The popularity of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is most certainly on the rise. Many people now successfully use supplements on a daily basis, seek out acupuncture, chiropractic or naturopathic care, and have experienced massage for relief of health problems. The “natural” section of grocery stores is growing as are the number of online and in-store supplement centers.
In fact, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), a division of the National Institutes of Health, states that in 2008, 38 percent of American adults have tried some form of CAM therapy.
Does this percentage include you? You may be using CAM therapies and not even realize it. Many people take supplements on a regular basis such as fish oil for their heart health, Vitamin C for their immune system, probiotics for their intestines, and Vitamin D as it seems to be good for everything (slight exaggeration of course, but there is a lot of good research).
The NCCAM defines CAM as “a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine.” This is different from integrative medicine where conventional medicine and alternative medicine are used together.
There is a list provided by the NCCAM of the most commonly accepted CAM therapies which includes:
- Diet-based therapy (e.g., Atkins and South Beach)
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic
- Naturopathic
- Massage
- Hypnosis
- Hypnotherapy
- Yoga
- Deep breathing
- Homeopathy
- Pilates and other movement-based therapies
- Meditation
- Natural products
- Tai chi
This means if you regularly practice yoga or Pilates, receive massage, take your vitamins and eat a South Beach diet you are one of the 38 percent using CAM.
Alternative medicine is commonly used for a variety of issues including musculoskeletal pain, immune support, thyroid, fertility, stress, energy, headaches, hormones balance, skin conditions, mental emotional needs, autoimmune, weight loss, and of course the list could go on.
Does this mean you should use alternative medicine instead of conventional medicine? Not necessarily! There is a time and a place for everything and neither medicine addresses all your needs.
A common misunderstanding about CAM medicine is the idea that there is a “lack of research” behind it. However, the NCCAM is aggressively working to turn this around.
A number of research centers are pursuing alternative treatment outcomes to publish such as the National College of Natural Medicine’s Helfgott Research Institute, Harvard University, University of San Francisco, Oregon Health Sciences University, and the Emory University School of Public Health, to name a few.
Across the globe, CAM therapies and integrative medicine are quite common in such countries as Germany, England, Japan, China and Australia.
As with conventional medicine, alternative medicine is not risk-free. There are adverse reactions and toxicities associated with some treatments, particularly herbs and supplements.
5-HTP and St. John’s Wort support serotonin but should not be used by someone on an SSRI antidepressant, as it increases the risk of serotonin syndrome.
High doses of fish oil (typically above 3000mg per day) can increase blood thinning which is not helpful for someone on a blood-thinning medication.
Taking real vitamin A while pregnant at doses greater than 5000 IUs can cause birth defects. There is an upper limit for vitamin D as it is fat soluble.
Alternatively (pun intended), folic acid is well established as a common supplement to take while pregnant to prevent neural tube and cleft palate issues.
Peppermint helps calm an upset stomach by easing gas and bloating.
The herb chamomile can be drunk as a tea or used as a supplement for stress relief and relaxation. Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxant, and B-complexes are often used safely to help during stress and improve energy
Remember, not all health care providers understand or are in support of the different CAM therapies. It is important you talk with someone who is well educated and familiar with that area of health. Alternative medicine could really be the key you are looking for to fully optimize your life.
Sources:
1. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the United States. Web. 13 July, 2013.
Retrieved from http://nccam.nih.gov/news/camstats/2007/camsurvey_fs1.htm
2. NCNM’s Helfgott Research Institute. About Helfgott. Web. 13 July, 2013.
Retrieved from http://www.ncnm.edu/helfgott-research/about-helfgott.php
3. Moss, A., Monti, D., and Newberg, A. Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Mood Disorders. Web. 13 July, 2013.
Retrieved from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/746705
4. Wilson, R., Johnson, J., Wyatt, P., Allen, V., Gagnon, A., Langlois, S., Blight, C., Audibert, F., Desilets, V., Brock, J., Koren, G., Goh, Y., Nguyen, P., and Kapur, B. Pre-conceptional vitamin/folic acid supplementation 2007: the use of folic acid in combination with a multivitamin supplement for the prevention of neural tube defects and other congenital anomalies. Web. 13 July, 2013.
Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18053387
5. Linus Pauling Institute. Magnesium. Web. 13 July, 2013.
Retrieved from http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/minerals/magnesium/
Reviewed July 15, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith