BALANCING LIFE’S ISSUES, INC.

Alternative MedicineFact or Fiction?

• Define Complementary and Alternative Medicine

• Integrative medicine

• Review the Principles of CAM

• Examples of CAM

• Healing

• Mind-Body

• Manipulation

• Energy

• Is alternative medicine for you?

Objectives

• Any treatment or medicine not traditionally used.

• Implies using a therapy or or medicine instead of traditional medicine.

• Complementary = treatments + more traditional medicine

• Some MD’s more open to alternative treatments.

• Always consult with physician

Alternative and Complementary Medicine

• A new field of medicine CAM

• Resulting from proliferation and popularity of alternatives

• Response to what patients want.

• Evidence that alternatives can be effective

Integrative Medicine

• Prevention

• Steps to improve overall health

• Emphasis on education

• Wellness vs. Illness

• Healing

• The body does the healing

• Alternative treatments encourage natural healing

• Learning

• Facilitators instead of doctors

• Holistic Approach

Principles of CAM

• Healing Systems:

• Homeopathy

• Naturopathy

• Ayurveda

• Ancient Medicine

• Dietary Supplements – Herbs

• “Natural” does not = “Safe”

• Watch for warnings of interactions

• Always consult with your physician

Examples of CAM

Examples of CAM

• Mind/Body Connection

• Yoga

• Biofeedback

• Meditation or prayer

• Relaxation

• Hypnosis

• Manipulation

• Chiropractic or spinal manipulation

• Massage

Energy Therapies

Reiki

Therapeutic touch

Alternate therapies

• Light

• Magnetic

• Polarity

Is Alternative Medicine for You?

Consider:

Relatively new field for physicians who may not have

received Complementary and Alternative Medicine training.

As evidence increases, it may become more accepted.

Be cautious of exaggerated claims or miracle cures.

Consider complementary approaches

BALANCING LIFE’S ISSUES, INC.

Alternative MedicineFact or Fiction?