Complementary and Alternative Medicine – CAM

Complementary and alternative medicine is a healthcare approach that is outside the standard medical care. Complementary and alternative medicine are different. Complementary medicine is when Western medicine is combined with another treatment approach, while in alternative medicine, conventional medicine is not used (NIH, 2021). Complementary medicine involves using natural products and mind and body relaxation techniques. The natural products used include vitamins, herbs, probiotics, and minerals (NIH, 2021). Mind and relaxation techniques include meditation, acupuncture, osteopathy, Chi relaxation techniques, chiropractic, and hypnotherapy (NIH, 2021)

The typical people who use CAM balance their health by equalizing the body, mind, and soul. Individuals who use CAM aim to promote health and treat illness. Treatment modalities such as the use of herbs or meditation can be administered by the individuals themselves. Other therapies, such as massage, acupuncture, and homeopathy, are administered by qualified practitioners. NIH (2021) states that people from all backgrounds use CAM. However, women who have higher education levels and income use CAM more than their male counterparts. This high of female users of CAM is because women are more health-conscious and have a higher likelihood of taking preventive measures to preserve their health status. Women are also the head of healthcare in their families hence the reason for high rates of CAM in these families.

The majority of CAM users are older than thirty-five years, but it is popular in all age groups (NIH, 2021). The utilization of CAM is linked to education and income. It is lower for individuals of lower education levels but more prevalent in individuals with higher educational backgrounds. The Use of CAM is also common in hospice and end-of-life care (NIH, 2021)

References

NIH. (2021, April). Complementary, alternative, or integrative health: What’s in a name? NCCIH. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/complementary-alternative-or-integrative-health-whats-in-a-name

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