Main Research Findings

Several studies have shown that complementary therapies such as yoga, dance therapy, and belly dance may improve the quality of life for people with chronic illnesses, such as cancer patients and people living with HIV. evaluated yoga and dance therapy (The Lebed Method), both of which were found to reduce patient concerns and improve well-being. Additionally, 1 suggested that belly dance can improve quality of life, fatigue, and depressive symptoms in women with breast cancer.

Reasons for Side Effects

The side effects of complementary therapies can vary depending on the type of therapy, individual health conditions, and interactions with other treatments. Physical activities like yoga and dance therapy can be strenuous for some people. Additionally, mental approaches such as meditation and Qigong may amplify feelings of anxiety or fear.

Common Side Effects

Physical Side Effects

Physical activities like yoga and dance therapy can cause muscle soreness and joint pain. People who are inactive may experience shortness of breath or palpitations when starting exercise.

Mental Side Effects

Mental approaches such as meditation and Qigong may amplify feelings of anxiety or fear. People with past trauma or mental health issues may experience increased mental stress. Some complementary therapies have been reported to cause mental symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. It is important for people with unstable mental states or specific mental illnesses to consult their doctor before using complementary therapies.

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Physical Side Effects

It is important to gradually increase the intensity of physical activities like yoga and dance therapy. Stretching before exercise can help prevent muscle soreness and joint pain. It is crucial to consult a doctor or expert to find appropriate exercise methods and intensity levels, as needed.

Mental Side Effects

If you experience amplified anxiety or fear, stop mental approaches like meditation and Qigong, and consult a doctor. It is recommended to see a psychiatrist if you have mental health issues.

Comparison of Studies

Commonalities of Studies

These studies suggest that complementary therapies may improve the quality of life for people with chronic illnesses. They also emphasize the importance of using complementary therapies based on patients' choices.

Differences of Studies

These studies investigate different complementary therapies. The diseases and demographics of the study subjects also vary. Therefore, direct comparison of the research findings is not possible.

Cautions for Applying the Research to Real Life

Complementary therapies should be used as adjuncts to conventional treatment methods, not replacements. Before using complementary therapies, consult a doctor to confirm their suitability for your health condition. It is also crucial to understand that the effects of complementary therapies may vary from person to person.

Limitations of Current Research

There is still limited research on the effectiveness of complementary therapies. The research designs and methodologies vary, making direct comparisons of research findings difficult. Additionally, the side effects of complementary therapies have not been fully elucidated. These points highlight the need for further research on the safety and efficacy of complementary therapies.

Directions for Future Research

Large-scale clinical trials are needed to verify the efficacy and safety of complementary therapies. Studies should consider various factors such as type of complementary therapy, type of disease, and patient characteristics. Further research is also needed to investigate the side effects of complementary therapies in detail.

Conclusion

Complementary therapies such as yoga and dance therapy hold the potential to improve the quality of life for people with chronic illnesses. However, complementary therapies should be used as adjuncts to conventional treatment methods, not replacements. Consult a doctor before using complementary therapies to confirm their suitability for your health condition. It is crucial to understand that the effects of complementary therapies may vary from person to person. Further research is needed on the safety and efficacy of complementary therapies.