Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Description

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are systems, practices, and products that are used in conjunction with or in place of conventional medicine.

• Integrative medicine is the coordinated combination of complementary medicine with conventional medicine.
• Examples:
  • Meditation, mindfulness, relaxation
  • Yoga
  • Specialized diets
  • Herbal supplements
  • Massage
  • Osteopathic manipulative therapy
  • Chiropractic therapy
  • Ayurveda
  • Qigong
  • Tai chi
• Common reasons patients choose CAM
  • Additive therapy to address issues not covered by conventional medical treatment
  • Conventional medicine has been unsuccessful in fully addressing the ailment.
  • Preventative health care and/or a desire for a more holistic/natural/noninvasive approach to well-being
  • Concern about medication side effects
  • Cultural or familial belief systems

Epidemiology

• The most common use is among 30- to 69-year-old females (1).
• CAM is most frequently used to treat musculoskeletal issues; 59–90% of patients claim that the use of alternative therapy helped their chronic pain (1).

Prevalence
Estimated 70% of North Americans have tried at least one form of CAM.

Commonly Associated Conditions

Acute/chronic pain, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, insomnia, fatigue, cancer-related symptoms and treatment side effects, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), depression/anxiety, low libido, weight loss, asthma, eczema, tinnitus, autoimmune disease