cam complementary and alternative medicine. what is complementary and alternative medicine? first,...
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CAMComplementary and Alternative Medicine
What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine?
First, we need to define the term “Conventional”:
Medicine that is practiced by those that hold a M.D. (medical doctor) or D.O. (Doctor of osteopathic medicine). It also includes other allied health professionals such as physical therapists, psychologists, and registered nurses.
What is the difference?
Complementary
Refers to using a non-mainstream approach in addition to Conventional medicine.
Alternative Refers to using a non-mainstream approach instead of Conventional medicine.
Integrative Health Care
Non-mainstream healthcare approaches that include Complementary and Alternative medicine.
For example: a cancer treatment facility may incorporate acupuncture and meditation as part of the treatment plan.
Subgroups of Integrative Health Care
Natural Products
Herbs/Botanicals Such as Echinacea http://
nccam.nih.gov/health/supplements/wiseuse.htm
Vitamins and Minerals For example fish oil/Omega 3’s
http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/basics/vitamins/
Probiotics Helpful bacteria http://
nccam.nih.gov/health/probiotics/introduction.htm
Mind and Body Practices
Biofeedback
Acupuncture
Massage therapy
Meditation
Relaxation techniques
Spinal Manipulation
Tai Chi and qi gong
Yoga
An Introduction to mind/body practices
Biofeedback▪ Uses electrical impulses
from the body to improve health
▪ Used to manage physical and mental health issues▪ Anxiety, Chronic pain,
Constipation, IBS, High Blood Pressure, etc.
▪ It’s noninvasive, reduces need for medications, teaches stress management, etc.
Acupuncture
Latin, 'acus' (needle) + 'punctura' (to puncture)
▪ The stimulation of specific acupuncture points along the skin of the body using thin needles.
▪ Stimulating specific acupuncture points corrects imbalances in the flow of qi through channels known as meridians.
▪ Beneficial for treatment of pain, migraine, nausea, obesity, stroke, Tinnitus, etc.
For more information: http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/acupuncture/basics/definition/prc-20020778
Massage Therapy
▪ Technique used for thousands of years
▪ Over 80 different massage therapy styles
▪ Numerous health benefits▪ Heal injuries▪ Relief from symptoms▪ Help with certain health
conditionsFor more information go to: http://www.webmd.com/balance/massage-therapy-styles-and-health-benefits#1
References:
▪Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2011). Nutrition for Everyone: Vitamins and Minerals. Retrieved September 29, 2014 from http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/basics/vitamins/
▪ NCCAM (2014). Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name? U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved September 27, 2014 from http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam