Types of CAM

There are many different types of CAM. Some of the most common types are
described next.

Acupuncture is a type of traditional Chinese medicine that is based on the concept of a vital energy that flows throughout the body. It is believed that if the flow of this energy is blocked, a person can become sick or experience pain. In acupuncture, needles are inserted into key points in the body to keep the energy flowing, reducing pain and restoring health to the body and mind.

Chiropractic focuses on the relationship between the spine and overall health. Back pain is the most common reason people see a chiropractor. According to chiropractic theory, misaligned vertebrae can affect nerves that radiate out from your spine, causing pain or other health problems. Most chiropractors use spinal manipulation to realign the vertebrae. Many physical therapists and osteopathic doctors also use this technique.

Today chiropractors sometimes work with medical doctors, and their services are sometimes covered by medical insurance.

Dietary supplements can include vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other substances. They can come in many forms, including tablets, powders, or liquids, and are sold in many grocery stores, discount stores, and pharmacies. Dietary supplements are often sold as “natural” remedies. However, just because something is natural doesn’t mean it is helpful or even safe. Many vitamin and herbal compounds can be toxic when taken in high doses. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only limited ability to regulate supplements because they are not considered drugs.

Some recent research shows that certain herbal supplements that were thought to be safe for everyone can be harmful for some people or can interfere with conventional medical therapies.

Homeopathy is a field of alternative medicine in which small, highly diluted quantities of medicinal substances are given to cure symptoms. The belief is that when given to a healthy person in large quantities, some substances produce symptoms of disease; but when given to a sick person, much smaller doses of the same substances can relieve symptoms by stimulating the body to heal itself.

Mind-body medicine uses a variety of techniques to enhance the mind’s capacity to affect bodily function and symptoms. These techniques include meditation, prayer, mental healing, and therapies involving art, music, or dance. Some techniques that were considered CAM in the past have become mainstream, such as patient support groups.

Naturopathy is a field of alternative medicine in which practitioners work with natural healing forces within the body with the goal of helping the body heal from disease. Practices may include dietary modifications, massage, acupuncture, or other alternative therapies. Practitioners often advise patients to avoid prescription drugs and surgery.

Osteopathy is a form of conventional medicine. Like traditional doctors, doctors of osteopathy go through years of training and are licensed to perform many traditional therapies, including surgery and prescribing medications. Osteopathy is different from conventional medicine in that osteopaths (doctors of osteopathy) use manipulation to treat joint, muscle, and spinal problems, much like chiropractors.

The Effectiveness of CAM

The effectiveness of many complementary and alternative therapies is based on anecdotal evidence, which means that it comes from patients who report that a certain treatment worked for them. However, there may be no scientific research to support these claims.

Many studies are being done to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of CAM therapies, often with conflicting results. Some studies may show a therapy to be effective, while other studies show it is not.

Evaluating Information About CAM

In addition to talking to your doctor, you may need to do your own research. There is a great deal of information available on the Internet, but make sure you know how to tell if the information you find is credible or not.

When researching the results of studies, it’s also important for you to know how to evaluate the quality of the studies. Look for these terms:

• Clinical studies. These studies involve humans, not animals.
• Randomized, controlled trials. Participants in these studies are randomly divided into two groups—one group receives the treatment being studied, and the other group receives a standard treatment, no treatment, or a placebo (a substance without any medical value). This gives researchers a basis for comparison.
• Double-blind studies. In these studies, neither the researchers nor the participants know who is receiving the actual treatment and who is receiving a placebo.
• Prospective studies. In these studies, researchers establish criteria ahead of time and then measure the results. This is a more reliable method than just asking people to remember past information.
• Peer-reviewed journals. If a study appears in a peer-reviewed journal, it means it has been reviewed by an independent panel of medical experts.

Studies using these methods usually provide better-quality information.

Before Trying CAM Therapy

• Ask your doctor before trying CAM therapies. What works for someone else won’t necessarily work for you, even if you have the same condition.
• Do research to find out if there is scientific evidence about the effectiveness of the treatment. Also find out if there are any side effects. Get as much information as you can from independent sources, not just from those providing the treatment.
• Get information about the person providing the treatment. What kind of training did he or she receive? How many of these treatments has the person performed? Does the practitioner belong to an organized group of some kind?
• Find out how much the treatment will cost and whether your insurance will cover it.

Many people think their doctor won’t want them to try CAM therapies, so they don’t want their doctor to know. But it’s important for your doctor to know about all the treatments you are receiving. Some CAM therapies can interfere with conventional treatments, with potentially negative results. For example, taking certain vitamin supplements during cancer treatment may reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Keeping your doctor informed will ensure you get the best total care.