About Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Complementary and Alternative Medicine otherwise called CAM is an emerging aspect of modern medicine. CAM combines the use of alternative medicine and therapies alongside the use of modern medicine. The medical industry has begun to recognize the benefits of “alternative” therapies and reports show that nearly 40 percent of adults are now using alternative therapy. Medical schools have even begun to teach doctors about the benefits of using CAM along with conventional Western medicine. Some practitioners have also begun to use the term “integrative” medicine which is interchangeable with CAM.
Some Methods of CAM
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic
- Message
- Meditation
- Naturopathy
- Reiki
- Traditional Chinese medicine
Alternative Medicine and Federal Funding
There are many ancient traditions that have been used over the centuries to heal and treat common ailments. However, there hasn’t been much support in performing scientific research until recently. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine NCCAM is an agency of the Federal Government that is responsible for performing research specifically for CAM. The NCCAM recognizes that the field of CAM is broad and still being developed. However, they have identified 3 main groups of study.
Natural Products: dietary supplements
Mind-Body Medicine: meditation, yoga, and acupuncture
Manipulative Body-Based Practices: spinal manipulation and massage therapy
The NCCAM also identifies many other forms of healing that are not listed in a specific category. These include but are not limited to: movement therapies, traditional healers, energy work and Whole Medical Systems such as Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. Homeopathy and naturopathy are also included. While NCCAM is dedicated to performing research supporting these forms of healing they also encourage the consumer to do one’s own homework in finding a practitioner that is legitimate. Looking for up to date credentials and not buying into promises of a cure-all.
Healing Arts Cafe
At the Healing Arts Cafe we strive to provide a platform for you to find professionals of CAM and read articles written by those professionals. While the articles may mostly be anecdotal and experiential, they are non-the less by people who practice these techniques regularly. We have also included psychotherapy on this website because there are many “alternative” forms of psychotherapy that are effective and are not as mainstream. These forms of psychotherapy include EMDR, Hakomi, Transpersonal, Somatic, Contemplative and Art therapy to name a few. Our hope is to help educate and connect people with these therapies that many have found so helpful.
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