A new government nationwide survey published by the National Institutes of Health reports that 36% of adults in the U.S. who are over the age of 18 use some form of complementary and alternative medicine also known as CAM. When prayer is added to this definition of CAM the percentage of Americans using complementary and alternative medicine rises to 62%. The survey also found that the majority of people who use CAM believed that these practices would help them when combined with conventional medical treatments. This is introducing a new way of thinking to the medical community. Picture a circle with prescription, over the counter drugs and surgery at the center and CAM and psychosocial approaches outside the circle. Now picture a circle where the center is Self Care using complimentary and alternative medicine; drugs and surgery are also part of the circle but instead of being in the center they are now on the periphery. As a result of this shift in thinking and acceptance of complementary and alternative medicine by the public, large numbers of people are now changing the way they approach health care by taking more interest in their personal health and asking to work in collaboration with their health care practitioner. This is not to indicate that drugs and surgery are not important – quite the contrary. However studies have shown that using various methods of self care can often decrease medication and reduce the healing time from surgical procedures. Some of the therapies that that can be easily learned by the public are relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, tai chi, imagery, nutrition and prayer.(For maximum effect it is recommended that some of these therapies be taught by a professional.)
James Gordon MD who has served as the Chair of the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy has stated that at the very least patients scheduled for surgical procedures should be taught breathing and relaxation techniques. Not only does this assist in the healing process but it also give the patient the ability to take an active part in their healing and feel more in control of their bodies.
Andrew Weil MD who is the director of the Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona is also a strong advocate of breath work and meditation. He has also included energy therapies such as Reiki or Therapeutic Touch.
CAM has been a topic on the evening news programs and in many newsstand magazines and newspapers. Thus the public has become more aware of the added benefits of complementary and alternative medicine causing them to question their healthcare provider and seek out practitioners of these therapies.
As a result of the public’s interest, many physicians and health care practitioners (RNs, Physician Assistants, and Nurse Practitioners) are beginning to utilize some form of CAM. There are over 2000,000 articles and studies published in established journals such as JAMA, LANCET and The American Journal of Nursing allowing the medical community to access this information as part of the continuing education process. Also various centers have been developed to train health care professionals in the utilization of CAM. Dr James Gordon is the Founder and Director of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine. Based in Washington DC, Dr Gordon’s organization presents programs for health and mental health professionals who wish to integrate therapies such as relaxation therapies, meditation, acupuncture, nutrition, yoga, herbalism, music and dance into their practice. There are also many programs and seminars addressing these practices that are offered by Universities such as Thomas Jefferson in Philadelphia to provide continuing education courses for health professionals.
Many patients have realized that there are restrictions placed upon their health care by many outside sources. Patients are now taking control, becoming educated and are now open to explore their options with complimentary and alternative medicine practices while utilizing the services of their healthcare practitioner. This new model of health care is fast becoming the norm for many Americans.
Betty deMaye-Caruth PhD, RN is the Founder and Director of the Minerva Educational and Treatment Center in Honesdale Pa. Dr. Betty has over 25 years experience in Complementary and Alternative Medicine; she has written articles for professional journals and various other publications, developed many educational seminars and maintains a private practice in Honesdale. Please direct any questions to her website www.minervaed.com.
