What concept is commonly shared among many complementary and alternative therapies?

The concept that is commonly shared among many complementary and alternative therapies is that patients are capable of decision-making and should be a part of the healthcare team. This approach emphasizes the importance of patient empowerment and collaborative decision-making in the therapeutic process. Many complementary and alternative therapies prioritize the whole person, which includes mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions, in addition to physical well-being. This patient-centered focus encourages individuals to take an active role in their health care, fostering a partnership between the patient and practitioner.

In contrast, the idea that patients should follow practitioner instructions without question does not align with the principles of many alternative therapies that value patient autonomy and informed consent. Additionally, the notion that all therapies must be pharmacologically based contradicts the foundational ideas of complementary and alternative modalities, which often explore non-pharmaceutical options. Lastly, the concept that patients rely solely on conventional medicine for care overlooks the holistic approaches that are integral to many complementary and alternative practices, which seek to complement, rather than replace, conventional treatments.