Read “The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the United States,” located on the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine website. URL:...

1. Complementary and alternative medicine or CAM is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine is used along with standard medical treatments, and alternative medicine is used instead of standard medical treatment.
When used along with CAM treatment, standard medical treatment is termed as Integrative medicine. These are the treatments that have been proven to be effective
2. In the United States, approximately 38 percent of adults (about 4 in 10) and roughly 12 percent of children (about 1 in 9) use CAM somehow. The CAM is used mostly between the age group of 50-59 years but is used by people of all age group. Among the adults, women and people with higher levels of education and higher incomes use CAM the most. CAM use by race/ethnicity is found maximum in American/Indian Alaska native.
3. The following are some misconceptions about CAM
· Complementary medicine is considered to be unscientific.
· It is often said that CAM is not effective.
· Alternative medicine is only an alternative.
· Complementary medicine is nothing but a placebo.
· Alternative practitioners do not use conventional medicines.
· CAM is not accepted by big medical institutions.
· Complementary medicine is natural and hence harmless.
· CAM shows its worth every day.
· CAM cannot and should not be tested scientifically
4. The use of CAM should be discussed with the patient by the health care professional, as this can provide the patient with better ways to improve their health. It is often thought that if it is natural it will not have any side effects, and hence patient use CAM without proper guidance and may end up creating worse conditions. A health care professional should not impose any personal belief but should discuss the use of CAM, its benefits, side effects if any with the patient and should be able to accept the choice made by the patient. If the patient agrees on the use of CAM then the health care professional should be supportive of his decision. Without proper involvement of the health professional, the patient is left uninformed and without medical guidance about the proper use of CAM.
5. Like any other treatment modality, the CAM should also be used after proper clinical trials and positive evidence for the effectiveness. Dietary and herbal supplements should specifically be used after appropriate...