Lesson 1

I. Brief instructor and class member introductions Class members include why they enrolled in the class and what they want to learn

most.

Review syllabus

II. What is CAM? “Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is the popular term for health

and wellness therapies that have typically not been part of conventional Western medicine.” (Mayo Clinic, 2014). Alternative medicine is used instead of mainstream medical care. When health care and facilities offer both types of care, it is called integrative medicine.

“Complementary and alternative medicine has never been more popular. Nearly 40 percent of adults report using complementary and alternative medicine, also called CAM for short. Doctors are embracing CAM therapies, too, often combining them with mainstream medical therapies” (Mayo Clinic, 2014).

CAM is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products.

III. Different Types of CAM:Many different fields make up the practice of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Traditional alternative medicine:

Acupuncture

Ayurveda

Homeopathy

Naturopathy

Chinese or Oriental medicine

Body:

Chiropractic and osteopathic medicine

Massage

Body movement therapies

Tai chi

Yoga

Diet and herbs :

Dietary supplements

Herbal medicine

External energy:

Electromagnetic therapy

Kinesiology

Reiki

Qigong

Mind/Senses:

Meditation

Biofeedback

Hypnosis

Art, dance, and music

Visualization and guided imagery

IIII. Why use CAM? People use CAM for an array of diseases and conditions.

Many complementary therapies concentrate on boosting relaxation and reducing stress. They may help to calm your emotions, relieve anxiety, and increase your general sense of health and well being.

Reducing symptoms or side effects for diseases and illnesses.

V. CAM regulations/Ethical practices and legal standards. NCCAM: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Role is NCCAM is the Federal Government’s lead agency for scientific research on health interventions, practices, products, and disciplines that originate from outside mainstream medicine.

Each state is responsible for practitioner oversite. NCCAM is not involved in the clinical training, credentialing, or licensing of complementary, alternative, or integrative practitioners.

Whenever utilizing a CAM provider, make sure that you do your research on the provider. Check reviews, certifications and even background checks.

References

Mayo Clinic. (2014). Complementary and alternative medicine. Retrieved From: http://

www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/alternative-medicine/art-20045267

National Institutes of Health. (2015). National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Retrieved From: http://nih.gov/about/almanac/archive/2003/organization/NCCAM.htm