What Is Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM)?
CAM is a medical approach that is somewhat outside the realm of mainstream or conventional medicine. Complementary medicine are approaches that are used together with conventional medicine, whereas Alternative medicine is an approach that is used in place of conventional medicine. Many individuals are looking for less "medical" approaches to health and wanting a more "natural" approach. This is where CAM comes into play. CAM is a growing field and approaches that were once considered "alternative medicine" are now being readily used in conjunction with conventional medicine. CAM's approach to health is one that is focused on the prevention of disease, treating the body as a whole to find balance.(Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What's In a Name, 2013) Self-healing is a major focus for most CAM approaches, understanding that the body has a natural ability to heal itself. Many of the approaches used in CAM give support to the body so that it can heal itself.
I believe that there are several foundation principles that are linked to our health and well being. I have developed the following lecture series which have outlined three of the foundation principles to wellness: Nutrition, Exercise, Stress Reduction. Each lecture of this three part series focuses on what would be considered a CAM approach. The first series outlining the importance of nutrition; a naturopathic approach. The second lecture outlines the importance of exercise; a mind-body approach, and finally the third lecture outlines the importance of stress-reduction using meditation. Each of these series offer beneficial handouts and educational resources to further your understanding of these CAM approaches.
There is a vast array of CAM professions all that have their own set of ethical and legal standards, which may also differ from state to state. Many CAM approaches are not required by law to be preformed by a licensed or certified provider. At the same time there are many non-mandatory certifications and board certification available which provides reassurance to the consumer that the practitioner they have chosen is well educated in the field.
As a consumer searching for a CAM provider, it is important to research and talk with your primary healthcare provider regarding any CAM approach you may be interested in using. Many CAM approaches such as the two in our lecture series (yoga and meditation) are considered safe for most healthy individuals, but to ensure quality and ethical care it is suggested to seek a certified practitioner. When looking for a nutritional consultant many will use herbs as part of their treatment plan, it is important to discuss with your primary healthcare provider about any type of herbal supplement you are interested in taking.
Reference:
Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What's In a Name. (2013). Retrieved July 7, 2013, from NIH: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam?nav=gsa
I believe that there are several foundation principles that are linked to our health and well being. I have developed the following lecture series which have outlined three of the foundation principles to wellness: Nutrition, Exercise, Stress Reduction. Each lecture of this three part series focuses on what would be considered a CAM approach. The first series outlining the importance of nutrition; a naturopathic approach. The second lecture outlines the importance of exercise; a mind-body approach, and finally the third lecture outlines the importance of stress-reduction using meditation. Each of these series offer beneficial handouts and educational resources to further your understanding of these CAM approaches.
There is a vast array of CAM professions all that have their own set of ethical and legal standards, which may also differ from state to state. Many CAM approaches are not required by law to be preformed by a licensed or certified provider. At the same time there are many non-mandatory certifications and board certification available which provides reassurance to the consumer that the practitioner they have chosen is well educated in the field.
As a consumer searching for a CAM provider, it is important to research and talk with your primary healthcare provider regarding any CAM approach you may be interested in using. Many CAM approaches such as the two in our lecture series (yoga and meditation) are considered safe for most healthy individuals, but to ensure quality and ethical care it is suggested to seek a certified practitioner. When looking for a nutritional consultant many will use herbs as part of their treatment plan, it is important to discuss with your primary healthcare provider about any type of herbal supplement you are interested in taking.
Reference:
Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What's In a Name. (2013). Retrieved July 7, 2013, from NIH: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam?nav=gsa