Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Chapter 18

What is CAM? Complementary Medicine: forms of treatment that is used together with conventional medicine Complementary Medicine: forms of treatment that is used together with conventional medicine Alternative Medicine: treatment used in place of conventional medicine Alternative Medicine: treatment used in place of conventional medicine

Conventional Medicine Practiced by medical doctor (M.D.) or doctor of osteopathy (D.O.) Practiced by medical doctor (M.D.) or doctor of osteopathy (D.O.) Allied health professionals (psychologists, registered nurses, physical therapists) Allied health professionals (psychologists, registered nurses, physical therapists)

Alternative Medicines Serves as an alternative to conventional medicine Serves as an alternative to conventional medicine Users perceive CAM as a more natural and more holistic approach to healing Users perceive CAM as a more natural and more holistic approach to healing Users may find conventional medicine too invasive, too high tech, or toxic Users may find conventional medicine too invasive, too high tech, or toxic

4 Domains of Complementary and Alternative Medicine 1. Manipulative and body-based practices: 1. Manipulative and body-based practices: –Manipulation or movement of body parts –Chiropractic medicine Based on idea: Life-giving energy flows through spine via nervous system Based on idea: Life-giving energy flows through spine via nervous system If spine is misaligned, the force is disrupted If spine is misaligned, the force is disrupted Proper alignment of the spine Proper alignment of the spine

2.Energy Medicine –Focus on energy fields within the body (biofields) or electromagnetic fields –Qi gong (Chinese): movements/exercises to enhance flow of energy (qi) – Reiki (Japanese): channeling spiritual energy to heal the physical body – Therapeutic touch: healing force with passing the hands over the body

Additional Energy Therapies: Derivatives of energy therapies include: Acupuncture and Acupressure Acupuncture and Acupressure –Acupuncture: insertion of needles to affect the energy flow within body –Acupressure: application of pressure to pressure points to balance energy

3. Mind-Body Medicine Techniques designed to enhance the mind’s ability to affect bodily function and symptoms: Techniques designed to enhance the mind’s ability to affect bodily function and symptoms: –Meditation –Yoga –Tai Chi –Music & Art therapy –Prayer

4. Biologically Based Practices Treatments using substances found in nature: Treatments using substances found in nature: –Herbs, special diets, & vitamins Ginko biloba - treat depression, enhance memory Ginko biloba - treat depression, enhance memory St. John’s Wort - mood enhancer, sleep enhancer, supports immune function St. John’s Wort - mood enhancer, sleep enhancer, supports immune function Echinacea - stimulate immune system, treat symptoms of cold and flu Echinacea - stimulate immune system, treat symptoms of cold and flu Green tea - antioxidant that combats cell-damaging free radicals Green tea - antioxidant that combats cell-damaging free radicals Functional foods - oat fiber and soy protein (lowers LDL), yogurt (good bacteria that fights off infections), garlic (lowers cholesterol) Functional foods - oat fiber and soy protein (lowers LDL), yogurt (good bacteria that fights off infections), garlic (lowers cholesterol)

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) provides information by the government and general recommendations on CAM (NCCAM) provides information by the government and general recommendations on CAM Most CAM not regulated, not approved by FDA Most CAM not regulated, not approved by FDA Learn about proper dosage Learn about proper dosage Tell your doctor what CAM you are utilizing (some herbs may affect other medications) Tell your doctor what CAM you are utilizing (some herbs may affect other medications)