2004). Hypnotherapy is another type of therapy widely used among individuals suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. The therapy works by helping the patient relax, allowing them to concentrate and visualize how they would like to improve their health and well-being. There isn't much scientific evidence that hypnotherapy actually works. Hypnotherapists.Org.Uk, (2015) Psychological conditions are mental disorders, also called mental illnesses or psychiatric disorders. They are mental or behavioral patterns that cause suffering or a reduced ability to function in ordinary life (disability). It is not a social or developmental norm. Clinical depression is a psychological condition in which an individual's mood is affected. It is vitally important to recognize that individuals living with depression will experience it in their own way, depression does not affect everyone in the same way. There is no single cause for depression. However, research suggests that depression can be genetic, caused by stressful events, childbirth, loneliness, or other reasons such as substance abuse. NHS Choices, (2016) states that common symptoms of depression include: feeling hopeless and helpless, sadness, loss of motivation, feeling anxious or worried, suicidal thoughts, unexplained headaches, disturbed sleep, loss of appetite and social symptoms such as not feeling good at work, avoiding contact with friends or avoiding hobbies. Depression can often come on gradually, so it is difficult for an individual to recognize that they are ill. Doctors classify depression as: Mild - has some impact on daily life. Moderate - has a significant impact on everyday life. Severe - makes it almost impossible to get through everyday life. Severe depression often leads to psychotic symptoms. A doctor usually asks an individual a series of questions about their feelings and how they find life on a day-to-day basis. Depression is difficult to diagnose as there are no physical tests and it is not always clear to see. Doctors can often run blood tests to rule out any other medical conditions that may be bringing with them these symptoms. Antidepressant tablets are often prescribed to balance the chemicals in the human brain. However, it is important to recognize that tablets may work to relieve the condition in some people. While in others the drug can act against the brain causing further problems. NHS Choices, (2016) Meditation is a complementary therapy that is often used alongside orthodox medications to treat symptoms of depression. A study conducted by the Journal of Neuroscience (Drevets & all) revealed that the "left amygdala" of depressed people is in continuous, hyper-mode. Known as the anxiety, stress and fear center of the brain. An overworked amygdala can create a variety of problems, including initiating a “fight or flight” response. Meditation will work by focusing the mind allowing the individual to focus solely on relaxation. Hypnosis is another type of therapy used with those suffering from depression. Hypnosis works by targeting the cause of depression, focusing on the subconscious mind and the thoughts the individual has. According to hypnotherapy.org (2014) the purpose of therapy is to improve the individual's self-esteem and independence. NHS Choices, (2016) believes that there is insufficient evidence that hypnotherapy works to recommend it in clinical practice. Aromatherapy is often used to help relieve symptoms of stress in depression. Aromatherapy can be.