COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE Flashcards
What is complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)?
• A broad domain of healing resources that encompasses all health systems, modalities and
practices and their accompanying theories and beliefs
• It is those healing resources other than those intrinsic to the politically dominant health
system of a particular society or culture in a given historical period
What is acupuncture?
• Acupuncture – involves inserting needles into the body at acupuncture points (pain relief mostly)
What is Osteopathy?
• Osteopathy – emphasizes the physical manipulation of the body’s muscle tissue and bones
What is herbal medicine?
• Herbal medicine – use of plants for medical purposes
What is Chiropractics?
Chiropractic – techniques involving manipulation of the spine, joints and soft tissues
What is homeopathy?
Homeopathy – simila simmilibus curentur, homeopathic dilutions in alcohol or distilled
water
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
• Traditional Chinese Medicine – vital energy “qi” circulates through channels – meridians –
that have branches connected to bodily organs – no histological or physiological evidence
for the concept of meridians – based on prescientific culture
What is Reiki?
• Reiki – Japan – palm healing – transferring universal energy through the palms of the
practitioner
What is Hypnotherapy?
• Hypnotherapy – a brief therapy used to create subconscious change in a patient
What is Anthroposophical medicine?
• Anthroposophical medicine – based on occult notions and spiritual philosophy, employing
a variety of treatment techniques, including ultra-diluted substances (homeopathy),
eurythmy
What is Ayurvedic medicine?
• Ayurvedic medicine – a traditional Hindu medicine
What is neturopathy?
• Naturopathy – employs natural treatments: herbalism, homeopathy, acupuncture
What is the alexander technique?
• Alexander technique – avoiding unnecessary muscular and mental tension, alleviates
breathing problems and hoarseness during public speaking
What is aromatherapy?
• Aromatherapy – using aromatic compounds for to alter one’s mood or physical wellbeing
What is reflexology?
• Reflexology – application of pressure to the feet and hands with specific thumb/hand
techniques without the use of oil or lotion – based on system of zones and reflex areas
that reflect the body imaga on the feet and hands
What is shiatsu?
• Shiatsu – “finger pressure” – massages with fingers and palms, pulse diagnosis
What is iridology?
• Iridology – patterns, colours and other iris characteristics can be examined to assess
patient’s systemic health
What is Applied Kinesiology?
• Applied Kinesiology – testing muscles for strength and movement for “diagnosis”
What is T’ai chi?
• T’ai Chi – health training, relieving the physical effects of stress on body and mind
What is Qi Gong?
• Qi Gong – a practice to cultivate “qi”, life energy. A holistic system of coordinated body
posture and movement, breathing and mediation, spirituality and martial arts training
Give an example of
- manual therapies
- a ethnic medical system
- a mind body/energy medicine
- non-allopathic systems
• Manual therapies: chiropractic, osteopathy, massage, reflexology, cranial osteopathy,
aromatherapy
• Ethnic medical systems: traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, herbal medicine,
ayurvedic medicine, t’ai chi, yoga
• Mind-body/energy medicine: hypnotherapy, healing, reiki
• Non-allopathic systems: homeopathy, iridology, kinesiology, naturopathy,…
HOUSE OF LORDS REPORT CLASSIFICATION -group1/2/3
HOUSE OF LORDS REPORT CLASSIFICATION
• Group 1: there is some scientific evidence of efficacy (acupuncture, chiropractic,
homeopathy, osteopathy, herbal medicine)
• Group 2: modalities working in a supportive capacity alongside conventional medicine, not
offering independent diagnosis (massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, hypnotherapy)
• Group 3: Traditional systems of medicine backed by historical practice only/ with little
evidence (traditional Chinese medicine, iridology, kinesiology)
WHO USES CAM?
WHO USES CAM?
• age group, mainly women
• higher income, higher education levels
• poor health status, 60% have a chronic disease
• geographical variation in the UK (mostly in the South & Southwest of England)
• autism spectrum disorders
(WHO USES CAM?)
EXPECTED OUTCOMES/PatientReportedOutcomes
EXPECTED OUTCOMES/PatientReportedOutcomes
• Reduction of symptoms & disability
• Avoidance of medication
• Gaining control and improving coping skills
“PUSH” FACTORS FOR NEW CAM PATIENTS
“PUSH” FACTORS FOR NEW CAM PATIENTS
• Lack of effective conventional treatment for problem
• Concern about unpleasant side-effects
• Experience of poor communication with doctors, rejection of science
• Disease is not serious enough (e.g. life threatening)
• Gullibility and naivety
• High patient satisfaction rates (60-80%)
MAJOR CONCERNS about CAM techniques
MAJOR CONCERNS
• Unrealistic expectations
• Delayed conventional care
• General safety (unregulated practitioners and treatments, drug interactions)
THE NHS PERSPECTIVE: “BIG 5”
THE NHS PERSPECTIVE: “BIG 5”
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic therapy
- Homeopathy
- Herbal medicine
- Osteopathy
