Intro to CAM

Jennifer Carmichael

Introduction

Jennifer CarmichaelStudied at Kaplan UniversityMajored in Health & WellnessCertified instructor in Hatha YogaCertified PiYo instructor

CAM Introduction

• CAM = Complementary and Alternative Medicine

• What is the reason you are taking a class on this topic?

• Are you currently using complementary or alternative medicine ?

• What do you know about CAM?

CAM Defined

• Allopathy (Conventional medicine):common or a usual practice

• Complementary medicine: Used in conjunction with conventional medicine

• Alternative medicine: Used in lieu of conventional medicine

• Integrative medicine: combination of both conventional and complementary medicine

What is CAM?

• CAM is a group of practices and or products that are not part of conventional medicine. Physicians do not use CAM regularly because there is not enough scientific evidence to support the safety and effectiveness of CAM.

Characteristics of CAM

• Treatments are individualized & promote good nutrition and preventative health practices

• Holistic practice: treats the whole person not just the symptoms

• Promotes self-healing; belief that the body can heal itself if given the proper care and tools

Categories of CAM

• Mind-body interventions• Biologically-based therapies• Manipulative and body-based methods• Energy therapies

Mind-Body Interventions

• Enhances the mind’s ability to affect the bodily functions and symptoms

• 35% of therapeutic response is due to the belief that the therapy works

• Most common forms of CAM: - Yoga - Prayer - Hypnosis - Medicitation - Biofeedback

Biological Therapies

• Most substances used are found in nature:• Foods• Supplements: not proven to be safe or

effective by FDA - Vitamins and Minerals have recommended

daily amounts established by the FDA• Herbs and herbal products - do not have established RDA by FDA

Body-Based & Manipulative Methods

• Massage• Chiropractic• Reflexology• Craniosacral

Energy Therapy

• Bioelectromagnetic • Biofield therapies• Reiki• Therapeutic touch

Why choose CAM?

• Less expensive than allopathic medicine• Fewer side effects• Easily accessible• Increases spirituality• Preventative methods• Allows for personal growth• Traditional medicine has failed• Treats side effects of allopathic medical

treatments/prescriptions• May improve quality of life• Abilities to deal with stress is improved

Insurance coverage?

• Based on the lack of research and the proof of its effectiveness CAM therapies are not currently covered under most insurance plans

• There are an incresing number of alternative health insurance companies on the rise with the rising demand of CAM therapies

Further reading• NCCAM is the National Center for Complementary and

Alternative Medicine• This organization provides research, training,

educational programs, hosts conferences, and offers more knowledge to the general public seeking information on CAM

• WHCCAMP is the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy

• This organization provides funding for research, provides communication between allopaths and Cam practitioners

• Provides reviews and evaluations of CAM practitioners

Resources

Micozzi, Marc S. (2011). Fundamentals of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier.

Retrieved from http://www.nccam.nih.gov

Retrieved from http://www.whccamp.hhs.gov