Complementary and Alternative Medicine

In 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) defined health as "a complete state of physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." The public increasingly embraces "holistic" medicine when seeking treatment for chronic medical conditions. This philosophical shift has led to a sharp increase in the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), defined as modalities (e.g., acupuncture, herbal therapy, massage therapy), employed in place of, or as adjuncts to, conventional medical therapies. Surveys reveal that almost half of the U.S. population turns to such modalities, with acceptance and use of CAM expanding during the 1990s. Studies showing that CAM use tends to be higher among patients with diseases (e.g., cancer, arthritis), that are often inadequately treated by conventional approaches may suggest an inherent dissatisfaction with Western medicine. Research suggests, however, that the public is actually turning to CAM because its doctrines parallel their own personal values and belief systems. For example, patients want physicians who regard them as whole persons—minds and spirits as well as bodies—and who believe in the healing power of nature. In fact, although CAM therapies are very diverse, ranging from well-established cultural traditions (e.g., Chinese traditional medicine) to quasi-allopathic modalities marginally supported by current science (e.g., chelation therapy), most share common underlying philosophies. These include a belief in the interconnectedness of mind and body and respect for the innate mechanisms of healing.