There are many terms used to describe approaches to health care that are outside the realm of conventional medicine. These are considered complementary or alternative medicine.

Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine. An example of a complementary therapy is aromatherapy — a therapy in which the scent of essential oils from flowers, herbs, and trees is inhaled to promote health and well-being, or to help lessen a patient's discomfort following surgery.

On the flip side, alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine. An example of an alternative therapy is to use a special diet to treat cancer instead of undergoing surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy that has been recommended by a conventional doctor.

A few years ago complementary and alternative medicine was considered taboo, especially in Bermuda. And the few therapists that did exist on the Island treated mostly foreign workers who came to the Island to work or visit.

Today it's a different story. Dr. Karen Simons from the Centre for Integrated Healing Arts points out that the majority of clients who come to her now for treatment are locals.

She specialises in traditional oriental therapies, energy medicine and spiritual counselling.

"Everything is perception and a lot of times, anything that is a little different is considered alternative, but I prefer to use the word complementary because that's exactly what it is. It complements whatever you're already doing." she says. "If someone decides they are going to do something instead of... that's alternative."

Unlike conventional medicine, the holistic approach seeks to treat the person as a whole looking at all aspects of their lives, lifestyle, diet, occupation and emotions, rather than just looking at, and treating the symptoms of the current illness.

Because a great number of today's illnesses come about as a result of the stress and tension in the lives we lead, the body is very often left in a state of imbalance, with the vital energy pathways blocked and this prevents the body and all its individual systems from functioning effectively.

Complementary therapies can help to restore the body's natural equilibrium and balance and when the body is relaxed and in balance it can cope with the everyday stresses and strains of life much more effectively.

Some of these complementary therapies/medicines include energy medicine, chiropractic medicine, Chinese medicine, acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, Tia Chi, Qigong, acupressure, colour and sound therapy, Bach flower remedies, medical herbalism, light therapy, Kinesiology, aromatherapy and homeopathy. In fact the list is almost endless as ancient therapies and medicines are constantly being introduced, or rather reintroduced.

Dr. Simons says many times people will come to see her because they have heard of a treatment like acupuncture or acupressure and want to try it.

"There is so much in the media and online now that people are more tuned in to their options," she adds. "Complimentary medicines have been around for thousands of years and as we move toward more Green living, we are circling back to the way we used to live a long time ago."

She explains that as the public become more receptive to a natural, or Green way of living, they are also choosing natural products and therapies for better health.

Then of course there's the list of warnings that come with modern medicine with side effects that outweigh the benefits and Dr. Simons believes it is because people are experiencing these sometimes terrible side effects that they are looking for a more natural alternative.

But, she warns, it's important to do research before starting any of these complementary therapies, like homeopathy, or better still, make an appointment and let someone qualified guide you toward the right approach.

"If someone comes in and they want to be preventive and clean up as much as they can, we are not just looking at the body, or the physical, we are looking at what's going on emotionally and what's going on when you don't feel your best. We take it further. The physical is just one aspect," she says. "Your thoughts and emotions are incredibly important to your physical health."

A popular complementary treatment in Bermuda is Chiropractic medicine. This refers to practice of treating mechanical disorders of the joints, muscles and ligaments using manual adjustment techniques. There are many distinctive manual adjustment manoeuvres that are used, which may be accomplished with the aid of specialised adjusting tables and equipment, along with exercise and rehabilitation, which are a vital part of the treatment.

Chiropractor Dr. Gregory Bernius (see ad on this page) explains that Chiropractic is based on the premise that good health depends on normal functioning nervous system.

"All nerves come out of the spine so anytime any of the bones in the spine shift out of their normal alignment, it can put pressure, and even pinch a nerve. This in turn can cause pain and effect whatever that nerve is attached to, be it the heart, lungs, liver or spleen and that can effect your overall state of health, as well as your immune system," he elaborates. "We treat the body as a whole and try and figure out where the pain comes from, and work to correct that."

Chiropractic medicine has been around for about a century and over the last decade has proven a popular alternative form of treatment for many in Bermuda.

"People get a little disgruntled because they go to a medical doctor who gives them medicine, or a shot to treat their pain, but does not correct what the problem is," Dr. Bernius explains. "While we treat the cause of their problem and not just cover up the pain. We also teach patients lifestyle changes and educate them on ways to better their health overall."

Even if you don't have any major health issues, a proactive approach can prevent problems from developing. In Chiropractic you can do this by ensuring your spine is structurally sound.

Dr. Bernius says patients return for follow-up visits to maintain the corrections that were made and to prevent any future problems from developing.

"It also makes you feel so much better," he adds with a chuckle. "The nervous system controls everything, so by turning the 'power system' back on, the body will work a lot better."