Welcome to Complementary and Alternative Medicine By: Roma Patel

How to reach me? Phone No:

About Textbook There is no textbook. I will distribute the Power Point and brochure for this class.

Today’s Agenda Introduction of CAM Therapy History of CAM Therapy Different types of CAM Therapies Difference between CAM Therapy vs. Pharmaceutical Medicine

What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine?

Origin of CAM Therapy

CAM Therapy in Children Research shows that some of the CAM therapy are safe on children like reiki, massage therapy, acupuncture etc. Their immune and central nervous systems are not fully developed, so they may respond to treatments differently than adults, so parents should talk to their doctor before they start CAM therapy.

Different Types of CAM Therapy Movement Therapy or Traditional Therapy like Pilates, reiki and touching therapy Manipulative and body-based practices like spinal manipulation and massage therapy Mind-body medicine like meditation, yoga and acupuncture. Natural products like vitamins, minerals and herbs. 

Movement Therapy The 2007 NHIS found that 0.4 percent of adults and 1.1 percent of children had used a healing therapy. Movement therapy is a Eastern and Western movement-based approaches. It is use to encourage physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Different Type of Movement Therapies Feldenkrais method, Alexander technique, Pilates, Rolfing Structural Integration

Manipulative and Body-Based Practices In 2007, survey shows that 8.6 percent of adults and 2.8 percent of children had used chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation, and 8.3 percent of adults and 1 percent of children had used massage.

Type of Manipulative and Body- Based Practices Spinal manipulation: In this therapy, therapist use force to a joint, moving it beyond the normal range of motion including chiropractic medicine, massage, and naturopathy. This therapy is use to treat low-back pain, which is a very common condition that can be difficult to treat.

Type of Manipulative and Body- Based Practices Cont. Massage Therapy is a pressing, rubbing, and moving muscles and other soft tissues of the body, primarily by using the hands and fingers. It can increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the massaged area.

Type of Manipulative and Body- Based Practices Cont. People use massage for a variety of health-related purposes, including to relieve pain, rehabilitate sports injuries, reduce stress, increase relaxation, address anxiety and depression, and aid general well-being.

Mind-Body Medicine It is focus on the interactions among the brain, mind, body, and behavior with the intent to use the mind to affect physical functioning and promote health. The survey found that 12.7 percent of adults had used deep-breathing exercises, 9.4 percent had practiced meditation, and 6.1 percent had practiced yoga.

Example of Mind-Body Medicine Meditation and Yoga: Acupuncture:

Alternative Medicine Vs. Pharmaceutical Medicine Alternative Medicine Pharmaceutical Medicine It is use to strengthen the body so it can fight the disease itself. It provide micro nutrients to our body. Most of time, it doesn’t cause side effects. Cheaper then other medicine. It is used to treat or kill the disease. There are stronger and doesn’t provide micro- nutrients. Most of time they produce side effects in the body. Cost more.

References Ginger: Medline Plus Supplements (n.d.). National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from What Is Complementary and Alternative Medicine? (n.d.). National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine [NCCAM] - nccam.nih.gov Home Page. Retrieved from

References Cont.… Edwards, T. (2006). What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine?. NetWellness Homepage. Retrieved from Structural integration - definition of structural integration in the Medical dictionary - by the Free Online Medical Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia (n.d.). Medical Dictionary. Retrieved from dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/structural

Any Questions

Thank You!! See you all next week Have nice week