Outside of intensive care units, aspergillosis is usually a chronic disease that is lifelong. It can be difficult to keep a consistent quality of life while being treated for Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA) or Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) as the medications used are powerful with potential for causing side effects and interfering with some of your other medications. Understandably, many longer-term patients look for more answers from unconventional complementary or alternative medicine practitioners, so how can we help them do that safely? This article sets out to help:
Introduction. Many people living with chronic illness, pain, fatigue, or breathing issues turn to complementary therapies to feel better, reduce side effects, and support their overall well-being. This guide will help you make safe, informed choices if you’re thinking about including complementary approaches alongside your usual medical care.
What Are Complementary Therapies? Complementary therapies are treatments used alongside your usual medical care. They are different from “alternative therapies,” which are used instead of conventional medicine. When used correctly, complementary therapies can help improve quality of life, reduce symptoms, and support emotional well-being.
Examples include:
- Meditation and mindfulness
- Nutritional therapy
- Gentle movement (like yoga, tai chi)
- Acupuncture
- Massage therapy
- Herbal supplements
Is There Any Evidence They Work? Some complementary therapies have been studied and show real benefits:
- Mind-body practices (like breathing exercises, meditation, and CBT) are proven to help with anxiety, breathlessness, and chronic pain.
- Nutrition and anti-inflammatory diets (like the Mediterranean diet) support overall health and reduce inflammation.
- Acupuncture may help some people with pain, nausea, or fatigue.
- Certain supplements (like vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3s) are helpful if you have a deficiency.
Not all therapies have strong evidence. Some can be expensive or unnecessary. It’s important to talk to your healthcare team and do your research.
How to Use Complementary Therapies Safely
- Always tell your doctor or nurse about any therapies, supplements, or herbal products you’re using.
- Don’t stop prescribed treatments unless your doctor agrees.
- Choose qualified practitioners who are registered with a professional body (like CNHC, BAcC, or HCPC).
- Start slowly and track your symptoms.
- Use trusted sources for health information (NHS, hospital websites, academic studies).
Questions to Ask Before Trying a New Therapy
- What are you hoping this therapy will help with?
- Is there scientific evidence to support it?
- What are the risks or side effects?
- Is the practitioner qualified and insured?
- Could it interfere with my medications or condition?
Examples of Safe and Evidence-Based Complementary Therapies
| Goal | Therapy | Evidence Level |
|---|---|---|
| Reduce anxiety or breathlessness | Mindfulness, breathing physio | Strong |
| Support joint and muscle pain | Tai chi, massage, acupuncture | Moderate |
| Improve energy and wellbeing | Nutrition support, yoga | Moderate to strong |
| Manage inflammation | Anti-inflammatory diet, omega-3s | Strong |
Considering Alternative Therapies? What You Should Know
Alternative therapies are treatments that are used instead of conventional medical care. Some people turn to them out of frustration, fear of side effects, or belief in more “natural” healing methods.
While some approaches may seem appealing, it’s important to understand the risks, limitations, and lack of regulation that often surround alternative therapies.
What Counts as an Alternative Therapy? Common examples include:
- Using only herbal remedies or detoxes instead of prescribed medications
- Rejecting chemotherapy or antibiotics for serious illness
- Relying on homeopathy for infections or chronic disease
- Unregulated “energy healing” or “cleanses” with no scientific backing
Risks of Using Alternative Therapies Instead Of Medical Care
| Risk | Why It Matters |
| Delayed treatment | Can allow serious conditions to worsen (e.g., cancer, infection, asthma flare) |
| Interactions with meds | Herbs and supplements can interfere with prescription drugs |
| False claims | Some therapies promise cures with no proof, wasting time and money |
| Unregulated practitioners | No licensing means anyone can offer therapy with no safety checks |
What Does the Evidence Say?
- Homeopathy: Consistently shown to perform no better than placebo in high-quality studies.
- “Detox” treatments: Most are not evidence-based; your liver and kidneys already detox your body.
- Raw food or extreme diets: Can lead to malnutrition or worsen chronic illness.
- Anti-vaccine or anti-medical ideologies: Can be harmful and undermine public health.
Some alternative therapies have spiritual or emotional value, but they should not replace evidence-based treatment for serious health conditions.
Why Do Alternative Practitioners Offer These Treatments? Not all alternative practitioners are motivated by money. Many genuinely believe in the value of their approach, often drawing on personal experiences or longstanding traditions. Their justifications may include:
- A belief in the body’s natural ability to heal itself
- Disappointment with conventional medicine’s limits
- Cultural or spiritual views of illness and healing
- A desire to offer more time, empathy, or individualised care
That said, it’s also true that some providers operate in unregulated markets and may promote costly or unproven treatments. Patients should stay informed, ask critical questions, and seek practitioners who work ethically and transparently.
Safer Ways to Explore Holistic Health If you’re drawn to alternative ideas because you want:
- Fewer medications
- More control
- A natural approach
- Better quality of life
Talk to your doctor or nurse about complementary options that are safe, evidence-based, and compatible with your condition.
Final Thoughts Complementary therapies can be a valuable part of your health journey when used wisely. They are not a replacement for medical treatment, but they can complement it beautifully. Stay informed, ask questions, and work with your healthcare team to find what works best for you.
Want to know more? Talk to your GP, specialist nurse, or physiotherapist about safe ways to explore complementary care. They may also be able to refer you to trusted practitioners.
Read NHS Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Latest News posts
News archive