Many people in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan believe that complementary therapies are safer than conventional medical treatments because they are more “natural.”

This is not always true.

As interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) grows in West Michigan, it’s important to understand the safety, legal issues, and how these therapies fit alongside care from major Grand Rapids health systems like Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health.

What Are Complementary Therapies?

Complementary therapies are treatments used alongside conventional medical care to support health and wellbeing. They are not meant to replace medical diagnosis or treatment.

Common examples include:

  • Acupuncture
  • Aromatherapy
  • Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)
  • Herbal medicine and supplements
  • Yoga and tai chi
  • Meditation and mindfulness
  • Massage therapy
  • Chiropractic care
  • Homeopathy

These therapies are often grouped together as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

In Grand Rapids, many residents use CAM to help manage:

  • Chronic pain (including back and joint pain common in cold Michigan winters)
  • Stress, anxiety, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
  • Sleep problems
  • Arthritis and autoimmune conditions
  • Side effects of cancer treatment

Regulation of Complementary Medicines in the United States

In the United States, complementary medicines (such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, and many supplements) are regulated differently from prescription drugs.

Key points:

  • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees dietary supplements, herbal products, and some complementary products.
  • Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring safety and quality, but most complementary products are not required to prove effectiveness (efficacy) before being sold.
  • Only certain higher‑risk products or those making strong medical claims may be required to submit stronger evidence, such as clinical trial data.

Types of products often considered “complementary medicines” include:

  • Herbal products and botanicals
  • Vitamins and mineral supplements
  • Homeopathic remedies
  • Some aromatherapy and essential oil products

Because many complementary products are not tested as rigorously as prescription medicines, we often do not fully know how well they work or what their long‑term risks may be.

Unknowns: Short- and Long-Term Risks

A lack of strong scientific evidence does not automatically mean a complementary therapy doesn’t work. It may mean:

  • There is not enough research yet
  • Existing studies are small or low quality
  • The therapy hasn’t been tested to the same standards used for conventional drugs in the U.S.

However, this also means:

  • Short‑term side effects may be under‑reported
  • Long‑term risks may be unknown
  • Interactions with prescription medications may not be well studied

Products made in the United States are subject to certain safety and labeling requirements, but online products shipped from overseas may not meet U.S. standards and can be contaminated, mislabeled, or counterfeit.

Regulation of Complementary Therapists in Michigan

In the U.S., and specifically in Michigan, regulation of complementary therapists varies by profession.

In Michigan:

  • Some practitioners (such as chiropractors, physical therapists, and some mental health professionals) are licensed by the state.
  • Others (such as many herbalists, some energy healers, or unlicensed “natural health” consultants) may not be regulated at all.
  • There is no single licensing board that covers all complementary and alternative medicine providers.

This means:

  • Standards of training and care can vary widely from one practitioner to another.
  • Many complementary therapists join professional associations, which may require:
    • Minimum training or education
    • Adherence to a code of ethics
    • Continuing education
  • However, membership is usually voluntary and not required by law.

In cases of serious misconduct or harm, complaints may be investigated by:

  • Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) (for licensed professionals)
  • Law enforcement or civil courts (for fraud, assault, or other crimes)

Health and Safety Risks of Complementary Therapies

Complementary therapies can be helpful for many people in Grand Rapids, but they are not risk‑free.

1. Poor Standard of Care

Without strong regulation:

  • A practitioner may have little or no formal training.
  • They may use unsafe techniques or give incorrect health advice.
  • Inadequate infection control (for example, in acupuncture or massage) can increase risk of infection.

2. Indirect Harm (Delaying Proper Medical Care)

Relying on complementary therapies alone can be dangerous, especially for serious conditions such as:

  • Cancer
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Severe infections
  • Uncontrolled diabetes

Delaying diagnosis or evidence‑based treatment can lead to:

  • Worse outcomes
  • Permanent disability
  • In some cases, death

This is especially important in Grand Rapids, where chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer are common in the Michigan population.

3. Side Effects

“Natural” does not mean “safe.”

Examples:

  • Some herbs can cause allergic reactions, liver damage, or stomach upset.
  • Feverfew (an herb sometimes used for migraines) can cause uterine contractions and may increase the risk of miscarriage in pregnant women.
  • High doses of certain vitamins and minerals can be toxic.

4. Drug Interactions

Complementary medicines can interact with:

  • Prescription drugs
  • Over‑the‑counter medicines
  • Other supplements

Examples:

  • Ginkgo and chamomile may increase the risk of bleeding in people taking:
    • Blood thinners (such as warfarin)
    • Anti‑inflammatory medicines (such as aspirin or ibuprofen)
  • St. John’s wort can interfere with:
    • Antidepressants
    • Birth control pills
    • Some heart and HIV medications

This is particularly important for older adults in Grand Rapids, who may take multiple medications for chronic illnesses.

5. Financial Harm

If a complementary therapy:

  • Is not effective
  • Is not appropriate for your condition
  • Is repeatedly recommended without clear benefit

…you may be wasting money on products or treatments that do not help and might cause harm.

Your Doctor and Complementary Therapies

Doctors in Grand Rapids—whether at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health—are increasingly asked about complementary therapies.

However:

  • There are hundreds of different therapies and products; no doctor can be an expert in all of them.
  • A doctor’s knowledge often depends on their specialty.
    • For example, an oncologist at Spectrum Health’s cancer center may know more about complementary therapies used during chemotherapy (like acupuncture for nausea) than about other types of CAM.

Many patients in West Michigan do not tell their doctor they are using complementary therapies because they:

  • Worry the doctor will be judgmental
  • Assume the doctor “won’t understand” or “doesn’t need to know”

This is risky. It is very important to tell your doctor if you:

  • Are currently using complementary therapies or supplements
  • Are planning to start any new complementary treatment

Your doctor may:

  • Warn you about known risks or interactions
  • Help you choose safer options
  • Monitor your condition more closely

Doctors may also be cautious about referring to complementary therapists because:

  • The evidence for some therapies is limited or unclear
  • They may be held legally responsible if a referral leads to harm

General Safety Tips for Complementary Therapies in Grand Rapids

Use these guidelines to protect yourself and your family:

1. Always Start with a Medical Diagnosis

  • If you are concerned about your health, see your primary care doctor (GP) first.
  • Do not rely on a complementary therapist for diagnosis of serious symptoms (such as chest pain, sudden weakness, unexplained weight loss, or severe headaches).

2. Talk to Your Healthcare Team

Before starting any complementary therapy or supplement:

  • Discuss it with:
    • Your GP or family doctor
    • Your specialist (for example, cardiologist, oncologist, endocrinologist)
    • Your pharmacist

This is especially important if you:

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have chronic conditions (heart disease, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, cancer)
  • Take multiple prescription medicines

3. Choose Qualified Practitioners

When looking for a complementary therapist in Grand Rapids:

  • Check if they are:
    • Licensed (if applicable in Michigan for that profession)
    • Members of a recognized professional association
  • Ask about:
    • Their training and years of experience
    • How they handle emergencies or adverse reactions
    • Whether they are willing to coordinate care with your doctor

4. Be Cautious with Online Products

  • Be wary of supplements or herbal products sold online, especially from overseas.
  • Products may be:
    • Out‑of‑date
    • Poor quality
    • Contaminated
    • Fake

Always:

  • Check labels carefully
  • Avoid products that promise “miracle cures” or “no side effects”
  • Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before buying healthcare products online

5. Be an Informed Consumer

Medical misinformation—sometimes called “cyberquackery”—is common online.

Look for information from:

  • Major Grand Rapids health systems (Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health)
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health resources
  • Nationally recognized sites such as:
    • National Institutes of Health (NIH)
    • National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
    • U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Be skeptical of:

  • Websites that sell the same product they are promoting
  • Testimonials without scientific evidence
  • Claims that a single product can “cure” many unrelated diseases

Local Considerations for Grand Rapids and Michigan

Living in West Michigan brings some unique health patterns that influence how people use complementary therapies:

  • Cold, long winters and limited sunlight can contribute to:
    • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
    • Vitamin D deficiency
    • Joint and muscle pain
  • Many residents turn to:
    • Light therapy, yoga, and meditation for mood
    • Massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic care for pain
    • Vitamin D and herbal supplements

While some of these approaches can be helpful, they still need to be:

  • Discussed with your doctor
  • Chosen carefully for safety and evidence
  • Integrated with conventional care when needed

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, MI

If you have questions or concerns about complementary therapies or medicines, you can contact:

  • Your GP or primary care provider
    • Through Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health clinics
  • Your pharmacist
    • For information about drug–supplement interactions and safe use
  • Kent County Health Department / Grand Rapids Public Health
    • For local health education resources and referrals
  • Michigan Poison Center (for suspected poisoning or overdose)
    • 1‑800‑222‑1222 (24 hours, 7 days a week)

In an emergency, always call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department in Grand Rapids.

Key Points to Remember

  • Complementary therapies are often grouped as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and are used alongside, not instead of, conventional care.
  • In the U.S., many complementary medicines are not required to prove effectiveness, and their short‑ and long‑term risks may be unknown.
  • Without consistent regulation, standards of care vary widely between complementary therapists.
  • Complementary therapies can cause:
    • Direct harm (side effects, infections, injuries)
    • Indirect harm (delayed diagnosis and treatment)
    • Drug interactions and financial loss
  • Always:
    • See your doctor for diagnosis
    • Tell your healthcare team about any complementary therapies or supplements
    • Use reputable practitioners and products
    • Rely on trusted health information sources in Grand Rapids and nationally

Used wisely and safely, some complementary therapies can play a supportive role in your overall health plan. The key is to integrate them thoughtfully with evidence‑based medical care and open communication with your Grand Rapids healthcare providers.