Abstract
The paper explains that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) describes an array of healing modalities whose time for serious consideration and integration into the present healthcare system may have arrived. The paper states that homeopathy is the most controversial form of CAM and discusses the biases claiming that homeopathy treatment is an an implausible treatment, but affirms that homeopathy is an important topic for public health. This is due to the affordability, accessibility and efficacy of homeopathic remedies.

Outline:
The Perception of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Conventional Medicine
Homeopathy: Medicine of the past and the future
Implications for CAM in Public Health

From the Paper
"It is possible that unfounded accusations of quackery and the like are but a smokescreen that has been thrown up to blur certain facts about CAM's increased appeal. It is also possible that conventional health practitioners and the pharmaceutical industry are striving to monopolize treatment in the US. It is more likely however, that evidence-based research, which has become the pinnacle of standards for excellence in testing the efficacy and safety of treatment with drugs, is an improper testing method for CAM (Novella et al., 2007). CAM uses few, if any pharmaceutical treatments, and should be held to appropriate contextual standards for what CAM in general, and each therapy in particular, claims. Homeopathy, for example, displays effects that are vastly different than the action of drugs, and requires fundamentally different protocols from which to study and gather evidence."

Tags:complementary, alternative, medicine, public, health, homeopathy

Abstract
The paper discusses how in an era when medical care is perceived as increasingly expensive and not always delivered in a way that satisfies the patient, other forms of medical care gain adherents. The paper also explains that another force directing some patients toward other forms of treatment would be intractable and untreatable diseases, and those who are desperate for some sort of relief are more likely to seek alternative therapies as their only course. The paper shows how medicine can be considered today to also involve complementary, alternative and integrative medicine.

From the Paper
"In an era when medical care is perceived as increasingly expensive and not always delivered in a way that satisfies the patient, other forms of medical care gain adherents. Another force directing some patients toward other forms of treatment would be intractable and untreatable diseases, and those who are desperate for some sort of relief are more likely to seek alternative therapies as their only course. In any case, medicine can be considered today to also involve complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine. Complementary and alternative medicine are often linked under the acronym CAM, defined as "a group of diverse medical and health care systems,...""

Tags:complementary, alternative, integrative

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 looks at the problem of HIV/AIDS and the issue of complementary nutritional therapies that can be used to slow its progression and boost the immune system of HIV/AIDS patients. The paper also discusses the implications of utilizing these therapies and gives recommendations how to implement complementary nutritional therapies for HIV/AIDS. The paper discusses these treatments and also looks at how HIV/AIDS symptoms can be affected by proper nutrition and nutritional therapies and what kind of prevalence is noted with reduction of symptoms of HIV/AIDS when proper nutrition and nutritional therapies are employed.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1 - Introduction to the Problem
Statement of the Problem
Background
Research Question
Hypothesis
Significance of the Study
Definition of Terms
Summary
Chapter 2 -- Review of Related Literature and Research
Introduction
Literature Review
Summary
Chapter 3 -- Results and Findings
Introduction
Analysis of Data
Findings
Summary
Chapter 4 -- Conclusions, Implications, and Recommendations for Further Research
Conclusions and Implications
Summary

From the Paper
"Although it would appear that the government in general is doing little to help communities from being completely decimated by the HIV/AIDS virus, there are some HIV/AIDS prevention measures that are being undertaken by some areas of the government that may apply to many individuals. In general, however, most of the information given is not culture specific and therefore will not apply well to some individuals and their cultural beliefs and feelings. The government is also lacking in getting the message out regarding what should be done once the virus is contracted and there has been almost nothing from the government regarding complementary nutritional therapies. Some of this information is important here, however, because it indicates what makes an HIV/AIDS program successful and may be helpful to educators in the future as they work toward finding various ways to get the treatment information out there to more people."

Tags:virus, therapy, disease, immune, progression, antiretroviral

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

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 paper defines the alternative and complimentary medical systems and relates that these systems have contributed to improving the quality of care delivery. The paper discusses several problems, however, with alternative and complimentary medicine and concludes that a judicious approach is necessary for developing integrated medical practices that optimise medical care.

Outline:
Introduction
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Conclusion

From the Paper
"As the name suggests, alternative therapies are implied to be alternatives for conventional medical therapy; for example special dietary therapy for curing cancer as an alternative to radiation and surgical intervention. Complimentary therapy on the other hand is used alongside allopathic treatment. [NIH] From a health administrator's perspective, a thorough understanding of these complementary and alternative medical practices is necessary as integrated medicine is proving to be more effective in the treatment and management of many disease conditions. In 1998, the US government founded the NCCAM, for a scientific study and integration of successful alternative medical systems into the mainstream medical practice. [Edwin L.Cooper] "

Tags:herbal, homeopathy, Chinese, medicine, therapy

Abstract
Scientists and historians might seem to encompass two separate professional worlds, but they really complement each other in many ways. By studying history, scientists can learn more about how we arrived where we did, and historians, by studying science, can learn more about science's contributions to what made us what we are.

Tags:complementary, studies, between

Abstract
An essay that focuses on the therapeutic value of touch and healing. It opens with a history and continues on to provide information on the benefits and how therapeutic touch can treat the body. The paper's focus consists of many aspects, with some portions discussing therapeutic use in the mentally ill and labor pain.

Outline:
History
Benefits
Manipulating the Aura
Biofield Therapies
TT in Cancer Care
TT in Geriatric Care
Preferred Mode of Treatment Among Children
TT for the Mentally Ill
TT and Labor Pain

From the Paper
"A study of 30 volunteer participants revealed the effectiveness of TT on depression (Vickers, 2008). Their systolic blood pressures and breathing went down in the course of healing sessions. The findings warranted the inclusion of TT in mental health treatments but experts posed certain precautions on its use. The practitioner should, first of all, consult with the patient's psychiatrist or mental health services provider. This means that the practitioner needs to obtain some knowledge with the patient's illness, especially delusions and hallucinations. The advanced practice nurse who will apply TT should inform the patient what he or she should expect to occur with the treatment. She should let the patient know in each stage what her movements and actions mean. This is to prevent the patient from misinterpreting the movements and actions. It will be better if the nurse practitioner acquaint the patient with the basic principles of TT. Psychiatric patients suffer from distorted perceptions. The nurse practitioner should, therefore, exercise caution in applying TT, especially on opposite-sex patients. There should be witnesses when TT is applied (Vickers)."

Tags:therapy, medicine, cancer, oncology

Abstract
This paper discusses the ancient practice of yoga and how it has now become a popular form of exercise in the Western world. The author presents a brief history and explains the theories that lie behind the practice. He also explains that, although recognized as being a valuable therapy it has not yet been proven that yoga can effectively treat or cure chronic illnesses.

From the Paper
"Yoga is a series of ancient spiritual practices originating in India. Although yoga has its origin as a spiritual exercise, in the West it has become a method for physical exercise. Yoga has evolved into a method for keeping fit and healthy.
"Yoga was introduced to American society in the late nineteenth century by Swami Vivekanda (Burley, 2000. p. 26, par. 2). It has been used in Western society as a complementary alternative treatment for a variety of illnesses. The National Center for Complementary and Alterative Medicine conducted a survey of adults 18 years and older on the different complementary and alternative treatments they had used. Yoga was the 5th most common complementary and alternative treatment (Barnes, 2004. p. 19, par. 10)."

Tags:illnesses, improvement, function