Alternative Medicine

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Alternative medicine describes practices used in place of conventional medical treatments. Complementary medicine describes alternative medicine used in conjunction with conventional medicine. The term complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses both branches, incorporating practices with spiritual, metaphysical, religious, non-European medical traditions, or new approaches to healing.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine defines CAM as "a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine." Integrative medicine combines mainstream medical therapies and CAM therapies with substantial scientific evidence of their safety and effectiveness.

Ralph Snyderman and Andrew Weil highlight that integrative medicine differs from CAM as it emphasizes the focus on health, healing, and the centrality of the patient-physician relationship.

Evidence-based medicine proponents assert that the distinction between conventional and alternative medicine is arbitrary, emphasizing the importance of efficacy and safety which is determined through peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. As Richard Dawkins points out, true medicine should either work or not work, removing the distinction of "alternative."

Regulation

Legalities differ worldwide regarding the legality, regulation, and reimbursement by health services or insurance for alternative medicine practices. Some alternative medicine advocates challenge the constraints of governmental agencies such as the American Food and Drug Administration. They argue that these agencies unduly restrict innovative treatments, asserting that their contributions are overlooked or suppressed.

Contemporary use of alternative medicine

Research indicates a surge in the global use of alternative medicine. For instance, a National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine survey showed that 36% of Americans used alternative therapies in 2002. If prayer is considered, this figure rises to 62.1%. In the UK, around 20% of adults utilized alternative medicine in 1998, indicating a steady rise in its popularity.

Medical education

Medical colleges are incorporating alternative medicine courses into their curricula. The University of Arizona College of Medicine, led by Dr. Andrew Weil, offers a program in Integrative Medicine, teaching physicians about various branches of alternative medicine.

Public popularity

A NCCAM survey revealed:

36% of U.S. adults use some form of CAM. CAM usage is higher among women, especially in mind-body therapies. CAM usage correlates with higher education levels. Commonly used CAM therapies in the USA in 2002 include prayer, herbalism, breathing meditation, meditation, chiropractic medicine, and yoga.

Support for alternative medicine

Proponents argue that alternative medicine offers services not available in conventional medicine. They believe alternative treatments like palliative care are beneficial, as practiced in institutions such as Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Efficacy

Proponents claim that alternative treatments are effective for various conditions. They highlight that a vast number of research papers, classified as alternative medicine, have been published in recognized journals, supporting their efficacy.

CAM advocates stress the importance of patient empowerment, offering a variety of therapeutic options, especially when conventional methods are ineffective or harmful.

In conclusion, the landscape of healthcare is vast and ever-evolving. As alternative medicine continues to gain traction and recognition, the integration of various therapeutic approaches will be vital for holistic patient care.

Alternative Medicine Resources
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