COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Question 1

What is complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)?

Answer 1

• 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

Question 2

What is acupuncture?

Answer 2

• Acupuncture – involves inserting needles into the body at acupuncture points (pain relief mostly)

Question 3

What is Osteopathy?

Answer 3

• Osteopathy – emphasizes the physical manipulation of the body’s muscle tissue and bones

Question 4

What is herbal medicine?

Answer 4

• Herbal medicine – use of plants for medical purposes

Question 5

What is Chiropractics?

Answer 5

Chiropractic – techniques involving manipulation of the spine, joints and soft tissues

Question 6

What is homeopathy?

Answer 6

Homeopathy – simila simmilibus curentur, homeopathic dilutions in alcohol or distilled
water

Question 7

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Answer 7

• 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

Question 8

What is Reiki?

Answer 8

• Reiki – Japan – palm healing – transferring universal energy through the palms of the
practitioner

Question 9

What is Hypnotherapy?

Answer 9

• Hypnotherapy – a brief therapy used to create subconscious change in a patient

Question 10

What is Anthroposophical medicine?

Answer 10

• Anthroposophical medicine – based on occult notions and spiritual philosophy, employing
a variety of treatment techniques, including ultra-diluted substances (homeopathy),
eurythmy

Question 11

What is Ayurvedic medicine?

Answer 11

• Ayurvedic medicine – a traditional Hindu medicine

Question 12

What is neturopathy?

Answer 12

• Naturopathy – employs natural treatments: herbalism, homeopathy, acupuncture

Question 13

What is the alexander technique?

Answer 13

• Alexander technique – avoiding unnecessary muscular and mental tension, alleviates
breathing problems and hoarseness during public speaking

Question 14

What is aromatherapy?

Answer 14

• Aromatherapy – using aromatic compounds for to alter one’s mood or physical wellbeing

Question 15

What is reflexology?

Answer 15

• 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

Question 16

What is shiatsu?

Answer 16

• Shiatsu – “finger pressure” – massages with fingers and palms, pulse diagnosis

Question 17

What is iridology?

Answer 17

• Iridology – patterns, colours and other iris characteristics can be examined to assess
patient’s systemic health

Question 18

What is Applied Kinesiology?

Answer 18

• Applied Kinesiology – testing muscles for strength and movement for “diagnosis”

Question 19

What is T’ai chi?

Answer 19

• T’ai Chi – health training, relieving the physical effects of stress on body and mind

Question 20

What is Qi Gong?

Answer 20

• 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

Question 21

Give an example of

• manual therapies
• a ethnic medical system
• a mind body/energy medicine
• non-allopathic systems

Answer 21

• 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,…

Question 22

HOUSE OF LORDS REPORT CLASSIFICATION -group1/2/3

Answer 22

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)

Question 23

WHO USES CAM?

Answer 23

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?)

Question 24

EXPECTED OUTCOMES/PatientReportedOutcomes

Answer 24

EXPECTED OUTCOMES/PatientReportedOutcomes
• Reduction of symptoms & disability
• Avoidance of medication
• Gaining control and improving coping skills

Question 25

“PUSH” FACTORS FOR NEW CAM PATIENTS

Answer 25

“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%)

Question 26

MAJOR CONCERNS about CAM techniques

Answer 26

MAJOR CONCERNS
• Unrealistic expectations
• Delayed conventional care
• General safety (unregulated practitioners and treatments, drug interactions)

Question 27

THE NHS PERSPECTIVE: “BIG 5”

Answer 27

THE NHS PERSPECTIVE: “BIG 5”

1. Acupuncture
2. Chiropractic therapy
3. Homeopathy
4. Herbal medicine
5. Osteopathy