Complimentary and Alternative Medicine

Complimentary and Alternative Medicine Reasons for using CAM • a desire for less invasive, less toxic, “more natural” treatments • lack of satisfaction with biomedical treatments • increasing desire by patients to take a more active role in their treatment process • Beliefs that a combination of treatments (biomedical and complementary) results in better overall results • beliefs and values that are consistent with an approach to health that incorporates the mind, body, and spirit or a holistic approach Categories of complimentary therapies • Biologic • Dietary supplements, Herbals, Probiotics • Energy • Acupuncture, Therapeutic/Healing touch • Manipulative/Body-Based Methods • Acupressure, Chiropractic, massage therapy • Mind-Body Therapies • Biofeedback, Guided imagery, music therapy, Meditation, Yoga, Tai Chi • Movement Therapies • Pilates, dance therapy • Whole Medical Systems • Homeopathic, Native American/Latin American healing, Naturopathic Relaxation therapy Clinical application  Lowers blood pressure and heart rate, decreases muscle tension, improves well being, reduce symptoms and distress Meditation and breathing Clinical application • reduces overall systolic and diastolic blood pressures • significantly reduces hypertensive risk • successfully reduces relapses in alcohol treatment programs • Patients with cancer experience less depression, anxiety, and distress and report an improved quality of life • Posttraumatic stress disorders and chronic pain • increases productivity, improves mood, increases a sense of identity, and lowers irritability Limitations  fear losing control  become hypertensive while mediating  increase effects of certain drugs Biofeedback  used to change thinking, emotions, and behaviors