Complement and Alternative Medicine 1

Question 1

Describe the classifications of CAM

Answer 1

• alternative medical systems eg. traditional chinese medicine, naturopathy
• mind-body interventions eg. meditation, yoga
• biologically based therapies eg. herbal medicine
• manipulative and body-based methods eg. osteopathy, chiropracty
• energy therapies eg. crystal therapy, reiki

Question 2

What are the more popular CAM therapies used in the UK?

Answer 2

1. herbal medicine
2. homeopathy
3. aromatherapy
4. massage
5. reflexology

Question 3

What are the risks of homeopathy?

Answer 3

• no direct risk of interactions with ‘high potency’ medications
• indirect harm in delay of receiving appropriate treatment
• pracitioner may have contrasting opinions to medical doctor which can result in indirect harm to the patient

Question 4

What are the risks of herbal medicines?

Answer 4

• direct risk of adverse drug reactions and drug interactions
• there is lack of quality control which poses a risk of harm
• can indirectly cause harm by delaying the patient of receiving appropriate care

Question 5

What are the risks of chiropractic and osteopathic therapies?

Answer 5

Direct harm:

• about 50% of patients report suffering mild-moderate adverse reactions
• serious side effects (rare)
• radiation from chiropractic x-rays

Indirect harm:

• delay in patients receiving appropriate care
• contrasting attitudes of practitioner to medical doctor

Question 6

What are the risks of acupuncture therapy?

Answer 6

Direct harm

• infections
• pneumothorax

Indirect harm:

• delay in patient receiving appropriate care
• contrasting attitudes of practitioner to medical doctor