Skip to main content icon/video/no-internet
icon backReturn to Entries

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Constituted of multiple therapies that have their origin in cultural practices and traditional medicine, some of which have a history of thousands of years, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses a diverse group of health-related practices and products that are viewed as existing outside mainstream medicine. The approach to healing and the wellness construct that defines each of these modalities may, in some respects, differ from the realm of conventional thought as present in the West or as is taught in the traditional medical curriculum in the United States. These CAM practices are divided into four domains by the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): (1) mind-body medicine, (2) biologically based practices, (3) mani pulative and body-based practices, and (4) energy medicine. The effectiveness and/or safety of some of the modalities within these groups continue to be in question, while others are gathering strong scientific evidence in their favor.

Every year, an increasing number of Americans are using CAM therapies by means of licensed practitioners as well as through the use of over-the-counter herbal preparations. In 1997, David Eisenberg estimated that 42% of the U.S. population was using some form of alternative therapy, and another study by Nancy Elder estimated that at least 50% of primary-care patients were using some form of CAM. In 2004, the NCCAM illustrated that these numbers are rising with evidence that upward of 60% of adults in the United States are using some form of CAM. According to this survey, women more than men, people with higher educational levels, and people who have recently been hospitalized are more likely than others to use CAM. In addition, allopathic physicians are, in greater numbers, using these methods through referral or direct recommendations. Medical schools are incorporating this topic into the core curriculum, and continuing medical education courses are being offered in related topics. Also, some third-party payers are increasingly reimbursing for these services. As popularity continues to rise, expenditures dedicated toward this arena climb. CAM continues to grow in popularity within the United States and, in the process, enhances the lives of many while raising concerns of safety and regulation among others.

Whole Medical Systems

The NCCAM classifies certain fields of CAM under the heading of Whole Medical Systems as they are considered complete systems of theory and practice. There is some overlap with these medical systems and the four domains of CAM; however, historically these systems have developed independently and hold their basis within an accepted theory and often use specific modalities of practice as recognized within this framework. Traditional Chinese medicine is one of the most well-established and complete systems that have been practiced well before the first known written texts dating to 200 BCE. The maintenance of the body and spirit within a balanced state through the regulation of two opposing forces, yin and yang, allows the proper flow of Qi, the vital energy, along meridians, pathways within the body. Traditional Chinese medicine uses acupuncture and moxibustion, the Chinese Materia Medica (herbal reference), and massage and manipulation as parts of its therapeutical modalities. Ayurvedic medicine, with origins in India, also places an emphasis on balance. This system attempts to restore harmony within the body, mind, and spirit through Ayurvedic treatments such as meditation, herbal therapy, massage, controlled breathing, and diet. Naturopathy, practiced mainly in the West, originated in Europe and holds six principles as its basis: (1) the healing power of nature, (2) identification and treatment of the cause of disease, (3) first—do no harm, (4) the physician as teacher, (5) treatment of the whole person, and (6) prevention. Naturopathy uses many forms of modalities, including diet modification, nutritional supplements, herbal products, hydrother-apy, massage, manipulation, and lifestyle counseling and borrows some therapies from traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture. Another recognized medical system is homeopathy, which uses the Law of Similars, stating that a substance causing a particular single or set of symptoms in a healthy person is viewed as a remedy in persons suffering from similar symptom(s), which can be cured in these individuals. The Law of Dilutions states that the more a remedy is diluted, the stronger it becomes. This field was formed primarily by a German physician, Samuel Hahnemann, in the 1800s and has increased in popularity since that time.

...

  • Loading...
locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles

Read next

More like this

Sage Recommends

We found other relevant content for you on other Sage platforms.

close

Have you created a personal profile? Login or create a profile so that you can save clips, playlists and searches

close
close
close Signed In to profile You are signed in as:
close
Logged in Institution Institution