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Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). Chapter 18. What is CAM?. Complementary Medicine : forms of treatment that is used together with conventional medicine Alternative Medicine : treatment used in place of conventional medicine. Conventional Medicine.
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Complementary and Alternative Medicine(CAM) Chapter 18
What is CAM? • Complementary Medicine: forms of treatment that is used together with conventional medicine • Alternative Medicine: treatment used in place of conventional medicine
Conventional Medicine • Practiced by medical doctor (M.D.) or doctor of osteopathy (D.O.) • Allied health professionals (psychologists, registered nurses, physical therapists)
Alternative Medicines • Serves as an alternative to conventional medicine • Users perceive CAM as a more natural and more holistic approach to healing • Users may find conventional medicine too invasive, too high tech, or toxic
4 Domains of Complementary and Alternative Medicine • 1. Manipulative and body-based practices: • Manipulation or movement of body parts • Chiropractic medicine • Based on idea: Life-giving energy flows through spine via nervous system • If spine is misaligned, the force is disrupted • Proper alignment of the spine
Energy Medicine • Focus on energy fields within the body (biofields) or electromagnetic fields • Qi gong (Chinese): movements/exercises to enhance flow of energy (qi) • Reiki (Japanese): channeling spiritual energy to heal the physical body • Therapeutic touch: healing force with passing the hands over the body
Additional Energy Therapies: Derivatives of energy therapies include: • Acupuncture and Acupressure • Acupuncture: insertion of needles to affect the energy flow within body • Acupressure: application of pressure to pressure points to balance energy
3. Mind-Body Medicine • Techniques designed to enhance the mind’s ability to affect bodily function and symptoms: • Meditation • Yoga • Tai Chi • Music & Art therapy • Prayer
4. Biologically Based Practices • Treatments using substances found in nature: • Herbs, special diets, & vitamins • Ginko biloba - treat depression, enhance memory • St. John’s Wort - mood enhancer, sleep enhancer, supports immune function • Echinacea - stimulate immune system, treat symptoms of cold and flu • Green tea - antioxidant that combats cell-damaging free radicals • Functional foods - oat fiber and soy protein (lowers LDL), yogurt (good bacteria that fights off infections), garlic (lowers cholesterol)
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine • (NCCAM) provides information by the government and general recommendations on CAM • Most CAM not regulated, not approved by FDA • Learn about proper dosage • Tell your doctor what CAM you are utilizing (some herbs may affect other medications)