Complementary and Alternative Medicine Do you use herbs, take supplements, meditate, practice yoga, use homeopathic or Bach flower remedies, visit a Chiropractor, sleep on magnets or receive Reiki  or Massage for stress reduction?   If so, you are not alone.  In the early 1990's a Harvard study on the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) identified 37% of Americans used some form of CAM to address their health concerns. By 1997 its use had increased to 47%. CAM Definition: CAM can be broadly defined as medical interventions or healing systems not widely taught in    US Medical Schools generally unavailable in US hospitals  and usually offered and delivered by individual practitioners and small businesses Complementary and Alternative medicine are even different from each other.  Therapy used in conjunction with Western medicine - such as aromatherapy following surgery to help lessen the patient's discomfort - would be considered complementary medicine.   On the  other hand, a CAM therapy used in place of convention medicine such as a special diet or herbs to treat cancer rather than the recommended Chemo, Surgery or Radiation, would be considered alternative Medicine. Integrative Medicine: A newer term and approach consists of combining both mainstream medicine and medical treatments and those CAM therapies which have demonstrated validated scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness with the patient. So, who are these CAM users anyway? People choosing CAM are not turning from Western medicine but are seeking approaches that will complement conventional medicine and still be congruent with their value system, beliefs and philosophical orientation toward health and living.  Unfortunately, they may also be choosing methods that have little or no valid information or scientific study. The Protective Arm of the Government Until the 1990's, the response of health Care Regulatory Agencies had been to protect the public from unproven and potentially dangerous treatments by restricting access or information regarding the delivery of CAM services. That all changed in 1992 when the National Institute of Health (NIH) created the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) the Federal Government's lead agency for scientific research on CAM).            Its mission,  to explore complementary and alternative healing practices in the contest of rigorous science; train CAM researchers and inform the public and health professionals about the results of CAM research studies, is expanding steadily.  If you were to access the WEB site, you would find various studies being funded  to determine the efficacy of CAM methods for many of today's health challenges. Guidelines when using CAM: Be Informed.         - Research the scientific studies that have been published or are currently in process           regarding the safety and effectiveness  of the CAM Therapy you are considering.  More           and more studies from various health oriented professions are being initiated.         -The Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami conducts the largest number of            research projects on the use and impact of Touch Therapy on various illnesses.          -Investigate these WEB sites to gather further information                                    www.nccam.nih.gov/health                                www.miami.edu/touch-research         -check out peer reviewed Journals for additional information Discuss CAM therapies with your health care provider.         - Ask if they can provide a referral to a CAM provider.           -Can they make a recommendation?         -Ask your mainstream medical and CAM providers to work together in helping you           achieve improved health and wellness         -Don't be surprised is your physician is not knowledgeable or supportive of your query.            Although Medical Schools have begun to include information about CAM in their           curricula, the information is bits and pieces of various available methods.         -Contact local hospitals, medical schools, or specific CAM professional organizations            and professional associations for a list of providers in your area. Question your CAM provider          -Ask your CAM provider about their training, qualifications, additional licensure,            certification and membership status in professional CAM organizations       Use of Herbs, Nutraceuticals and Dietary Supplements:  -When choosing herbs, dietary supplements or nutraceuticals, don't use them just    because you saw them advertised.  -Natural is not always safe as there are risks in using some herbal preparations with   prescription drugs  -Even though supplements are not subjected to the rigorous research required by the   FDA, that doesn't mean they are all harmful.  -Check out the following WEB site :  www.consumerLab.com .    Consumer Lab is an independent research lab that tests the validity of ingredients in    supplements.  The information on their site lists those products that meet the    stated ingredients as well as those products that are deficient in the specific advertised    ingredients.  -Be wary of statements like, Miracle, Quick Cure, Magical Discovery or Secret Formula.  -and finally, don't assume a retail clerk can guide you in making decisions Insurance Coverage: Check with your Insurance carrier.        - Some offer a discount program for using an approved network of CAM providers.        -Some offer full coverage for specific CAM services        -Some companies do not re-imburse for any CAM products or services