Lesson One What is CAM? 1

Complementary And Alternative Medicine 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. 2 (NCCAM, 2007)

What Is Complementary And Alternative Medicine? “Complementary medicine” refers to use of CAM together with conventional medicine “Alternative medicine” refers to use of CAM in place of conventional medicine “Integrative medicine” combines treatments from conventional medicine and CAM for which there is some high-quality evidence of safety and effectiveness 3 (NCCAM, 2007)

Types Of Complementary Health Approaches Most complementary health approaches fall into one of two subgroups: Natural Products Mind and Body Practices 4 (NCCIH, 2008)

Whole Medical Systems CAM whole medical systems are built upon complete systems of theory and practice. Homeopathic Medicine Naturopathic Medicine Traditional Chinese Medicine Ayurvedic Medicine 5 (NCCAM, 2007)

Homeopathic Medicine A system of medical practices based on the theory that any substance that can produce symptoms of disease or illness in a healthy person can cure those symptoms in a sick person 6 (NCCIH, 2008)

What Is Homeopathy? Homeopathy is a safe, gentle, and natural system of healing that works with your body to relieve symptoms, restore itself, and improve your overall health 7 NCCAM, 2007)

Homeopathy Key Elements The Law of Similars: matching the symptoms of a medicine tested on healthy humans to the individual seeking treatment The Minimum Dose: determining the least amount of medicine needed to effect the needed change Totality of Symptoms: matching the complete symptom profile of the patient to the symptom profile of the remedy Single Remedy: administration of one remedy at a time 8 (NCCAM, 2007)

Homeopathic Medicines Homeopathic medicines are derived from botanical (plant), mineral, and some animal sources 9 (NCCAM, 2007)

Are Homeopathic Medicines Regulated? Homeopathic medicines are considered to be drugs under U.S. federal law, and the Food and Drug Administration regulates the manufacture, marketing, and sales of all homeopathic medicines Homeopathic medicines are made according to a book of standards called the Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS) The HPUS contains all of the information necessary for the proper identification of the raw materials used to make homeopathic medicines, as well as techniques for their manufacture and quality control 10 (NCCIH, 2008)

Are Homeopathic Medicines Safe? Because of the minute doses used in homeopathy, the medicines labeled for internal use are non-toxic When properly administered, the medicines are completely safe for everyone including pregnant women, newborns, children, and adults through the senior years There are no known or suspected contraindications or drug interactions between homeopathic and conventional medications 11 (NCCIH, 2008)

Who Practices Homeopathy? Consumers can learn to treat simple first-aid and acute conditions effectively with the aid of homeopathic self- care books or by attending homeopathic classes, but serious, chronic conditions should always be treated by an experienced homeopathic practitioner Homeopathy is practiced by a wide variety of health-care practitioners including medical doctors, osteopaths, naturopathic physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dentists, veterinarians, chiropractors, acupuncturists, nurse midwives, podiatrists, and professional homeopaths 12 (NCCIH, 2008)

Naturopathic Medicine Naturopathic medicine is a science-based tradition that promotes wellness by identifying the unique aspects of each patient and then employing non- toxic natural therapies to restore his or her physiological, psychological, and structural balance 13 (Center for Spirituality & Healing and Charlson Meadows)

What Is Naturopathic Medicine? A distinct system of primary health care-an art, science, philosophy, and practice of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of illness Naturopathic medicine is distinguished by the principles upon which its practice is based These principles are continually re-examined in the light of scientific advances The techniques of naturopathic medicine include modern and traditional, scientific, and empirical methods 14 (AANP, 1989)

Naturopathy Key Elements The healing power of nature: The body has an inherent ability to maintain and restore health Identify and treat the cause: Naturopathic physicians treat the underlying causes of illness rather than just the symptoms of disease First do no harm: A naturopathic treatment plan uses therapies that are gentle, non-invasive, effective, and do not have adverse side effects 15 (Center for Spirituality & Healing and Charlson Meadows)

Naturopathy Key Elements Doctor as teacher: The primary role of naturopathic physicians is educating, empowering, and motivating patients to assume more personal responsibility for their health by adopting a healthy attitude, lifestyle, and diet Treat the whole person: Naturopathic physicians identify specific weaknesses or dysfunctions in their patients and tailor treatment based upon the patient's individual presentation Prevention: Naturopathic physicians evaluate both subjective and objective information necessary to uncover potential susceptibilities to future disease states in their patients 16 (Center for Spirituality & Healing and Charlson Meadows)

Naturopathic Medicine Naturopathic medicine attempts to improve health, prevent disease, and treat illness by promoting the use of organic foods and exercise; encouraging a healthy, balanced lifestyle; and applying concepts and treatments from other areas of complementary medicine 17 (National Center for Homeopathy)

What is a Naturopathic Doctor? Naturopathic physicians combine the wisdom of nature with the rigors of modern science Steeped in traditional healing methods, principles and practices, naturopathic medicine focuses on holistic, proactive prevention and comprehensive diagnosis and treatment By using protocols that minimize the risk of harm, naturopathic physicians help facilitate the body’s inherent ability to restore and maintain optimal health 18 (National Center for Homeopathy)

Traditional Chinese Medicine Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a system based on an ancient set of practices from China that operate under the belief that the processes of the human body are interrelated and connected to the environment 19 (UNH Health Services)

What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine? The body is an integrated whole Completely connected to nature Natural self-healing ability Prevention is the best cure 20 (TCM World Foundation)

Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Elements Yin-Yang theory Qi Meridian pathways Theory of five elements Five Major Organs 21 (TCM World Foundation)

Yin And Yang Theory The concept of two opposing, yet complementary, forces that shape the world and all life Balance and harmony Encompasses everything in the Universe Yin describes qualities that are dark, passive, feminine, receptive, and associated with the night. Yin is often symbolized by water or earth. Yang is symbolized by fire or air Yang describes qualities that are light, bright, active, masculine and associated with the day 22 (TCM World Foundation)

What Is Qi? Central to TCM is the belief in an energy, known as qi, which is translated as "life energy“ Qi is believed to flow through a number of channels, or meridians, throughout the body, many of which follow major veins and arteries and connect to the internal organs to circulate qi throughout the body Regulating and stimulating the flow of Qi is a basic tenet of understanding the role of disease and health in the body 23 (TCM World Foundation)

Meridian Pathways There are twelve major meridians that run on each side of the body, one side mirroring the other Each meridian corresponds to an internal organ Each organ, with its own physiological and invisible energy functions, is not only dependent on the other organ systems but also on the greater meridian network 24 (TCM World Foundation)

Theory Of The Five Elements The Five Elements are a comprehensive template that organizes all natural phenomena into five master groups or patterns in nature Wood Fire Earth Metal Water 25 (TCM World Foundation)

Five Major Organs Liver Heart Stomach Lung Kidney 26 (TCM World Foundation)

Theory Of The Five Elements 27 (TCM World Foundation)

What Are TCM Treatments? Chinese Herbal Medicine Acupuncture Moxibustion Cupping Chinese Massage Qi Gong Tai Chi Dietary Therapy 28 (NCCAM, 2009)

Are TCM Medicines Safe? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations for dietary supplements (including manufactured herbal products) are not the same as those for prescription or over-the-counter drugs; in general, the regulations for dietary supplements are less strict. Some Chinese herbal treatments may be safe, but others may not be. 29 (NCCAM, 2009)

Who Practices TCM? TCM is typically delivered by a practitioner Before using TCM, ask about the practitioner’s qualifications, including training and licensure Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use 30 (NCCAM, 2009)

Ayurvedic Medicine Ayurvedic Medicine also known as Ayurveda is a holistic approach to health designed to help people live long, healthy, and well-balanced lives. The term Ayurveda is taken from the Sanskrit words ayus, meaning life or lifespan, and veda, meaning knowledge The basic principle of Ayurveda is to prevent and treat illness by maintaining balance in the body, mind, and consciousness through proper drinking, diet, and lifestyle, as well as herbal remedies 31 (University of Maryland Medical Center)

What Is Ayurvedic Medicine? There are two main types of Ayurveda traditional and Maharishi. Maharishi is a version of traditional Ayurveda based on translations from the classical texts by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Both types of Ayurvedic practitioners Prescribe herbs Believe that disease results from an imbalance in the doshas (basic energy types) Use many of the same remedies for treating illness 32 (University of Maryland Medical Center).

Maharishi Ayurveda Maharishi Ayurveda emphasizes the role of supreme consciousness in maintaining good health, and promotes transcendental meditation (TM) as a way to experience the pure consciousness of the universe. It also highlights the expression of positive emotions and the need to attune your life to the natural rhythms of your body. 33 (University of Maryland Medical Center).

Ayurveda Concepts According to Ayurvedic theory, everything in the universe is connected. Good health is achieved when your mind, body, and spirit are in harmony with the universe. A disruption of this harmony can lead to poor health and sickness. Some things that can cause a disruption include: Genetic or birth defects Injuries Climate and seasonal changes Age Emotions 34 (WebMD)

The Five Basic Elements How your body works to keep you healthy and your unique physical and psychological characteristics combine to form your body's constitution, or prakriti. Your prakriti is believed to stay the same for your entire life. Every person is made of a combination of five basic elements found in the universe: Space Air Fire Water Earth 35 (WebMD)

The Three Basic Energy Types These elements combine in the human body to form three life forces or energies, called doshas. They control how your body works. Vata dosha (space and air) Pitta dosha (fire and water) Kapha dosha (water and earth) 36 (WebMD)

The Three Doshas Vata: Energy that controls bodily functions associated with motion, including blood circulation, breathing, blinking, and heartbeat. When vata energy is balanced, there is creativity and vitality. Out of balance, vata produces fear and anxiety. Pitta: Energy that controls the body's metabolic systems, including digestion, absorption, nutrition, and temperature. In balance, pitta leads to contentment and intelligence. Out of balance, pitta can cause ulcers and arouse anger. Kapha: Energy that controls growth in the body. It supplies water to all body parts, moisturizes the skin, and maintains the immune system. In balance, kapha is expressed as love and forgiveness. Out of balance, kapha leads to insecurity and envy. 37 (WebMD)

Ayurvedic Treatments Ayurvedic treatment focuses on rebalancing the doshas. Practitioners draw from more than 20 types of treatment. The most commonly prescribed include: Pranayama- breathing exercises. Abhyanga- rubbing the skin with herbal oil to increase blood circulation and draw toxins out of the body through the skin Rasayana- using mantras (repeated words or phrases) during meditation combined with certain herbs for rejuvenation. Yoga- combining pranayama, movement, and meditation. Yoga has been shown to improve circulation and digestion, and to reduce blood pressure, cholesterol levels, anxiety, and chronic pain. Pancha karma- cleansing the body to purify it and reduce cholesterol. Practitioners use methods that cause sweat, bowel movements, and even vomit to cleanse the body of toxins. Herbal medicines- prescribing herbs to restore dosha balance. 38 (University of Maryland Medical Center)

Are Ayurvedic Therapies Safe? Most Ayurvedic therapies, such as pranayama and rasayana, are unlikely to have negative side effects in people who are psychologically healthy. People with serious mental health issues may benefit from these therapies. But they should only pursue them under the guidance of a knowledgeable psychiatrist or psychologist. Ayurvedic herbs may interact with medications. Like all herbs, they are not right for every person. Be sure to talk to your doctor before trying Ayurveda, especially if you take medicines or have to eat a special diet (to control diabetes, for example). 39 (University of Maryland Medical Center)

Who Practices Ayurvedic Medicine? Although none of the 50 states offer a license to practice Ayurveda, there are several institutions across the U.S. that have educational programs, including The California College of Ayurveda in Grass Valley, California, and the Kerala Ayurveda Academy in Foster City, California. For a list of qualified practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine in your area, contact the National Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine (NIAM). 40 (University of Maryland Medical Center)

References AANP. (1989). House of Delegates Position Paper: Definition of Naturopathic Medicine. Retrieved from American Association of Naturopathic Physicians: dicine.pdf Center for Spirituality & Healing and Charlson Meadows. (n.d.). Taking Charge of Your Health and Wellbeing: Naturopathy. Retrieved from University of Minnesota Center for Spirituality & Healing: National Center for Homeopathy. (n.d.). Learn About Homeopathy. Retrieved from National Center for Homeopathy: NCCAM. (2007, February). cam basics: What Is Complementary and Alternative Medicine? Retrieved from National Institutes of Health: NCCAM. (2009, March). Traditional Chinese Medicine: An Introduction. Retrieved from National Institutes of Health : NCCIH. (2008, October). Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name? Retrieved from National Institutes of Health: TCM World Foundation. (n.d.). What Is TCM? Retrieved from TCM World Foundation : UNH Health Services. (n.d.). Complementary and Alternative Health Practices: Traditional Chinese Medicine. Retrieved from University of New Hampshire Health Services : health-practices/traditional-chinese-medicine University of Maryland Medical Center. (n.d.). Complementary and Alternative Medicine Guide: Ayurveda. Retrieved from University of Maryland Medical Center : WebMD. (n.d.). Ayurvedic Medicine. Retrieved from WebMD: treatments 41