Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Abstract

August 2007

Section Clinical Essentials

XII Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Bimal H. Ashar, M.D., F.A.C.P.,
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

The field of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses a multitude of different approaches and beliefs that are generally linked by their emphasis on natural modalities of healing and wellness. More and more, the term integrative medicine is being used, suggesting that CAM should be integrated into conventional care. This chapter describes modalities that are complementary to conventional medicine in the United States; in other countries, many of these modalities are part of mainstream medical practice. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has grouped CAM therapies into five domains: alternative medical systems, mind-body interventions, biologic-based therapies, manipulative and body-based methods, and energy therapies. Examples of each are discussed in this chapter. A figure illustrates a possible mechanism of mind-body interventions. Tables list the NCCAM classification of CAM practices, selected mind-body interventions, commonly used herbal and nonherbal dietary supplements, popular uses for common dietary supplements, and sources of information on CAM. This chapter contains 121 references.

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