Abstract
The author notes that the use of alternative medicine in the form of acupuncture, European herbals, homeopathy, naturopathy, and Ayurvedic medicine has increased in recent years, due to dissatisfaction with the effectiveness of traditional medical treatment and limited access to and high costs of traditional medical care. But there are risks as well, and the paper concludes that much more research is needed before alternative medicine can be considered safe and effective.

Abstract
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies including traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, aromatherapy, homeopathy and naturopathy have gained considerable popularity in recent years. This essay examines why many patients have chosen CAM therapies in preference to western medicine. The writer first defines CAM and then analyzes some of the reasons why CAM is preferred to modern medicine. This is then followed by a discussion of the risks and benefits of CAM and the need for regulation of complementary and alternative medicine.

From the Paper
"Although CAM has benefits, there is not much research on their safety and efficacy or the existing research is of poor quality. CAM has numerous direct and indirect risks. CAM also is poorly regulated and many CAM practioners are not adequately trained. Although modern medicine is not exact and has its pitfalls, the fact remains that it is well researched and based on extensive and good quality clinical trials. The exact properties, benefits, and side effects of allopathic medicine are well-documented. Therefore, although some patients may choose CAM over modern medicine, CAM should be used only as an adjunct or when all other modalities of treatment have failed."

Tags:medicine treatment chinese, health care, herbal medicine, psychological homeopathy

Abstract
This paper explores the conventional, alternative and combined treatments for irritable bowel syndrome. This paper discusses the risks and benefits associated with each of the therapies, and with a combination of all three therapies.

From the Paper
"Irritable bowel syndrome is a common gastrointestinal disorder which affects up to 20 percent of the North American adult population. The condition is characterized by chronic symptoms of pain and changed bowel habits. Irritable bowel syndrome produces a serious impact on quality of life, and also creates an enormous drain on healthcare resources. The use of alternative medicine either alone or in combination with conventional medicine is effective in resolving these issues."

Tags:alternative, conventional, medicine

Abstract
This paper defines alternative medicine as being medicine that is outside of the realm of traditional medical practices, but that is safe and proven to be effective It then contrasts alternative medicine with complimentary medicine, showing how they differ. The paper further describes Chinese medicine and acupuncture.

From the Paper
"Alternative medicine can be defined as medicine that is outside of the realm of traditional medical practices, but that is safe a proven to be effective. Alternative medicine is different than complimentary medicine in that alternative medicine is used instead of traditional practices, while complementary medicine in used in conjunction with traditional practices. In some cases, however, alternative medicine can also be considered as complementary medicine. This has been especially true in relation to Chinese Traditional Medicine..."

Tags:alternative, medicine, nursing

Abstract
The paper discusses the increasing trend worldwide towards alternative medicine, which encompasses a diverse group of healing therapies that include chiropractic, homeopathy, massage therapy, acupuncture, herbal medications and many others. The paper notes that although alternative medicine has been around for centuries, it is not accepted by all due to the lack of studies and medical trials, unlike conventional medical treatment. The paper goes on to discuss the differences between complementary and alternative medicine and again, how they differ from conventional medicine, both in their approach and also treatments.

From the Paper
"Complementary medicine aims to balance the whole person physically, mentally, and emotionally, while conventional medicine aims to cure the pathology. Examples of complementary medicine are acupuncture, yoga, music therapy, massage, and aromatherapy. There are numerous alternative medications that are currently being studied to validate their effectiveness as well as assess potential side effects. Recent studies have concentrated on the use of omega-3 fatty acids for bipolar disorder, while several randomized controlled trials have investigated on St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), acupuncture, and S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe), a derivative of L-methionine, as alternative treatments for major depression."

Tags:effectiveness, conventional, medicine, therapies, potential, side, effects

Abstract
This paper looks at how some of the techniques and therapies used in alternative medicine are being integrated into the practice of conventional medicine. The paper explains that the combined use of alternative medicine with conventional medicine is known as Integrative Medicine.

From the Paper
"Today people are often questioning the methods of traditional medicine but are not quite ready to abandon them in favor of alternative or complementary treatments. Some doctors and hospitals are delving into the benefits of alternative and complementary medicine, combining some of the techniques used with traditional therapies. They are creating a field called integrative medicine or complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Integrative medicine combines the best of traditional medicine with alternative medicine to maximize benefits for the patient."

Tags:alternative, complementary, traditional

Abstract
The purpose of this investigation is to test the explanatory power of the role of self-efficacy and the Health Belief Model as it contributes to CAM (contemporary and alternative medicine) use by active duty military members. The investigation is also framed within the perspective of a consumer decision making study and consumer behavior study with regards to the use of CAM within this sample of the U.S. population. During the course of this investigation, the prevalence of CAM use among U.S. Naval personnel stationed aboard an Atlantic fleet ship and the reasons behind their decision to use CAM, is also cataloged. The research tests variables important to understanding CAM use within the context of the Health Belief Model. Data is collected via researcher-administered surveys, based on "Receptivity", a survey developed and modified from the National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) used by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.

Abstract
Chapter 1 Introduction
Introduction to CAM
Alternative Medical Systems
Mind-Body Interventions
Biologically Based Therapies
Manipulative and Body-Based Methods
Energy Therapies
Introduction to the Problem
Background of the study
Statement of the Problem
Research Hypothesis
Definition of Terms
Assumptions and Limitations
Chapter 2 Literature Review
Introduction
History of HBM Research
History of CAM Research
Growing acceptance within the medical community
Demographic Profile of CAM Users
Reasons for Using Alternative Medicine
HBM Overview
Conclusion
Chapter 3 Methodology
Introduction
Instrument
Pilot Study
Research Design
Study Population
Design Sample

From the Paper
"Alternative medicine has become the largest growth industry in health care in the US (Schneiderman, 2000). A frequently cited 1998 national survey on CAM (contemporary and alternative medicine) use in the United States determined that 4 out of every 10 Americans has used, or regularly uses, at least one alternative medical therapy, resulting in a combined total of $27 billion spent by American CAM users in 1997 (Eisenberg et al., 1998). By the year 2000, research indicated that nearly half of Americans were using unconventional treatments (Schneiderman, 2000). The Eisenberg et al. study also reported that from 1990-1997, herbal remedy use in the United States had increased by 380% and high dose vitamin use increased by 130% (Eisenberg et al., 1998). Studies have similarly indicated that the majorities of these expenses are being burdened by the user and, for the most part are a cash and carry enterprise. For this reason alone, many healthcare plans have chosen to offer at least partial coverage of CAM services to its enrollees."

Tags:health, care, military

Abstract
The paper explains the differences between alternative medicine and complimentary medicine and discusses the widespread creation of fraudulent "cures" that exist across the globe. The paper discusses government regulation and the varying structures of alternative medical practices. The paper looks at the challenges facing the alternative medicine field and concludes that scientific research will aid in changing the many negative opinions of physicians and their patients.

Outline:
Overview
Analysis of Health Service Setting
Challenges

From the Paper
"Alternative medicine can be defined as medicine that is outside of the realm of traditional medical practices, but that is safe a proven to be effective ("What Is", 2006, sec. 2). Alternative medicine is different than complimentary medicine in that alternative medicine is used instead of traditional practices, while complementary medicine in used in conjunction with traditional practices. In some cases, however, alternative medicine can also be considered as complementary medicine. This has been especially true in relation to Chinese Traditional Medicine. An example of this could be the use of acupuncture by a cancer patient that is undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, but that uses acupuncture as a means of reducing the pain or discomfort associated with the treatments. Yet, acupuncture itself can be used as an alternative medicine for many patients that desire to undergo this type of whole body treatment in place of traditional medical practices."

Tags:complementary, traditional, healing, research, government, regulation

Abstract
This paper discuses the evolution and use of complementary alternative medicine (CAM) and its growing acceptance worldwide, including the United States. The paper also explains the reasons for CAM's growing popularity as an alternative to conventional medicine and sites several studies on the topic.

From the Paper
"Complementary alternative medicine is popular throughout the industrialized world and its use is increasing in the United States. Herbal medicine, massage, mega vitamins, self-help groups, folk remedies, energy healing, and homeopathy, were the therapies that increased the most."

Tags:CAM, acupuncture