Some patients benefit from treatments that are considered alternative medicine, such as acupressure, acupuncture, massage, “tapping”, yoga, hypnosis, biofeedback and herbal supplements. Patients who are open to the use of these non traditional remedies often find some level of relief, even if it is just being able to sleep more deeply. It is important to know that alternative medicine should be used as a way to combat the anxiety associated with surgery, not as a treatment instead of surgery. These complimentary treatments are not a replacement for a needed surgery, but a way to better cope with the the stress surrounding the procedure.
Herbal supplements, including teas, powders and other “all natural” plant extracts should not be used without consulting the surgeon. Many herbs, despite the label “all natural” are known to interact badly with anesthesia and other medications. Some can cause “blood thinning,” heart arrhythmias, and other reactions that are not desirable during surgery.
Studies have shown that something as simple as reading a book during the preoperative phase can alleviate anxiety by taking the patient’s mind off of what is about to happen. Relaxing music can have the same effect. If the patient has a normal stress reduction routine, such as taking a bath or a walk, it should help with surgical anxiety.
