What Is CAM?

CAM is a term used by the conventional medical field to designate treatments that are not considered conventional or mainstream. It stands for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. It comprises any treatment or system of medicine that is not generally proven by rigorous scientific tests as Western medicine traditionally is.

CAM actually includes both complementary and alternative medicine systems and treatments. Complementary treatments are meant to be used in conjunction with conventional medical treatment to extend and complement those therapies. As an example, using soothing music or hypnosis to help a patient control pain after surgery is complementary treatment.

Alternative therapy, on the other hand, is using an alternate therapy instead of a conventional medical treatment for an illness. An example might be the use of a gluten and casein free diet to control the symptoms of autism or ADHD rather than using medication.

CAM includes a third category - integrative medicine. More and more doctors are integrating specific CAM therapies into their practice if there is scientific evidence that the treatment is safe and effective. An example of integrative medicine that has become mainstream practice is the treatment of asthma. Where once - not so long ago - doctors prescribed medication for asthma patients with little other therapy, today's doctor is likely to discuss diet and household changes that can help alleviate the symptoms of an asthma patient.

As time goes on, it's likely that more alternative therapies will find their way into integrative medicine and from there into the mainstream as clinical evidence mounts and shows their effectiveness.

Some of those therapies that are already on their way to becoming accepted by conventional medicine include:

-- Some herbal treatments like black cohosh for treatment of hormone depletion in menopause

-- The use of vitamins and herbs in the treatment of depression

-- Relaxation and massage techniques to treat arthritis

-- The use of hypnosis for pain reduction

-- The use of acupuncture for the relief of pain and nausea after surgery or chemotherapy

-- Aromatherapy for promoting healing and relaxation in postoperative patients

-- Chiropractic to treat a number of muscular-skeletal problems

-- Traditional Chinese Medicine in conjunction with conventional therapy for chronic illnesses

-- Holistic health techniques in regular practice as doctors become more aware of the interconnectedness of the body's systems

-- 'Energy healing' methods such as Tai Chi, which are being prescribed for patients with arthritis, joint problems and multiple sclerosis to help with balance, strength and fitness

There are hundreds of alternative medicine claims. Some of them are for the use of a single herb in treating a single condition (Echinacea for upper respiratory infections), while others comprise an entire new lifestyle (Ayurveda, for instance). Some are proven to work to a limited extent, some have shown promising results in preliminary research, some are useless but harmless - and some, unfortunately, can do a great deal of damage.

If you are considering using an alternative therapy method, the NCCAM (and most other experts) suggest that you take the time to research the method. Read the research on the therapy, and look for safety and effectiveness before starting any new health regimen. If you're under a doctor's care, be sure to inform him of it. One of the things that goes along with increased choices in health care and treatments is increased responsibility for your own health.