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Complementary and alternative medicine: What is it?
Why is there a lack of evidence about complementary and alternative treatments?
One reason for the lack of research in complementary and alternative treatments is that large, carefully controlled medical studies are costly. Trials for conventional medications or procedures are often directly or indirectly funded by the government or drug companies, giving conventional treatments more resources to do studies. CAM trials are more difficult to fund, so there are fewer trials. Nonetheless, a number of studies are under way on CAM treatments ranging from herbs to yoga. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is the lead U.S. agency that supports research into complementary and alternative treatments, and it makes research findings available on its Web site.
Talk to your doctor about risks and benefits of complementary and alternative treatments
Work with your conventional medical doctor to help you make informed decisions regarding complementary and alternative treatments. Even if your doctor can't recommend a specific complementary and alternative treatment, he or she can help you understand possible risks and benefits before you try a treatment. Though some of these treatments can be helpful, many have side effects and can cause problems with certain medications or health conditions. A final piece of advice: Don't forget to tell your primary care doctor if you're using any alternative therapies. And don't stop or change your conventional treatment — such as your prescription medications — without talking to your doctor first.
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- Americans spent $33.9 billion out-of-pocket on complementary and alternative medicine. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. http://nccam.nih.gov/news/2009/073009.htm. Accessed Sept. 22, 2009.
- CAM basics. National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam/overview.htm. Accessed Sept. 22, 2009.
- About NCCAM. National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine. http://nccam.nih.gov/about. Accessed Sept. 23, 2009.
- 'Miracle' health claims: Add a dose of skepticism. U.S. Federal Trade Commission. http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/health/hea07.shtm. Accessed Sept. 22, 2009.
