Conventional medicine is directed at the goals of diagnosis, treatment, and possibly the cure of disease states. CAM practices add promotion of health and healing that addresses the underlying cause of illness. CAM is often perceived as “natural”, without the side effects of conventional medical treatments.
Adults who use CAM believe that a combined approach of CAM and conventional therapy is more likely to be successful than either one alone. They believe that nutritional support is an important part of health maintenance, and prefer not to take prescription medications. Patients who seek out CAM providers expect longer visits and more attention paid to symptoms of concern to the patient and his/her family.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) recognizes six distinct types of complementary therapies:
- Alternative medical systems (Ayurveda, acupuncture, naturopathy, homeopathy)
- Biologically based therapies (diet-based therapy, herbs, supplements)
- Manipulative and body-based practices (chiropractic, massage)
- Mind-body therapies (biofeedback, meditation, relaxation techniques, yoga, hypnosis, healing rituals)
- Energy medicine (Reiki, Qigong, T’ai chi)
- Self-prayer
Each of these CAM therapies will be explored in the blogs related to this page.
