Complementary Therapies in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Complementary therapy is known by many different terms, including:

• Complementary medicine
• Alternative therapy
• Alternative medicine
• Holistic therapy
• Traditional medicine

A wide range of treatments fall under the umbrella of “complementary therapies,” which makes them hard to define with a single, simple description. In Grand Rapids, MI, people often explore these options alongside care from major health systems such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health.

Complementary vs. Alternative Therapies

Complementary therapies

Complementary therapies are used alongside conventional medicines or treatments.

For example, a Grand Rapids resident receiving cancer treatment at Spectrum Health may also use:

• Acupuncture to help with nausea
• Meditation or yoga to manage stress
• Massage therapy to ease muscle tension

These are used in addition to, not instead of, standard medical care.

Alternative therapies

Alternative therapies are used in place of conventional medicines or treatments.

This is a key difference. While some complementary therapies have scientific evidence supporting their use, alternative therapies are typically unproven or may have been shown to be ineffective or unsafe.

In Grand Rapids and across Michigan, doctors generally do not recommend replacing proven treatments (such as prescribed medications, surgery, or radiation) with alternative therapies.

Evidence and Safety: What We Know

Conventional medicine is based on rigorous scientific research and careful evaluation. Historically, this has not always been the case for complementary and alternative therapies.

• Some complementary therapies have now been tested in good quality scientific trials.
• Most complementary and alternative therapies, however, have not been thoroughly studied.
• There is no scientific or medical evidence for some complementary therapies and many alternative therapies.
• Some may be unsafe or cause harmful side effects, especially when misused or used instead of conventional care.

In Grand Rapids, your primary care provider, specialist, or pharmacist can help you review the evidence and safety of any therapy you are considering.

Using Complementary Therapies With Conventional Care

Complementary therapies and conventional medicine can often be used together. However, it is essential to:

• Tell your doctor (for example, at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health) about all complementary therapies you use.
• Inform your complementary practitioner about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines you take.

Misuse of complementary therapies, incorrect diagnosis, or delaying conventional treatment can increase health risks. Some complementary therapies can:

• Cause side effects
• Interact with prescription medicines
• Change how your body absorbs or breaks down drugs

Never stop or change the dose of a prescribed medication without first discussing it with your doctor.

How Common Are Complementary Therapies?

Complementary and alternative therapies are estimated to be used by up to two-thirds of people in the United States. In a community like Grand Rapids—with a growing and diverse population of over 200,000 in the metro area—many residents explore these options for:

• Pain management
• Stress reduction
• Chronic disease support
• Overall wellness

Complementary medicines are often easy to buy at local pharmacies, health food stores, and online. Because many of them are labeled as “natural,” they are sometimes mistakenly considered completely safe. This is not always true, particularly when:

• The dose is higher than what naturally occurs in food
• Products are combined with prescription drugs
• They are used by people with chronic conditions (like heart disease or diabetes, which are common in Michigan)

Possible Risks and Side Effects

Complementary medicines can cause harmful effects

Some complementary medicines can cause:

• Severe allergic reactions
• Digestive issues (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
• Changes in blood pressure or heart rate
• Liver or kidney problems

Many complementary products contain active ingredients that people may not recognize or understand. This makes it harder to know how they might interact with other drugs.

Cases of contamination

There have been reported cases where complementary medicines were:

• Contaminated with heavy metals
• Contained prescription drugs not listed on the label
• Poorly manufactured or mislabeled

To reduce risk in Grand Rapids:

• Buy products from reputable brands and pharmacies
• Ask your pharmacist or doctor to review any supplements or herbal products
• Check for quality certifications when possible

Core Beliefs Behind Complementary Therapies

While complementary therapies differ widely, many share similar philosophies:

• Illness occurs when the body is out of balance.
• The body can heal itself and maintain health if given the right conditions.
• The whole person should be treated—body, mind, and sometimes spirit—not just symptoms.
• Gentler therapies should be tried first before more aggressive ones.
• Healing and balance take time; there is usually no quick fix.
• Natural products are often preferred over synthetic ones, though “natural” does not always mean “safe.”

These ideas appeal to many Grand Rapids residents who want a more holistic or wellness-focused approach to their health.

Examples of Complementary Therapies

Common complementary therapies include:

• Acupuncture
• Alexander technique
• Aromatherapy
• Chiropractic care
• Herbal medicine
• Homeopathy
• Meditation and mindfulness
• Naturopathy
• Osteopathy
• Reiki and other energy therapies
• Pilates and yoga

In Grand Rapids, you can find many of these services through:

• Private clinics and wellness centers
• Some hospital-based integrative medicine programs
• Community centers and yoga studios

Always check that any practitioner you see is appropriately trained and, when applicable, licensed in Michigan.

Why People in Grand Rapids Use Complementary Therapies

People in Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan may use complementary therapies to:

• Support overall health and wellness
• Help manage chronic pain, arthritis, or back problems
• Improve their ability to perform everyday tasks
• Address stress, anxiety, or sleep problems, especially during long Michigan winters
• Feel less dissatisfied with conventional medical care or communication
• Take a more active role in managing their own health
• Use easily available online health information
• Respond to limited success or side effects from some prescription medicines

Seasonal factors in West Michigan—like cold winters, icy conditions, and limited sunlight—can contribute to:

• Joint and muscle pain
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Reduced physical activity

Some residents turn to therapies like massage, yoga, light therapy, or mindfulness to help manage these seasonal challenges.

How to Choose a Complementary Therapy Practitioner in Grand Rapids

When selecting a complementary therapy practitioner, consider the following steps:

1. Check training and credentials

   • Ask about their education, certifications, and years of experience.
   • For chiropractors, acupuncturists, and osteopaths, verify Michigan licensure through state licensing boards.

2. Ask about safety and evidence

   • What are the potential benefits and risks?
   • Are there any known interactions with your current medications?
   • Is there research to support the therapy for your condition?

3. Avoid red flags
   Be very cautious about any practitioner who:

   • Advises you to stop your conventional medical treatment
   • Promises a “cure” for serious diseases
   • Discourages you from talking with your doctor

4. Check professional associations
   Depending on the therapy, you can look for membership in professional organizations such as:

   • National or state-level acupuncture and Chinese medicine associations
   • Chiropractic associations
   • Naturopathic and herbal medicine associations

5. Coordinate with your healthcare team

   • Share information with your primary care provider or specialist in Grand Rapids.
   • Ask your doctor or pharmacist for help evaluating new supplements or therapies.

Special Precautions

As a general precaution:

• Do not use complementary medicines in children without medical advice.
• Avoid using these products if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding unless your doctor approves.
• People with chronic conditions common in Michigan—such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or autoimmune illnesses—should always consult their healthcare provider first.

Never stop taking prescribed medications without talking to your doctor.

Local Resources in Grand Rapids, MI

If you are considering complementary therapies, you can seek guidance from:

• Your primary care doctor or specialist
  • At Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
• Your pharmacist
  • For information on prescription, over-the-counter, and complementary medicines
• Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health
  • For general health information and referrals

These professionals can help you:

• Review potential interactions with your current medicines
• Understand the evidence behind specific therapies
• Make safe, informed decisions about your care

Key Points About Complementary Therapies in Grand Rapids

• Complementary therapies are used alongside conventional medicines or treatments.
• Alternative therapies are used instead of conventional medicines or treatments and are often unproven or unsafe.
• Some complementary therapies can cause side effects or interact with prescription medicines.
• Complementary medicines can cause harmful effects, including severe allergic reactions and organ damage in some people.
• Many complementary therapies are based on the belief that the body can heal itself and maintain health if given the right conditions.
• Always talk with your Grand Rapids healthcare provider before starting any complementary or alternative therapy.