Complementary And Alternative Medicine ( Cam )

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

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

If I'm not well my first stop would be to have some acupuncture. I’m a great believer in Chinese medicine. Myotherapy and massage are also things I use. I really think there’s a place for complementary medicine.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy, has been around and practiced by many countries considered as undeveloped or developing for centuries. It’s use in modern times by developed countries has increased tremendously, as research has shown the effectiveness of its use. CAM therapy and practices are being embraced by healthcare professionals slowly, in what is considered an alternative therapy, or adjunct to western medicine. However, research shows that many individuals are using CAM, but are not reporting it to their healthcare providers. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) studies has shown a “36% increase of CAM therapy use in the United States in 2002, with a 38% increase noted by 2007, resulting in thirty-four billion dollars being spent on this alternative medicine and practice,” (Artani, Mhatre, & Sansgiry, 2013; National Institutes of Health [NIH], 2013) prompting this question, why are people keeping their CAM usage a secret? Should the word about CAM therapy be increased among healthcare providers and patients? If CAM therapy is affective and could decrease the cost of our strained healthcare budget, why has this century old dialogue not been improved. Could the loss of money for big industry drug distributers be behind the quieting voice of CAM therapy usage?

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

Conventional treating of patients is not always the best treatment; there are routes a provider can explore to assist in the overall health and wellbeing of the patient. Complementary and alternative therapy (CAM) is the other route for the patient. Each of these modalities can produce a healing effect or relief from an ailment that will have an effect in a positive manner on the quality of life. Too many times patients become settled or complacent in his or her disease process and never look into the other routes.

In the last two decades, the use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) by the American public has grown exponentially, especially among women, meriting the question of “why?”. CAM is defined as any medical practice not regularly taught in biomedical schooling, and that is undertaken to replace or to be used in conjunction with standard biomedical practice (Su, D et al, 2011). Examples of CAM typically used include acupuncture, chiropractic care, and herbal medicine, as well as deep-breathing exercise, yoga, meditation, and prayer. The recent surge in CAM use has been so extreme that it is now estimated that 40 to 45 percent of Americans currently practice CAM use, with 68 percent of Americans having used CAM at some point in their

Australians have embraced the use of complimentary and alternative medicine (CAM) with two out of three individuals in Australia accessing such services yearly (The National Institute of Complementary Medicine, 2010). CAMs are treatments that lie outside of typical mainstream medicine such as acupuncture, homeopathy, and western massage therapy. The general population commonly uses these services to assist in relieving pain caused by chronic illnesses (Manya, Champion, & Dunning, 2012; Okoro, Zhao, Li, & Balluz, 2013) or other medical ailments (Gottschling et al., 2013; Nissen, Lunde, Pedersen, & Johannessen, 2014). However, due to the lack of rigorous scientific testing on CAMs, many medical professionals are hesitant to suggest their use

Although I have never personally ventured into the field of alternative medicine, I have both friends and family that have, many who have experienced positive results. From aromatherapy to acupuncture, my small, adventurous circle has tried and reported on quite a few different methods. One of the more common forms of alternative medicine reported across the country is acupuncture. This centuries old method of pain relief targets the pressure points in our bodies in order to remove build up pressure or previously existing pain. Originally adopted form traditional Chinese medicine practices (CTM), around 100 BC, acupuncture methods used today in the US are directly adapted from this source. From China to Korea in the 6th century AD, acupuncture

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).

Furthermore, the National Library of Medicine examined numerous practices of CAM ranging from physical medicine to mental medicine for example Tai Chi. This study included 66 people who were diagnosed with fibromyalgia and these people had a significantly greater decrease in total score on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, that was used to determine the impact of fibromyalgia on a patient. The study also found that the group experienced greater sleep quality, mood, and quality of life after (Complementary and Alternative Medicine). Doctors and concerned parents constantly express their concerns about the safety and effectiveness of CAM by stating that there is no evidence however it can easily be shown by the National Library of Medicine trials. CAM has been studied by a bonafide source therefore CAM is safe to use as a prescription or an alternative option and doctors should make their paintes aware of these options furthering their inclination to use these treatments.

Although "Alternative" or "Complementary" medicine has been kept on the fringes of the medical sciences in the past, it is becoming increasingly more popular, and more reputable. Alternative medicines are those medical systems which are not taught to or practiced by most conventional medical doctors. Alternative medicines seemingly have always existed, changing and conforming to the current climate of society. There seems to be an almost endless number of alternative medicines, each with their own method of gaining perfect health. Often people who are dissatisfied with conventional medicine turn to alternative medicine for their medical needs. Many similarities link the diverse extremities of alternative medicine.

Traditional versus alternative medicine is an issue that requires a great deal of inspection and assumption. The purpose of both types of medicine is to have a healthy, strong, and fit body. Specialists differ in their opinions on this topic and their views are based on the advantages and disadvantages of both types of medicine. This essay will define in clearer terms how alternative medicine is better and different from traditional medicine in its definitions, approaches, and technological advantages. Many health professionals prefer the use of modern medicine over traditional medicine.