Chapter 1 - Introduction Flashcards
Why don’t all alternative medicines have equal merit?
Some lack evidence of efficacy, while others just don’t make sense scientifically.
Examples of CAM
Ayurvedic medicine, naturopathy, magnet therapy, yoga, chiropractic, reflexology, homeopathy, osteopathy, TCM, reiki, massage.
Holistic approach to medicine.
Treat the physical, emotional, and spiritual parts of disease.
Is CAM easy or difficult to define, and why?
It is difficult to define because the definition is political and prone to cultural biases.
Paradigms of CAM
Claim to support/stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Profess a holistic approach. Clinical experience is often more important than scientific theory.
Genuine (alternative) treatments.
Some evidence for efficacy and safety.
What is CAM?
Complementary and alternative medicine. What can be classified as CAM depends on who is defining it.
Example of a manipulative and body-based practice.
Chiropractic, massage, reflexology.
Definition of “alternative medicine”
All treatments that have not been proven effective using scientific methods.
Definition “orthodox medicine”
Treatments based on evidence gathered using the scientific method.
If a treatment is effective, it works…
out in the real world.
Experimental treatments.
An unproven treatment that has a plausible rationale for effectiveness.
If a treatment has efficacy, it works…
in a laboratory setting
Definition of folk medicine
Healers in local communities trained by family/community, using items found in nature. Methods passed on by individuals, often orally.
When did branches of CAM start to form?
In the late 1700s.
Difference between CAM and folk medicine.
Folk medicine applies to smaller, local scales. CAM exists on a larger, more organized scale.
5 classifications of CAM
Whole medical systems; mind-body medicine; biologically-based practices; manipulative and body-based practices; and, energy medicine.
Premise of mind-body medicine
The mind can affect bodily functions and symptoms.
Paradigm of whole medical systems
A cohesive belief system of body, health and nature.
Example of a orthodox treatment that is prescribed in Germany that is not prescribed in North America.
Prescribed holidays, some herbs, spas.
Biofield therapies
Intend to influence energy fields that surround and penetrate the body.
What is CAM alternative to?
“Hospital medicine”.
Definition of “complementary (integrated) medicine”
Combination of orthodox and alternative medicine. Often focuses on disease prevention and lifestyle changes.
When did many branches of CAM have their own schools, societies, publications and hospitals.
Mid-1800s.
Biologically-based practices use…
substances found in nature, such as: plants, minerals, animal parts, vitamins, and foods.
How can an alternative medicine become an orthodox medicine.
If convincing evidence of efficacy and safety are found.
Questionable treatments.
Groundless, proven false.
