A Paradigm Shift to Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Per our readings, the search to identifying the different dimensions of well-being that includes the holistic aspect of human being, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) was established. Also, this week’s literature revealed that there are inconsistent data to the concept that alternative use is uncommon among ethnic minorities. Based upon my experiences, I would argue that the use of CAM is prevalent among white, African-American, Latino, Asian, and Native Americans in the US, however, what differ is the specific CAM modality that one group may choose to practice due values and cultural influences. CAM offers a more holistic, more personalized and affordable treatment to patients with different or under-researched health care problems. Also, from my perspective, the prevalence of CAM reflects the established yet, recently surfacing needs and values in society such as an increased sense of

It could be considered that conventional medicine has indirectly contributed to the rise of complementary and alternative medicine. A broad definition of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is “a broad set of health care practices that are not part of that country’s own tradition or conventional medicine and are not fully integrated into the dominant health-care system” (The World Health Organisation, n.d.). Expanding on this definition it is important to address the variable similarities of CAM modalities. CAM therapies across the various modalities have in common a shared, in varying degrees, holistic approach and subscribe to some form of vitality - a contrast from the science-based view point of conventional medicine prevalent in western society. In spite of CAM therapies empirical nature and efficacies, it is suggested that dissatisfaction of conventional medicine underpins the popularity it has garnered, thus, it will be examined further as to how and why. A further discussion will be made to related dangers of both alternative and science-based medicine; providing an opportunity to constructively educate the public on the differences between the two systems.

Throughout the years there have been two traditions within the practice of medicine. One is the 'art of healing ' which involves its own specialised brand of training. The art of healing is dependent on the prescriber 's foreknowledge and the clients’ viewpoint of the prosperous results. The 'Science of healing ' is based on scientific and technological ideas. This tradition results in a lower liability for practitioners regarding the showing of an original approach to medicine, however the results of this method are more calculable (Kayne 2002). It is believed that the tradition of the ‘art of healing’ is increasing in popularity. The World Health Organisation states ' 'that the terms ' 'complementary medicine ' ' or ' 'alternative medicine’ ' are used interchangeably with traditional medicine in some countries. They refer to a broad set of health care practices that are not part of that country 's own tradition and are not integrated into the dominant health care system” (World Health Organization 2000). This type of treatment, is commonly known as ‘Complementary and alternative medicine’ (CAM). The word complementary derives from the meaning ‘together with’ established practices and the word alternative refers to ‘in place’ of established practices. Some patients choose to participate in complementary therapies along with the medication prescribed by their general practitioner whilst others prefer complementary therapies as opposed to the medications

In contemporary society modern medicine usually takes on a curative role, it attempts to cure. Complementary therapy however takes on a very different role; it is used to maintain wellbeing and health as well as a helping to restore wellbeing to before illness or poor health. These therapies are usually used in conjunction with modern medicine. This is usually to relieve symptoms that traditional medicine fails to help with or to boost a person’s emotional or physical health.

3b. The report should also explain how the CAMS work to affect/improve the client’s condition in relation to the use of orthodox medicine alone. Consider how they can help with mobility, pain, respiration, mental health and stress. Also consider how they can help clients with learning difficulties (choose either ADH or Autism) (P4).

Complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM, can be characterized as a gathering of restorative, human services, and healing systems other than those incorporated into health care in the United States. CAM incorporates the perspectives, speculations, modalities, items, and practices connected with these systems and their utilization to treat disease and advance health and prosperity (McKenzie, 2012). Even though heterogeneous, the significant CAM frameworks have numerous normal attributes, including an attention on individualizing medications, treating the entire individual, advancing self-consideration and self-recuperating, and perceiving the otherworldly way of every person. What's more, numerous CAM frameworks have attributes generally found in standard human services, for example, an emphasis on great sustenance and preventive practices. Dissimilar to standard medication, CAM frequently needs or has just restricted trial and clinical concentrate; then again, experimental examination of CAM is starting to address this learning crevice. In this manner, limits in the

In conclusion, we will face facts that we need to have respect and understanding of the religious beliefs. Today, majority of people are using some sort of CAM’s. Health care providers may not approve of the alternative medicine, but this is reality. With the cost of health care and medicines rising, why would you not want to try alternative medicines? However, when you are talking to your patient about the use of

The mission of NCCAM is to investigate the “usefulness and safety” of alternative and complementary medicine and the roles they could possibly play in improving health of the nation and our healthcare system by advance research on mind and body interventions,

As complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) grows more popular with the American public, the question arises whether we should consolidate aspects of unorthodox medicine with standard care. Many, such as Dr. Andrew Weil, swear by CAM’s effectiveness and urge for a more patient-centered approach to care (Relman). While CAM has no shortage of critics, a growing body of research is indicating the effectiveness of many CAM therapies in treating a variety of conditions. Patients, physicians, and researchers sometimes find that CAM therapies are more

CAM is not only used as a place to introduce and bring awareness to preventative

CAMS are divided into five different categories: biological, manipulative-body, mind-body, energy, and alternative medicine. For example, dance therapy would fall under the manipulative-body based interventions, while mind-body interventions encompass alternatives like poetry, art, or music, and yoga would be an example of mind-body interventions and manipulative-body. Participants in music therapy have reported improved quality of life, and yoga therapy has been shown to lead individuals towards motivation to health improvement. As well, dance therapy has been proven to improve body image, coordination, body awareness, depression, anxiety, and stress relief; as well, sexual abuse survivors have used dance therapy to reconnect with their body by coping and processing, as well as give them a sense of freedom from their trauma (Complementary and Integrative, n.d.).

There are several Americans who use the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) with a hope of having full health and total well being. In the National Health Interview survey (NHIS) that was conducted in 2007, there was particular emphasis placed on CAM as used by most Americans and the result were that on estimation, 38% of the adults in America use CAM (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011).

Humanistic model of medicine is an interdisciplinary approach to clinical care practice that is aimed at addressing issues in modern healthcare systems. This model has three fundamental principles that include mutual respect, emotional connection, and open communication between patients and physicians (Davis-Floyd and St. John,1998,P. 82). Therefore, the humanistic model is regarded as relationship-centered care that not only focuses on the treating the body but also treating the soul (Schwartz,M.A.,& Wiggins,O.P.,1988, p. 159). Complementary and alternative medicine, on the other hand, is an approach to medical care that is used alongside standard care practices to improve the experience of healthcare. Both approaches are aimed at providing

The popularity of complementary and alternative medicine, CAM continues to grow as more people embrace alternatives to conventional medicine to improve their lives and cure various diseases and conditions. In the United States, the CAM practice is more common in people with anxiety, severe depression, and insomnia. In the midst of the acceptance of CAM, other people still rely on conventional medicine and integrative care models to treat severe depression.

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in complementary medicine, and indeed alternative medicine (Lee-Treweek 2002, Andrews 2004, Barry 2006). Moreover the number of professionally trained therapist and practitioners has increased giving the patient/client a better choice and at more competitive rates (Smallwood, 2005).