ABSTRACT
The practices of acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, herbal medicine, traditional Chinese medicine are often described as Complementary medicine (CAM) therapies because they lie outside the dominant health system of a western industrialized society. Mainstream medicine relies on pathophysiology diagnoses derived from history and laboratory investigations, and treatment using pharmaceutical agents, surgery, physical rehabilitation, and radiation therapies. Astin identified chronic pain as a predictor of CAM use. Other predictors included poorer health status, more education, anxiety, back problems, urinary tract problems, interest in spirituality and personal growth psychology, and having had a change in philosophy of life. Training of allopathic physicians in CAM therapies is becoming more common. Approximately 20 percent of Scotland’s general practitioners have received basic training in integrating homeopathy with orthodox practice. Medical schools in the US and Europe are responding to the new awareness of CAM’s pervasiveness. Mindful therapies utilize the mind to produce changes in physical and emotional status. Meditation, hypnosis, and yoga fall into this category.
