April 2006

Alternative Medicine: An Alternative for You?


Awareness of and demand for alternative medicine, also known as complementary medicine, is growing. Consumers are now spending billions of dollars each year on treatments generally considered outside the medical mainstream.

But what are alternative or complementary treatments? Simply, they are those treatments not generally taught in medical schools, used in hospitals or reimbursed by medical insurers. They cover a broad range of healing philosophies, approaches and therapies. Most treat the whole person, and therefore are often referred to as holistic treatments.

Although research about alternative and complementary medicine is growing, information about these therapies is less readily available than that for conventional treatments.

What's Out There?
There are several major categories of alternative and complementary medicine. They include:
  • Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, deep relaxation, biofeedback, yoga and deep breathing. These modalities generally keep the person focused on the present moment and are often recommended for reducing stress.
  • Chiropractic techniques, which focus on manipulation and adjustment of the spine and joints to relieve pain and improve general health.
  • Dietary supplements that contain ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, and amino acids. They are taken by mouth and labeled as dietary supplements.
  • Homeopathy, which is believed to stimulate the body's ability to heal. The prescribing principle of homeopathy is the "law of similars," based on the idea that substances which in large doses produce illness will cure those symptoms in small doses. The more a remedy is diluted in water, the greater the potency, is an accompanying concept.
  • Acupuncture, based on the belief that each person has a meridian system that channels body energy. When stimulated by needles placed at strategic points, the system is believed to control pain and induce healing.
Want to Learn More?

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is part of the National Institutes of Health. Its mission is to conduct research, provide training, disseminate information and form programs to identify, investigate and validate alternative and complementary treatments.

The NCCAM is an excellent resource to help consumers make care decisions. It offers a clearinghouse with a toll-free information line, as well as publications and referrals to other resources.

Call 888-644-6226 or visit the NCCAM website at www.nccam.nih.gov.

Steps for Making Decisions about Alternative or Complementary Health Care Treatments


An informed health care consumer should take several steps when deciding whether to undergo treatment outside the medical mainstream. Here are some things to consider:
  • Assess the treatment's safety and effectiveness. The advantages of any treatment must outweigh the risks. Effective treatments will have a likelihood of benefit when performed under typical conditions by the average practitioner for the typical patient.
  • Evaluate the practitioner's expertise. Check the provider's background, qualifications and competence. This may include membership in national organizations that offer certification, licensure and the means to monitor quality. Or it may involve criteria deemed important within countries or cultures in which the treatment has stood the test of time.
  • Learn the service-delivery methods. Although quality of service is not necessarily related to safety or effectiveness, it is an important factor. The primary issue is whether service-delivery methods adhere to regulated standards for medical care.
  • Consider the cost. Cost is an especially important consideration since most consumers pay directly for these services. Make sure that spending health care dollars on unproven therapies doesn't hinder access to proven traditional treatments.
  • Consult your health care provider. Above all, discuss the decision with your current health care professionals. While they may not always be supportive, they might raise concerns you should consider.
Many people use the Internet as a resource for medical information, including details about alternative and complementary medicine. Here are some questions to ask when evaluating website information:
  • Who runs the site? Is it the government, a university, or a reputable medical or health-related association? Is it sponsored by a manufacturer of products, drugs etc.? It should be easy to identify the sponsor.
  • What is the purpose of the site? Is it to educate the public or to sell a product? The purpose should be clearly stated.
  • What is the basis of the information provided? Is it based on scientific evidence with clear references? Advice and opinions should be clearly set apart from science.
  • How current is the information? Is it reviewed and updated frequently?


The information contained in this newsletter is not intended to replace the advice of your healthcare provider. If you have any questions about managing your health and/or seeking medical care, please contact a medical professional.
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