Alternative Medicine or CAM

What is alternative medicine? NCCAM defines CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) as a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine.

CAM Complementary Medicine is used together with conventional (Western) medicine Alternative medicine is used INSTEAD of conventional medicine.

What is alternative medicine? Recognizes a relation between – food one eats – one's lifestyle – one's surrounding Holistic method

Types of CAM? Natural Products Mind and Body Medicine Manipulative and Body based practices Movement Therapies Energy Therapies Whole Medical Systems

Complementary Medicine/Alternative Medicine NATURAL PRODUCTS This area of CAM includes use of a variety of herbal medicines (also known as botanicals), vitamins, minerals, and other "natural products." Many are sold over the counter as dietary supplements.

Complementary Medicine/Alternative Medicine Mind-body medicine This type of CAM focuses on the interactions among the brain, mind, body, and behavior, with the intent to use the mind to affect physical functioning and promote health. Techniques: –Visual imagery –Meditation –Yoga –Acupuncture

Complementary Medicine/Alternative Medicine Manipulative and Body Body Bases Practices Manipulative and body-based practices focus primarily on the structures and systems of the body, including the bones and joints, soft tissues, and circulatory and lymphatic systems. Techniques –Spinal Manipulation –Massage Therapy

Complementary Medicine/Alternative Medicine Movement Therapy A broad range of Eastern and Western movement- based approaches used to promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Techniques: –Plilates –Alexander Technique –Feldenkrais Method

Complementary Medicine/Alternative Medicine Energy medicine deals with energy fields of two types: –Veritable, which can be measured –Putative, which have yet to be measured Techniques: –Magnet Therapy –Light Therapy –Reiki

Types of Alternative medicine? Medical Systems Complete systems of theory and practice that have evolved over time in different cultures and apart from conventional or Western medicine Systems: –Ayurvedic medicine –Traditional Chinese medicine –Homeopathy –Naturopathy