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1.2. Introduction To CAM, 21-2022

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10 views

1.2. Introduction To CAM, 21-2022

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a0569298148
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© © All Rights Reserved
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COMPLEMENTARY AND

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
“CAM”
AN INTRODUCTION
At the end of this session, the student should be able to:

• Define CAM and describe other names and related terminologies, and how
they differ from each other
• Describe the different classifications of CAM modalities

• Describe the common CAM practices in K.S.A and worldwide.

• Determine why and when CAM is used

• CAM use for specific groups (children, elderly and pregnant and lactating
mothers)
• Describe misconception about CAM
Definition of Complementary and Alternative Medicine

A broad set of health care practices that are not part of the country's own tradition and are
not integrated into the dominant health care system

Definition of complementary medicine adopted by Cochrane Collaboration


“Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a broad domain of healing
resources that encompasses all health systems, modalities, and practices and their
accompanying theories and beliefs, other than those intrinsic to the politically
dominant health system of a particular society or culture in a given historical period.
CAM includes all such practices and ideas self-defined by their users as preventing
or treating illness or promoting health and well-being. Boundaries within CAM and
between the CAM domain and that of the dominant system are not always sharp or
fixed.”
Different terminologies of CAM

• In the 1970s and 1980s these disciplines were mainly provided as an


alternative to conventional health care and hence became known collectively
as “alternative medicine.”
• The name “complementary medicine” developed as the two systems began to
be used alongside (to “complement”) each other.
• Over the years, “complementary” has changed from describing this relation
between unconventional healthcare disciplines and conventional care to
defining the group of disciplines itself.
• Some authorities use the term “unconventional medicine” synonymously.
Complementary, Integrative, and Alternative Medicine
complementary medicine

The term complementary medicine refers to a group of diverse medical and health
care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered to be part
of conventional medicine.

Complementary medicine includes natural products, such as dietary supplements,


herbs, and probiotics, as well as mind and body practices, such as meditation,
along with manipulative therapies like chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage.
Integrative medicine

Integrative medicine:
combines conventional and complementary approaches in a
coordinated way.
Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine: refers to the use of approaches that are not


part of conventional medicine as replacements for, rather than
complements to, conventional treatment.
Classification of CAM modalities

One of the most widely used classification structures, developed by NCCAM


(2000), divides CAM modalities into five categories:

1. Alternative medical systems,


2. Mind-body interventions,
3. Biologically based treatments,
4. Manipulative and body-based methods, and
5. Energy therapies.
1/ Alternative medical systems
is a category that extends beyond a single modality, and refers to an entire system of
theory and practice that developed separately from conventional medicine.
Examples of these systems include traditional Chinese medicine, ayurvedic medicine,
homeopathy, and naturopathy.
2/ Mind-body interventions:
Include practices that are based on the human mind, but that have an effect on the
human body and physical health. E.g. meditation, prayer, and mental healing.
3/ Biologically based treatments:
includes specialized diets, herbal products, and other natural products such as minerals, hormones,
and biologicals.
4/ Manipulative and body-based methods:
includes therapies that involve movement or manipulation of the body.
• Chiropractic is the best known in this category, and chiropractors are licensed to practice in every U.S. state.
• A defining feature of chiropractic treatment is spinal manipulation, also known as spinal adjustment, to
correct spinal joint abnormalities (Meeker and Haldeman, 2002).
• Massage therapy is another example of a body-based therapy.
5/ Energy therapies:
• Which include the manipulation and application of energy fields to the body.
• In addition to electromagnetic fields outside of the body, it is hypothesized that energy fields exist
within the body.
• The existence of these bio fields has not been experimentally proven; however, a number of
therapies include them, such as qi gong, Reiki, and therapeutic touch.
Use of CAM worldwide

In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of CAM A study of South Koreans found that
use among adults ranged between 65% and nearly 75 percent of those surveyed
80%. had used CAM in the last 12 months.
In the United States, the most used CAM
modalities were nonvitamin, nonmineral,
natural products (17.7%), deep breathing
exercises (12.7%),

The lifetime CAM use estimate from


Australian, A study found that 52 percent of one UK survey was nearly half of
subjects were current CAM patients and that 85 those surveyed.
percent had used CAM treatments in their
lifetime.
Who uses CAM

The highest use of complementary and alternative


medicine was reported by people between 25 to 49
years of age who had relatively more education
and higher incomes.

The majority used unconventional therapy for


chronic, as opposed to life-threatening,
medical conditions.
Among those who used unconventional therapy for
serious medical conditions, the vast majority (83
percent) also sought treatment for the same
condition from a medical doctor.
The average age among users under 18 was
10.3 years. 76.8% were white, 54% were
female, 32% lived in the west, and 66% lived in
a metropolitan area.
CAM use in Saudi Arabia

The use of complementary therapies among Saudi patients with cancer is highly
prevalent, with a predominance of interventions of religious background, indicating
the strong influence of religion on peoples' lives, especially when people are faced
with life-threatening illnesses.

 The attitude toward CAM is generally positive but there is a need for more
evidence-based knowledge, research, and proper internet sites for CAM.
 The integration of CAM practices into health care services and curricula of medical
schools is essential.
 Practices related to prophetic medicine are the commonest in Riyadh region.
Misconceptions about CAM

Myth: If it’s natural, it must be safe.


Myth: It’s okay to take natural
medicines along with conventional
There’s a common assumption that “natural”
therapies.
means “safe.” With so many poisonous (and
often deadly) plants found in nature, this
The term “complementary medicine”
assumption is clearly incorrect. Even some
implies that it should be used alongside
natural products that are marketed to promote
conventional therapies. However, it is
health may increase the risk of liver toxicity or
important to know that many natural
kidney toxicity.
products can affect how drugs work.

Myth: Doctors and patients don’t need to discuss the use of natural therapies.

Since many natural products have well-known adverse effects and drug interactions,
there is a need to be better communication between patients and all health-care
providers to assure a personalized safe and effective integrative care plan.

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