Complementary and Alternative Medicine

	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 the domain of the dominant system are not always sharp or fixed. CAM has been described as comprising a diverse group of treatments, ranging from symptomatic interventions to be used in conjunction with traditional therapies—therapeutic touch or meditation—to unique treatments meant to replace conventional chemotherapy or surgery. CAM includes complex and longstanding fields of study, such as acupuncture, ayurvedic medicine, and homoeopathy, but can also be as straightforward as taking a specific dietary supplement to lower blood pressure or blood lipid concentrations. Many people utilize mainstream medicine for diagnosis and basic information, while turning to alternatives for what they believe to be health-enhancing measures. However, studies indicate that the majority of people use alternative approaches in conjunction with conventional medicine. Advocates of alternative medicine hold that the various alternative treatment methods are effective in treating a wide range of major and minor medical conditions. Over time, it has become more common for a patient's own MD to suggest alternatives when they cannot offer effective treatment.
What is complementary medicine? Complementary medicine is a group of diagnostic and therapeutic disciplines that are used together with conventional medicine. An example of a complementary therapy is using aromatherapy to help lessen a patient's discomfort following surgery. Complementary medicine is usually not taught or used in Western medical schools or hospitals. Complementary medicine includes a large number of practices and systems of health care that, for a variety of cultural, social, economic, or scientific reasons, have not been adopted by mainstream Western medicine. Complementary medicine is different from alternative medicine. Whereas complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine, alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine. An example of an alternative therapy is using a special diet to treat cancer instead of undergoing surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy that has been recommended by a physician. What is alternative medicine? Alternative medicine practices are used instead of standard medical treatments. Alternative medicine is distinct from complementary medicine which is meant to accompany, not to replace, standard medical practices. Alternative medical practices are generally not recognized by the medical community as standard or conventional medical approaches. Alternative medicine includes dietary supplements, mega dose vitamins, herbal preparations, special teas, massage therapy, magnet therapy, and spiritual healing. What are complementary and alternative medicine therapies? Complementary and alternative medicine therapies fall into five major categories, or domains: Alternative Medical Systems Mind-Body Interventions Biologically Based Therapies Manipulative and Body-Based Methods Energy Therapies

Acupuncture The term "acupuncture" describes a family of procedures involving the stimulation of anatomical points on the body using a variety of techniques. The acupuncture technique that has been most often studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation. Acupuncture is among the oldest healing practices in the world. Practiced in China and other Asian countries for thousands of years, acupuncture is one of the key components of traditional Chinese medicine. In TCM, the body is seen as a delicate balance of two opposing and inseparable forces: yin and yang. The concept of two opposing yet complementary forces described in traditional Chinese medicine. Yin represents cold, slow, or passive aspects of the person, while yang represents hot, excited, or active aspects. A major theory is that health is achieved through balancing yin and yang and disease is caused by an imbalance leading to a blockage in the flow of qi. In traditional Chinese medicine, the vital energy or life force proposed to regulate a person's spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health and to be influenced by the opposing forces of yin and yang. (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians. Qi can be unblocked, according to TCM, by using acupuncture at certain points on the body that connect with these meridians. Sources vary on the number of meridians, with numbers ranging from 14 to 20. One commonly cited source describes meridians as 14 main channels "connecting the body in a weblike interconnecting matrix" of at least 2,000 acupuncture points.

Ayurveda Ayurveda is the traditional medical system of India, originating more than 4,000 years ago. It is based on the theory that illness results from the imbalance of the body's life force, or prana. The balancing of this life force is determined by the equilibrium of the three bodily qualities, called doshas: vata, pitta, and kapha. Most people have a dominant dosha; the specific balance is unique to each person. Ayurveda uses herbs, massage, yoga, and internal cleansing to restore balance within the body and with nature.

Herbal Medicine Herbal medicine, the oldest known form of health care, uses plants to treat disease and promote health. Either a single herb or a mixture of different herbs can be used. In the case of Chinese herbal medicine, mixtures can also contain minerals and animal parts. Unlike conventional drugs, in which the active substance is extracted from the herb, herbal medicine usually makes use of the herb in its whole form. Herbal medicines are available as extracts (solutions obtained by steeping or soaking a substance, usually in water), tinctures (usually alcohol-based preparations, with the alcohol acting as a natural preservative), infusions (the most common method of internal herbal preparation, usually referred to as a tea), decoctions (similar to an infusion), pills, and powders and even in a moistened cloth applied to the skin. In the United States, the government has very little oversight of herbal products and places few regulations on the industry.

Yoga Yoga is a mind-body practice in complementary and alternative medicine - a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine, and alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine. (CAM) with origins in ancient Indian philosophy. The various styles of yoga that people use for health purposes typically combine physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation - a conscious mental process using certain techniques - such as focusing attention or maintaining a specific posture - to suspend the stream of thoughts and relax the body and mind. or relaxation. People use yoga for a variety of health conditions including anxiety disorders or stress, asthma, high blood pressure, and depression. People also use yoga as part of a general health regimen - to achieve physical fitness and to relax.

Vedic Astrology Vedic Astrology (Jyotish, ) is an ancient system that allegedly helps to resolve doubts concerning children, health, "spiritual growth," and other subjects. Suggestions regarding donations, gemstones, herbs, mantras, yantras (mystic "diagrams"), and rituals are integral to the system. Vedic astrology or “Jyotish” shows who you are, your skills, your weaknesses, your possibilities. “Avoid the danger that has not yet come” is an old saying based on astrology.

Acupressure Acupressure is an ancient Chinese technique based on the principles of Acupuncture (without the use of needles), and involves the use of pressure on specific points on the body. It is a safe and effective therapy that can benefit anyone of any age. It can also be used for general preventative health care. Acupressure can alleviate many conditions such as headaches, migraine, period pains, toothache, insomnia, depression, digestive disorders, dizziness, morning sickness and nausea, stress and exhaustion.


	Complementary and Alternative Medicine is the term for medical products and practices that are not part of standard care. CAM is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Some health care providers practice both CAM and conventional medicine.