so many terms are used to describe non-traditional medicine, but what do they all mean? nearly 40 percent of adults report using cam, so it’s important to understand this field. alternative medicine refers to a total substitution of alternative treatment for traditional therapy, such as dietary changes instead of chemotherapy. this third term sometimes tossed into the mix refers to both complementary and alternative medicine, as it draws from both and combines with traditional western medicine. data from the national center for complementary and alternative medicine (nccam) revealed that women, people between the ages of 40 and 60, and people with higher levels of education tend to use cam.

people with multiple chronic conditions have a high prevalence of cam use. the aim of this study was to determine the association between use of cam therapies and multiple chronic conditions in a large nationally representative population of us adults. the composite variable was categorized into 3 levels: none, 1, and 2 or more of the 13 selected chronic conditions. frequencies analysis and bivariable and multivariable analyses were performed to assess the association between the presence of multiple chronic conditions and cam use. adults with multiple chronic conditions reported using on average 2.0 cam therapies in the last year.

while these therapies have been used in china for thousands of years, there has not been much research in the western literature to assess their efficacy. ginger extract is thought to be anti-inflammatory, to strengthen the gastric lining, and to stimulate motility of the intestines. acupuncture to specific points is thought to release the energy and redirect its flow.

the phrases complementary therapy and alternative therapy are often used as if they mean the same thing. it may help you to feel better and cope better with your cancer and treatment. some types of alternative therapy may not be completely safe. they can help people with cancer to feel better and may improve your quality of life. symptoms may be caused by the cancer or side effects caused by cancer treatment. they will always encourage you to discuss any therapies with your cancer doctor or gp. this is usually because many therapies have not been scientifically tested in the same way as conventional treatments. alternative therapies are used instead of conventional medical treatment.

we’re the most recognized community hospital in the state and it’s our people who make us great. winchester hospital was the first community hospital in the state to achieve magnet designation, recognition for nursing excellence. and we all have a lot to learn about how to bring the two closer together. the national institute of health (nih) uses the terms complementary and integrative health and complementary health approaches. the nih defines alternative medicine as non-mainstream practices that are used in place of conventional ones. in 1847, the american medical association (ama) was created to try to regulate medical care. many complementary therapies do not stand up to the standards of western medicine. a common criticism of traditional medicine is that medical doctors treat symptoms instead of looking for the root cause of a health problem.