1. Complimentary and Alternative Medicine
Instructor: Kasheim J. Williams
Fall semester 2017

2. What is Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)?
CAM is a term used to describe two different health care modalities that are used to supplement or replace conventional medicine to provide a diverse approach to health and wellness.
Complimentary medicine is a non-conventional medical practice that is used in conjunction with conventional medical practice.
Alternative medicine is the exclusive usage of non-conventional medicine in place of conventional medicine.
Some people choose either route for various reasons. Complimentary medicine may be prescribed by a doctor or chosen by a patient in order to diversify treatment options, and improve health conditions. Alternative medicine is typically not prescribed by a doctor, but may be chosen by the patient due to wanting a natural based health care practice without the use of conventional medicine.

3. Aspects of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine
NATURAL PRODUCTS
Includes herbs, vitamins and minerals, probiotics.
According a National Health Interview Survey conducted in 2012, 17.7% of American adults used natural products. This was the most popular Complimentary health approach.
Fish oil was the most commonly used natural product.
This aspect of CAM relates to diet and nutrition, which is used for health and wellness purposes.

4. Aspects of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine
ESSENTIAL OILS
Primarily used in aromatherapy, massage therapy, and treatment of different ailments.
Oils are extracted from the fragrant part of natural herbs and plants through steam distillation or expression (cold pressing).
Studies have shown the different effects of essential oils which include; antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, calming, and energizing effects.
Essential oils are volatile (easily evaporated) and are usually diluted, or used with carrier oils (non volatile plant based oils) because of it’s strong potency and high concentration. The cold press extraction method is typically used for citrus essential oils.

5. Aspects of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine
AROMATHERAPY
uses inhalation or skin application of essential oils to send chemical messages to the part of the brain that affects moods and emotions.
The purpose is to improve mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness.
It’s also used during meditation, and to treat cancer related symptoms such as; nausea, vomiting, stress, and anxiety.
Aromatherapy is not used to treat cancer itself, but only the symptoms that come from it. When used in meditation, it enhances the mind and body connection through the sense of smell which has a powerful effect on the mind. Common aromatherapy oils include; peppermint, tea tree, chamomile, eucalyptus, lemon, cedarwood, frankincense, bergamot, lavender, and geranium.

6. Aspects of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine
MIND and BODY PRACTICES
Includes a vast selection of procedures and techniques that are designed to improve mental and physical health .
These practices include physical manipulation, adjustments, and energy therapy / manipulation techniques.
The efficacy of these practices vary, and some practices have been researched more than others.
The main issue with all aspects of CAM is the inconsistent and conflicting research that has been done on it. Therefore it’s challenging to reference research studies to prove CAM’s efficacy.

7. Aspects of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine
MEDITATION
Is a mental and spiritual practice that strengthens the mind and body connection by increasing mindfulness of thoughts and feelings.
It helps alleviate stress, reduce hypertension, anxiety, and depression.
usually practiced in an upright seated position with the legs crossed. Breathing techniques are also included to help relax the body and connect with the mind.
Meditation comes in different forms, and has been used in various religious / spiritual practices. Prayer is a form of active meditation where the person is focusing their mind on a specific thought or purpose. Passive meditation is does not focus on a specific thought or purpose, instead it uses different techniques to expand mindfulness.

8. Aspects of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine
YOGA
A mind and body practice that originated in ancient India, and is comprised of several different styles. Hatha is the most common style.
This practice includes various breathing (pranayama), posture (asanas), meditation, and relaxation techniques that are designed to strengthen, and develop the mind and body connection
According to the 2007 National Health Survey, yoga is one of the top ten CAM practice.
It’s estimated that 13 million adults practice yoga, and it has increased from 5.1% to 6.1% during 2002 to People practice yoga for musculo-skeletal conditions, medical conditions, and maintenance of health and wellness.

9. Aspects of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine
CHIROPRACTIC
Is a spinal manipulation practice that works on aligning and adjusting the spine to alleviate medical issues, and musculo-skeletal problems.
Practitioners use their hands to manipulate the spine as required by applying force to the spinal joint.
According to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, more than 18 million adults, and over 2 million children received chiropractic treatments.
Chiropractors may combine other treatment methods such as; heat and ice, electrical stimulation, relaxation techniques, rehabilitation and general exercise to supplement the chiropractic treatments.

10. Aspects of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine
MASSAGE THERAPY
Is a muscular manipulation practice that works on releasing muscular tension in the body to promote relaxation and healing.
This is done by rolling, pressing, rubbing, and kneading the muscles using the hands, fingers, forearms and elbows.
Muscle tension is typically stress related, or indicative of a medical issue. Releasing muscle tension will increase blood flow and help flush out toxins and lactic acid in the body.
Massage therapy is also used as pain management. It can be used in conjunction with chiropractic to alleviate musculo-skeletal issues.

11. Aspects of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine
ACCUPUNCTURE
Is a physical manipulation practice that involves the use of thin metallic needles penetrating the skin to alleviate various medical conditions.
The needles can be manipulated manually or by electronic stimulation.
It’s primarily used for chronic pain, and has been a key component in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years.
Acupuncture is one of the most often studied practices that has considerable controversy surrounding it’s efficacy. Millions of Americans use acupuncture annually, and it’s undetermined whether or not this practice has a placebo effect or is truly effective.

12. Aspects of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine
RELAXATION TECHNIQUES
Is a conglomerate of practices that are used for managing various health conditions such as chronic headaches, depression, insomnia.
These practices include;  deep breathing exercises, progressive relaxation, guided imagery, self-hypnosis, and biofeedback.
The purpose is to stimulate the body’s natural relaxation response, typified by slower breathing, decreased blood pressure, and a sense of increased well-being.
Relaxation techniques can be used in conjunction with other forms of CAM in order to provide a well balanced, and thorough treatment plan.
Biofeedback uses electronic impulses to teach people how to consciously regulate their bodily functions such as; heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.
Guided imagery uses visualization techniques to promote relaxation and pain relief.

13. Aspects of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine
TAI CHI and QI GONG
Both are forms of TCM, which practices physical movements, and postures that are designed to be gentle and include mental focus, and breathing.
Both are similar in nature and execution, however, Tai Chi can be used as a form of Martial art if the movements are performed quickly.
The purpose of both practices is to improve balance, and stability in elderly people and people with Parkinson’s disease. It’s also used to alleviate back pain, knee pain, and increase overall quality of life.
TCM = Traditional Chinese Medicine
Both practices can also be used to improve psychological health and cognitive function.

14. Aspects of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine
REIKI
Is a form of energy manipulation and healing touch practice that channels energy to facilitate a healing response within a person.
This practice involves the placement of the practitioner’s hands near or lightly touching the patient’s body to manipulate their energy field.
The practice can be used for pain management, ailments, and stress relief, anxiety, and insomnia.
Reiki has no strong scientific research that can definitively prove it’s efficacy. However, some people who received Reiki treatments claim it’s effective.

15. Aspects of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine
HYPNOTHERAPY
Is a mental manipulation practice that accesses the subconscious of a person mind to promote healing, and alter their way of thinking.
It places a person in an altered state of consciousness by using an internal or external focal point for the person to concentrate on.
During this state of trance, the patient still has a sense of awareness, but the therapist is able to manipulate the patient’s mind .
Although self-hypnosis is part of relaxation therapy, hypnotherapy is different because it’s conducted by a practitioner and it allows them to manipulate a person’s mind beyond the goal of relaxation. This practice is centered on altering a patient’s thought patterns regarding their health issue, which is supposed to help the patient heal from the inside out.

16. Aspects of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine
MOVEMENT THERAPY
Refers to various physical manipulation practices that is designed to help the body heal musculo-skeletal, and nervous system issues.
The Feldenkrais method is used to train the nervous system to find new pathways around damaged areas and improve postural integrity.
The Alexander method is used to improve postural integrity and movement to promote muscular efficiency.
Both practices are conducted either in a group setting or with a practitioner. These practices uses functional movement patterns, and breathing techniques to retrain the body to have good postural habits, and release muscular tension.

17. Aspects of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine
AYURVEDIC MEDICINE
One of the world’s oldest medical systems dating back more than 3,000 years.
The concept of this medical practice is universal interconnectedness (among people, their health, and the universe), the body’s constitution (prakriti), and life forces (dosha). (NCCIH, n.d.)
Ayurvedic physicians administer individualized treatments, and utilize proprietary ingredients, herbal compounds, diet, exercise, and lifestyle recommendations.
This practice can be used in conjunction with conventional medicine, or used solely by itself. Ayurveda translates to “life science”

18. Aspects of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM)
Developed in ancient China over 2,500 years ago and is based in the philosophy of Taoism (which advocates living in harmony and humility).
Utilizes an assortment of medical practices such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and Tai chi.
Chinese herbal medicine is a plant based practice that uses all different parts of the plant and administered in different ways such as teas, pills, powders, and capsules.
The concept of TCM is;
-The human body connected to the universe.
- Health comes from harmony between two opposing yet complementary forces, called yin and yang. However, an imbalance between these forces results in disease.
- The five elements (fire, earth, wood, metal, and water) symbolically represent the stages of human life, the physiological function of the body, and how it changes during disease.
- Qi is a vital energy source that flows through the body, performs multiple functions in maintaining health. (NCCIH, n.d.)

19. Aspects of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine
HOMEOPATHY
Developed in Germany over 200 years ago, it’s used as an alternative medical practice.
Contains two unconventional theories which are; “like cures like” and “law of minimum dose”.
Remedies include animal, plant, and mineral based derivatives formulated into sugar pellets, ointments, tablets, and gels. Treatments are individualized
The theory “Like cures like” means that a substance that can “cure” a disease in one person can produce sickness in a healthy person.
The “law of minimum dose” means that lower dosage medication contains greater effectiveness. Homeopathic remedies tend to be highly diluted to a point where no molecules of the original substance are present.

20. Aspects of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine
NATUROPATHY
is a combined medical system that has contains traditional practices and health care approaches regularly used in Europe during the 19th century.
Naturopathic practitioners are trained in various health-related aspects, including primary care, overall well-being, and treatment of illnesses.
Practitioners use a variety of treatment options such as; herbs and other dietary supplements, Dietary and lifestyle changes, homeopathy, exercise and manipulative therapies, psychotherapy, and counseling.
There are three types of Naturopathic practitioners which are;
- Naturopathic physicians: naturopathic physicians must graduate from an accredited 4-year naturopathic medical college, pass an license examination, and fulfill continuing education requirements annual.
- Traditional naturopaths: receive various training from non-accredited organizations. Traditional naturopaths are ineligible for licensing.
-Other health care providers: physicians, osteopathic physicians, chiropractors, dentists, and nurses can offer naturopathic treatments, functional medicine, and other holistic therapies if they were trained in these areas.

21. Things To Consider
Before beginning any CAM practice, consult with your doctor to see if there are any possible contraindications with utilizing conventional and non-conventional treatments.
Do your research before beginning any CAM practice, and ensure that you select the appropriate practice according to your goals.
CAM is not guaranteed to be a safer option. The natural products used in CAM therapy may cause an adverse reaction.
Also keep in mind that the majority of CAM practices have not been thoroughly researched for efficacy and safety. Although there are some that have undergone extensive evaluation, there are still some inconclusive results pertaining to their efficacy and safety.

22. Summary
CAM includes a variety of natural products, and mind and body practices designed to increase health and wellness.
CAM is designed to be used to compliment conventional medicine practice, or can be used solely as a alternative medical practice.
The purpose of CAM is to provide a holistic approach to Health and Wellness which focuses on treating the body as a whole and not just the symptoms of an illness.

23. Question To Ask Yourself
Which aspect of CAM do I want to try out?
Will CAM be conducive to my current health care plan?
What do I expect from CAM?

24. References
National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health. (n.d.). Complimentary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In A Name? Retrieved from health Micozzi, M. (2011). Fundamentals of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 4th Edition. [Kaplan]. Retrieved from Weil, A. (2017). Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy. Retrieved from wellness/balanced-living/wellness-therapies/hypnosis-and-hypnotherapy/ National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Aromatherapy and Essential Oils (PDQ) – Patient Version. Retrieved from

25. References
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (n.d.). Ayurvedic Medicine: In Depth. Retrieved from National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (n.d.). Traditional Chinese Medicine: In Depth. Retrieved from National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (n.d.). Homeopathy. Retrieved from National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (n.d.). Naturoopathy. Retrieved from

26. References
National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. (2017). Exploring Aromatherapy. Retrieved from aromatherapy/how-are-essential-oils-extracted/