By Claire Brocato, NurseZone feature writer
While the battle continues over health care reform, a quiet but significant
paradigm shift is occurring in people’s attitudes toward their health and
well-being. Today, there is a growing trend to search for answers outside of
traditional medicine and research shows that women are at the forefront of this
movement toward alternative treatments.
Complementary and alternative medicine (often referred to as CAM) embodies
the belief that we are beings of many dimensions and that our health reflects
all that we experience. While contemporary Western medicine assumes that the
cause of an illness is primarily physical–a clogged artery, a mutated gene, a
suppressed immune system–CAM focuses on the whole person, with lifestyle, diet,
environment, emotional, mental and spiritual health taken into consideration
alongside physical symptoms.
Just as there are many dimensions to our being, there are many nontraditional approaches to understanding health and illness, some of which have become so popular they are now gaining acceptance in Western medicine.
According to the Research Council for Complementary Medicine, women use
complementary therapies more than men do. While women tend to favor treatments
such as massage, aromatherapy and meditation, men are most likely to turn to
complementary therapies for specific physical problems such as sports injuries
or back pain.
The National Center for Contemporary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
categorizes alternative health care therapies into the following fields:
- Mind-body medicine
uses a variety of techniques to enhance the mind’s
ability to affect bodily function and symptoms. Some examples are yoga, meditation and biofeedback.
- Manipulative and body-based systems
refer to treatments that are based
on manipulation and/or movement of one or more parts of the body. Chiropractic medicine, massage
and reflexology are some
examples.
- Biologically-based therapies
use herbs, special diets, vitamins and
other natural products to prevent and treat illness. Herbal medicine and nutritional therapy fall into this category.
- Energy therapies
which include therapeutic touch and reiki, use
subtle energy fields in and around the body for healing purposes.
What can complementary and alternative medicine be used for?
Research is beginning to show that certain nontraditional therapies can be
used not only in the treatment and prevention of a wide range of ailments, but
also for pain management and general health promotion. Here is a list that
documents some common ailments and the therapies that are often used to treat
them.
| Acne |
Herbal medicine–Tea tree oil, a well-researched herbal medicine, has been found to be as effective as oral antibiotics. It is also cheaper and has fewer side effects.
|
| Arthritis |
Herbal medicine–Herbs such as devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens), willow bark (Salix spp.) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) have long been used for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Nutritional therapy–Selenium, zinc, magnesium and Vitamin E play a role in the treatment and prevention of arthritis.
|
| Back pain |
Chiropractic–Spinal manipulation has been proven to be one of the most successful treatments for back pain and injury.
Acupuncture–Research shows that treatment can help alleviate pain and often bring long-lasting relief, especially for long-term lower back problems.
|
| Cancer |
Nutritional therapy–Considerable research has shown that diets low in fat, moderate in protein and high in fruit, vegetables, fiber, whole grains and soy can help inhibit the growth of tumors and may help prevent cancer.
Acupuncture and acupressure–Acupressure, using the wrist point, has been found effective in reducing nausea associated with chemotherapy.
Herbal medicine–A study comparing groups of people over time suggests that regular intake of ginseng may reduce one's chances of getting various types of cancer, especially lung, liver, stomach, pancreatic and ovarian.
|
| Colds & Flu |
Herbal medicine-Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea angustifolia) has been found effective in stimulating the immune system by increasing white blood cell and antibody production. Garlic is a traditional preventive remedy for colds and flu because of its anti-viral and anti-bacterial actions.
|
| Cystitis |
Herbal medicine–Cranberry contains an ingredient that prevents bacteria from adhering to the lining of the bladder, thereby reducing the risk of infection. Bearberry (Uva ursi), golden seal (Hydrastis candensis) and marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) are also used to treat cystitis.
|
| Depression |
Acupuncture–Some studies have found acupuncture to be more effective than anti-depressant drugs and with fewer side effects.
Herbal medicine–In Europe, according to the National Institute of Health, St.John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is used in the treatment of depression more than any other antidepressant. Clinical trials are still being conducted in the United States to gauge its effectiveness. It should not be used in conjunction with drugs prescribed to treat conditions such as heart disease, seizures, certain cancers and rejection of transplants.
|
| Headaches |
Chiropractic–By easing restriction in the upper spine and improving blood supply, chiropractors are very effective in treating all types of headaches and migraines.
Massage–This helps to reduce tension in the shoulder and neck region, and maintain an even blood flow to the head.
|
| PMS |
Nutritional therapy–Decreasing or avoiding caffeine (including chocolate), saturated fats, sugar, salt, dairy, meat and alcohol can help reduce the intensity and duration of PMS symptoms.
Homeopathy–Remedies such as Chamomilla and Pulsatilla are appropriate for individuals who experience irritability, mood swings, bloating and cramps.
Herbal medicine–Parsley and dandelion are both diuretics and help reduce water retention.
|
Sources: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, BBC
Healthy Living, iVillage Complementary Medicine Center.
Is it safe?
According to the National Institute of Health, many complementary treatments
are safe, however there are some therapies that have not been scientifically
tested. Generally, complementary therapies involve milder, less invasive forms
of treatment. However, "natural" does not necessarily mean "safe."
Some herbal medicines may be toxic or even life-threatening if not prescribed
correctly. Inexperienced or untrained practitioners can also be dangerous. For
example a misplaced acupuncture needle could damage a muscle or organ, while an
over-enthusiastic chiropractor could cause injury to fragile bones.
It is therefore important to find out about the training, qualifications and
level of experience of practitioners. (See "How to select a CAM practitioner.")
Also ask questions about the source and quality of remedies and the safety of
the techniques used before embarking on treatment.
Related articles:
Holistic Nursing: Complementary Therapies Increase in Popularity,
Raise New Issues.
RNs Combine Nursing Skills and Therapeutic Massage to Promote
Healing.
Links to Associations:
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
National Center for Homeopathy
American Chiropractic Association
The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture
Yoga Research and Education Center