If you use complementary health approaches, you may want to share this information with your health care providers. Keeping your providers fully informed helps you stay in control and effectively manage your health. 

Telling your providers about the dietary supplements you use is especially important. Some supplements can interact in harmful ways with medicines. If your providers know what you’re taking, they can help you avoid this problem. 

Your health care providers may be able to help you find information about the safety and effectiveness of any complementary approaches you’re considering. And if the approach involves seeing a practitioner, such as an acupuncturist, chiropractor, or massage therapist, they may be able to recommend someone in your area.