COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)

Introduction

Laypeople often refer to alternative medicine, complementary medicine, and integrative medicine as one and the same. Actually, there is a distinction between the terms. The differences are based on how each compares with traditional medicine, which is referred to as allopathic medicine. Allopathic medicine refers to medical practice that is based on science and treats disease by using remedies that produce effects different from those caused by the disease under treatment. Complementary medicine is unconventional treatments used in addition to treatments by any medical doctor. These treatments include a diverse group of medical services and products not currently considered a part of mainstream medicine. (James 1998, 78-80)

Alternative medicine, also called integrative medicine or complementary medicine, is the body of therapies not trained in medical schools and usually unavailable from hospitals or doctors. Almost two-thirds of the public have tried alternative medical therapy, despite the skepticism of many providers of traditional medical care (also called allopathic medicine, which refers to the treatment of diseases using scientifically proven and established measures). These therapies vary considerably in their approach and include prayer, meditation, natural products, deep breathing exercises, chiropractic care, yoga, massage, and diet-based therapies. This paper Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and provides its critical analysis.

Discussion

CAM is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. CAM use is increasing. Out of pocket expenditures for CAM exceed those for conventional outpatient medical care. Patient values and preferences influence their treatment choices. New rigorously designed research findings are available on positive and negative effects of CAM treatments. Health care providers must be prepared to advise patients regarding CAM based on evidence for efficacy and safety. (Brent 2010, 15)

Proponents of alternative medicine acknowledge that allopathic medicine is superb when it comes to surgery, emergency, and trauma. But they claim that alternative approaches work better for almost everything else, especially chronic degenerative diseases, because they focus on prevention and target causes rather than symptoms. Many alternative methods are thought to work by helping the body heal itself instead of by introducing strong drugs often to compensate for the side effects of other drugs. (Bradly 2009, 45-50)

Herbal remedies are not to be taken lightly. Just because something is natural does not necessarily mean that it is safe. For example, in recent years, the NHS has warned that certain herbal products containing kava may be associated with severe liver damage. Even rigorously tested products can be risky. Many plants are poisonous, and some can be toxic if ingested in high doses. Others may be dangerous when combined with prescription or over-the-counter drugs, could disrupt the normal action of the drugs, or could cause unusual side effects. Properly trained herbalists and homeopaths have received graduate-level training in special programs such as herbal nutrition or traditional Chinese medicine. These practitioners have been trained in diagnosis; in mixing herbs, titrations, and dosages; ...