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Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM): A Brief Guide
 
 Guide to 
Definition :

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is defined as "diagnosis, treatment and/or prevention which complements mainstream medicine by contributing to a common whole, by satisfying a demand not met by orthodoxy or by diversifying the conceptual frameworks of medicine". [Source: The role of complementary and alternative medicine. By E. Ernst. BMJ 2000:321:1133]

The following definitions were excerpted and adapted from The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. 2001.
[615.503 G12 Vols. 1-4,         CHIS Open Shelf 3rd floor] Please consult this source for further definitions

Acupressure: a form of touch therapy that utilizes the principles of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. In acupressure, the same points on the body are used as in acupuncture, but are stimulated with finger pressure instead of with the insertion of needles. Acupressure is used to relieve a variety of symptoms and pain. (Vol. 1, p. 10)

Acupuncture: one of the main forms of treatment in traditional Chinese medicine. It involves the use of sharp thin needles that are inserted into the body at very specific points. This process is believed to adjust and alter the body's energy flow into healthier patterns, and is used to treat a wide variety of illnesses and health conditions. (Vol. 1, p. 15)

Alexander technique: a somatic method for improving physical and mental functioning. Excessive tension, which Frederick Alexander (the originator) recognized as both physical and mental, restricts movement and creates pressure in the joints, the spine, the breathing mechanism, and other organs. The goal of the technique is to restore freedom and expression to the body and clear thinking to the mind. (Vol. 1, p. 39)

Antioxidants: a broad group of compounds that destroy single oxygen molecules (also called free radicals) in the body, thereby protecting against oxidative damage to cells. Antioxidants are essential to good health and are found naturally in a wide variety of foods and plants, including many fruits and vegetables. Many antioxidants, either singly or in combination, are also available as over-the-counter nutritional supplements in tablet or capsule form... (Vol. 1, p. 91)

Aromatherapy: the therapeutic use of plant-derived, aromatic essential oils to promote physical and psychological well-being. It is sometimes used in combination with massage therapy and other therapeutic techniques... (Vol. 1, p. 112)

Ayurvedic medicine: a system of healing that originated in ancient India....It utilizes diet, detoxification and purification techniques, herbal and mineral remedies, yoga, breathing exercises, meditation, and massage therapy as holistic healing methods...(Vol. 1, p. 159)

Biofeedback: a patient-guided treatment that teaches an individual to control muscle tension, pain, body temperature, brain waves, and other bodily functions and processes through relaxation, visualization, and other cognitive control techniques...(Vol. 1, p. 197)

Chelation therapy: an intravenous treatment designed to bind heavy metals in the body in order to treat heavy metal toxicity. Proponents claim it also treats coronary artery disease and other illnesses that may be linked to damage from free radicals...(Vol. 1, p. 374)

Chi or Qi or Ki (pronounced chee): the fundamental life energy of the universe.... In the body, it is the invisible vital force that creates and animates life.... Chi travels through the body along channels called meridians. (Vol. 1, p. 16)

Chiropractic: is grounded in the principal that the body can heal itself when the skeletal system is correctly aligned and the nervous system is functioning properly. To achieve this, the practitioner uses his or her hands or an adjusting tool to perform specific manipulations of the vertebrae.... (Vol. 1, pp. 405-6)

Feldenkrais Method: an educational system that allows the body to move and function more efficiently and comfortably. Its goal is to re-educate the nervous system and improve motor ability...(Vol. 2, pp. 659-60)

Five Elements: based on the Chinese theory that the world and the body are made up of five main elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. These elements are interconnected, and each element either generates or controls another element. (Vol. 1, pp. 16-7)

Herbalism, Chinese: one of the major components of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In TCM, herbs are often used in conjunction with other techniques, such as acupuncture or massage. Chinese herbal treatment differs from Western herbalism.... In Chinese practice, several different herbs may be used, according to each plant's effect on the individual's Qi and the Five Elements. (Vol. 2, pp. 843-4)

Herbalism, Western: is based upon pharmacognosy, the study of natural products. Pharmacognosy includes the identification, extraction methods, and applications of specific plant constituents responsible for particular therapeutic actions...(Vol. 2, p.847)

Homeopathic medicine: is based on the idea that substances producing symptoms of sickness in healthy people will have a curative effect when given in very dilute quantities to sick people who exhibit those same symptoms. (Vol. 2, p. 872)

Hydrotherapy: or water therapy, is the use of water (hot, cold, steam, or ice) to relieve discomfort and promote physical well-being. (Vol. 2, p. 898)

Iridology: the study of the iris (the colored part of the eye). Iris "readings" are made by iridologists to assess a person's health picture (physical, emotional, mental and spiritual) and guide them to take measures to improve their health. (Vol. 2, pp. 965-6)

Massage therapy: the scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body for the purpose of normalizing those tissues. It consists of manual techniques that include applying fixed or movable pressure, holding and/or causing movement of or to the body. (Vol. 3, p. 1136)

Meridian: a channel through which chi travels in the body. There are 12 major meridians in the body that transport chi, corresponding to the 12 main organs categorized by Chinese medicine. (Vol. 1, pp. 11, 14)

Moxibustion: a technique used in traditional Chinese medicine in which a stick or cone of burning mugwort [an herb] is placed over an inflamed or affected area of the body.... The purpose is to stimulate and strengthen the blood and the life energy, or qi, of the body. (Vol. 3, p. 1208)

Naturopathic medicine: a branch of medicine in which a variety of natural medicines and treatments are used to heal illness.... It is founded on the premise that people are naturally healthy, and that healing can occur through removing obstacles to a cure and by stimulating the body's natural healing abilities.(Vol. 3, p. 1243)

Orthomolecular medicine: the prevention and treatment of disease by administering nutritional supplements.... The aim of orthomolecular medicine is not merely to eliminate disease, but to aim for "optimum health." (Vol. 3, p. 1293)

Oxygen/ozone therapy: a term that describes a number of different practices in which oxygen, ozone, or hydrogen peroxide are administered via gas or water to kill disease microorganisms, improve cellular function, and promote the healing of damaged tissues... (Vol. 3, p. 1316)

Polarity therapy: a holistic, energy-based system that includes bodywork, diet, exercise, and lifestyle counseling for the purpose of restoring and maintaining proper energy flows throughout the body. The underlying concept of polarity therapy is that all energy within the human body is based in electromagnetic force and that disease results from improperly dissipated energy. (Vol. 3, p. 1392)

Qigong (pronounced chee-gung): an ancient Chinese system of postures, exercises, breathing techniques, and meditations. Its techniques are designed to improve and enhance the body's qi. (Vol. 3, p. 1449)

Reflexology: a therapeutic method of relieving pain by stimulating predefined pressure points on the feet and hands.... In the absence of any particular malady or abnormality, reflexology may be as effective for promoting good health.... (Vol. 3, pp. 1469-70)

Reiki: a form of therapy that uses simple hands-on, no-touch, and visualization techniques, with the goal of improving the flow of life energy in a person. (Vol. 3, p. 1473)

Rolfing: a holistic system of bodywork that uses deep manipulation of the body's soft tissue to realign and balance the body's myofascial structure. (Vol. 3, p. 1502)

Shiatsu: involves applying pressure to special points or areas on the body in order to maintain physical and mental well being, treat disease, or alleviate discomfort. (Vol. 4, p. 1571)

T'ai chi: an ancient Chinese exercise with movements that originate from the martial arts....t'ai chi is practiced widely for its health and relaxation benefits. (Vol. 4, p. 1685)

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM): is based on a set of interventions designed to restore balance to human beings. Therapies ...include acupuncture and moxibustion; dietary regulation; herbal remedies; massage; and therapeutic exercise. (Vol. 4, p. 1726)

Yin and Yang: According to Chinese philosophy, the universe and the body, can be described by two separate but complementary principles, that of yin and yang.... These two principles are always interacting, opposing, and influencing each other. (Vol. 1, pp. 15-6)


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For further information:

Canadian Complementary Medical Association (CCMA)
Internet: www.ccmadoctors.ca/
Contact: info@ccmadoctors.ca
The CCMA is a network of Canadian physicians, osteopaths, residents and medical students with a special interest or expertise in complementary medicine, with the aim of bringing together the best of both conventional and alternative medicine for the benefit of patients. Membership includes provincial CAM associations and individual physician members from all provinces and territories of Canada.

Canadian Naturopathic Association (CNA)
Internet: www.naturopathicassoc.ca/
Contact: info@naturopathicassoc.ca
1255 Sheppard Ave. E.
North York, ON M2K 1E2
Tel: (416) 496-8633
CNA is a nonprofit professional association representing the interests of naturopathic doctors and promoting naturopathic medicine throughout Canada.

FACT
Internet: www.thefacts.org
Contact: messages@thefacts.org
#516 -- 375 Bay Mills Blvd.
Toronto, ON M1T 2G6
Tel: 416) 299-5113
Fax: (416) 299-9569
The Friends of Alternative and Complementary Therapies (FACT) Society, "is a nonprofit community organization devoted to the promotion of credible and accessible information in the area of alternative and complementary medicine and health."


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Books:

Alternative Medicine: an objective assessment. Edited by Phil B. Fontanarosa. Chicago, IL: American Medical Association, 2000. 605 p. $75.00 U.S.
Call no. and location: 615.5 A489     CHIS Open Shelf 3rd Floor
"Presents clinically relevant, methodologically reliable, and scientifically valid information on the wide spectrum of alternative therapies.... Serious scholarship and scientific inquiry are the hallmarks of the assembled authors and editors from JAMA and the Archives Journals." [adapted from back cover]

Clinical Research in Complementary Therapies: principles, problems and solutions. By George Lewith, Wayne B. Jonas and Harald Walach. W.B. Saunders Co., 2002. 376 p. $37.00 U.S.
Call no. and location: 615.5 C46     CHIS Open Shelf 3rd Floor
"Describes and analyzes general research issues having a specific significance in complementary therapy research. Suggests general and specific factors which need to be considered in assessing or planning CT research." [excerpted from Editorial Reviews @ Amazon.com]

Clinician's Complete Reference to Complementary & Alternative Medicine. By Donald W. Novey. Toronto: Mosby, 2000. 855 p. $49.95 U.S.
Call no. and location: 615.5 C47     CHIS Open Shelf 3rd Floor
"A reliable resource for both clinicians and consumers...features clear and factual information on more that 60 complementary and alternative treatment modalities. This guide will help you make informed decisions about complementary care—whether you're a clinician who needs to be able to answer your patients' referral questions or a consumer seeking to complement the care you are receiving." [adapted from back cover] Also includes references, suggested readings, lists of associations and Internet sites.

The Complementary and Alternative Medicine Information Source Book. By Alan M. Rees. Westport, CT: Oryx Press, 2001. 229 p. $49.95
Call no. and location: 615.5 C5787     CHIS Open Shelf 3rd Floor
"Noted health information expert Alan Rees organizes the best of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) information resources in this new guide for librarians and patients. The book is divided into twelve sections beginning with an overview of CAM terminology, safety concerns, ongoing research and education, and the movement towards integrative medicine. ‘Best of' lists of books, magazines, newsletters, CD-ROMs, and professional publications are augmented with contact information for several hundred CAM associations and professional groups, an extensive section on the Internet...and reviews of 355 popular books on CAM." [excerpted from Editorial Reviews @ Amazon.com]

Complementary Therapies for Pharmacists. By Steven B. Kayne. London, UK: Pharmaceutical Press, 2002. 425 p. $39.95 U.S.
Call no. and location: 615.53 K138     CHIS Open Shelf 3rd Floor
A "comprehensive introduction to the most commonly used complementary disciplines, and covers theory, practical aspects, safety and current scientific thinking." [Excerpted from back cover]

The Desktop Guide to Complementary and Alternative Medicine: an evidence-based approach. Edited by Edzard Ernst. Toronto: Mosby, 2001. 444 p. $34.95 U.S.
Call no. and location: 615.5 D26     CHIS Open Shelf 3rd Floor
"Provides concise, evidence-based information on 64 popular forms of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and 38 common conditions frequently treated with CAM." [adapted from back cover]

Dictionary of Alternative Medicine. By Joseph C. Segen. Stamford, CT: Appleton & Lange, 1998. $54.95 U.S.
Call no. and location: 615.503 S24     CHIS Open Shelf 3rd Floor
This illustrated alternative medicine dictionary contains medical terms, slang, and acronyms used in complementary and alternative medicine. Many entries provide journal references.

Fundamentals of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2nd ed. By Marc S. Micozzi. New York: Churchill Livingstone, 2001. 464 p. $52.00 U.S.
Call no. and location: 615.5 F78     CHIS Open Shelf 3rd Floor
"Written for all students and practitioners working in medicine, health, and science, [this resource guide] in the popular Medical Guides to Complementary & Alternative Medicine series...focuses on treatments that are supported by clinical trials and scientific evidence...; explains the development of key ideas and approaches within individual complementary & alternative therapies; and lays the foundation for a broad understanding of complementary & alternative medicine." [adapted from back cover] Also includes four appendices: Top 20 Herbs for Primary Care, Health & Humor Resources, Yoga, and Native American Medicinal Plants.

The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. Edited by Kristine Krapp and Jacqueline L. Longe. (4 vols.) Detroit, MI: Gale Group, 2001. 1937 p. $462.00 U.S.
Call no. and location: 615.503 G12     CHIS Open Shelf 3rd Floor
This four-volume encyclopedia, written in an easy-to-understand way, covers approximately "157 therapies, 283 diseases/conditions, and 306 herbs/remedies." Entries are signed and include a "resources" section of books, articles, and organizations. Many entries also have a sidebar of biographies; definitions of key terms; and photographs, tables, and drawings.

Integrative Health Care: complementary and alternative therapies for the whole person. By Victor S. Sierpina. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company, 2001. 396 p. $29.95 U.S.
Call no. and location: 615.5 S373     CHIS Open Shelf 3rd Floor
Dr. Sierpina discusses various alternative therapies, integrative health care, patient-centered and relationship-centered care, various herbs, diet and nutrition, nutraceuticals, and integrative care for specific health problems.

Mosby's Complementary & Alternative Medicine: A Research-Based Approach. By Lyn W. Freeman and G. Frank Lawlis. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, 2001. 532 p. $52.00 U.S.
Call no. and location: 615.5 F67     CHIS Open Shelf 3rd Floor
"Detailing the history, philosophy, and mechanisms of complementary and alternative medicine, this book balances theory with practical application and methods of treatment... Solid research serves as the basis for the discussion of each therapy, with a thorough review of the indications, contraindications, and clinically controlled trials." [From back cover]

Perspectives on Complementary and Alternative Health Care: a collection of papers prepared for Health Canada. Ottawa: Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada, 2001. 113 p. [Also available online: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hppb/healthcare/cahc/index.html ]
Call no. and location: 362.10971 P262     CHIS Open Shelf 3rd Floor
A collection of seven papers: Defining Complementary & Alternative Health Care; Taking Stock - policy issues associated with complementary and alternative health care; Need for Guidelines - ethical issues in the use of complementary & alternative health care in Canada; Towards an Integrative Health System; Invitational Seminar on Information and Informed Choice; Regulation of Complementary and Alternative Health Care Practitioners; and Combining Conventional, Complementary and Alternative Health Care. "Each of these papers relates to the others; each is important on its own as an integral part of the examination of complementary and alternative health care and its role in health care in Canada today." [adapted from introduction]

Professional Guide to Complementary & Alternative Therapies. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse, 2001. 621 p. $42.95 U.S.
Call no. and location: 615.5 P68 CHIS Desk 3rd Floor
Organized in an easy-to-use, A-Z format, this guide covers 500 herbal medicines and therapies. Also includes informative sidebars, selected references, and five appendices--Herbal resource list, Alternative therapies for specific conditions, Therapeutic monitoring guidelines, Supplemental vitamins and minerals, and Herb-drug interactions.

Textbook of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Edited by Chun-Su Yan and Eric J. Bieber. Boca Raton, FL: Parthenon Publishing Group, 2002. 404 p. $164.95 Cdn.
Call no. and location: 615.5 T268 CHIS Desk 3rd Floor
"Provides comprehensive and current evidence-based information on complementary and alternative medicine. Focus is placed on a broad range of healing therapies, approaches, and systems using herbal medicines." [Excerpted from Editorial Reviews @ Amazon.com]


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Subject Files & Articles :

Articles from scientific and popular journals, newspaper clippings, lists of related organizations, and pamphlets are included in the subject file collection.
CAM Subject File:     CHIS Desk 3rd Floor

Complementary or alternative medicine: the need for plausibility. By L. John Hoffer. CMAJ. January 21, 2003. pp. 180-2.
A commentary on issues involved in evaluating complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

AFP begins updates on complementary and alternative medicine. American Family Physician, January 1, 2003, p. 14.
Announcement about AFP (American Family Physician)'s new series of short updates on herbal remedies, chiropractic techniques, and other complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities. These brief updates "are intended to extract the most important data from the widely available information on CAM in textbooks, journals, newsletters, and Web sites". The CAM series begins in this issue of AFP.

Complementary and alternative medicine use in Canada and the United States. American Journal of Public Health. October 2002. pp. 1616-8.
Brief overview includes two tables listing the demographics of users of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in Canada.

Regulation of complementary/alternative medicine: a Canadian perspective. By Heather Boon. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. March 2002. pp. 14-9.
Discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with regulating the practice of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in Canada and reviews the regulation of CAM practitioners—those involved in acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, chiropractic, herbal medicine, massage therapy, and naturopathy, in Canada.

Complementary and alternative medicine: what is it all about? By E. Ernst and A. Fugh-Berman. Occupational and Environmental Medicine. February 2002. pp. 140-4.
Provides an overview of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Discusses "the definition of CAM, its history, its high level of acceptance by the general public, the reasons why people try CAM, its indications, the attitudes of conventional healthcare professionals towards CAM, and the question of whether a sound evidence base for CAM exists". [excerpted from summary of article]

Complementary and alternative medicine. The importance of doctor-patient communication. By S. Pappas and A. Perlman. Medical Clinics of North America. January 2002. pp. 1-10.
Underlines the importance of doctor-patient communication about issues involving complementary and alternative modalities. Discusses who uses CAM and why; the reason patients and physicians often do not talk about it, and why physicians should talk to patients about alternative medicine.

Can doctors respond to patients' increasing interest in complementary and alternative medicine? By D.K. Owen et al., BMJ. January 20, 2001. pp. 154-7.
In general, medical doctors are developing a more positive attitude towards complementary and alternative medicine. This article discusses the different ways in which doctors in the UK are training themselves in this area, including the development of courses for medical students. Also discussed are doctors' motivations behind learning CAM and the debates this raises.

Research into complementary and alternative medicine: problems and potential. By Richard L. Nahin & Stephen E. Straus. BMJ. January 20, 2001. pp.161-4.
Discusses the problems inherent in conducting research/clinical trials in alternative medicine. Describes the mission, views, and resources of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.

The role of complementary and alternative medicine. By E. Ernst. BMJ. November 4, 2000. pp. 1133-1135.
This article reports on the prevalence of CAM in Britain, and discusses some of the reasons for its popularity. Although the reasons are complex, many of them are related to patients being unsatisfied with conventional treatment. The article also discusses the difficulty in assessing the health benefits and cost effectiveness of CAM due to the lack of formal research in this area.

The mainstreaming of alternative medicine. Consumer Reports. May 2000. pp. 17-25.
Details the results of a Consumer Reports survey about the use of alternative medicine. In the survey, Consumer Reports subscribers (Canada and U.S.) were asked to tell "about the two worst medical conditions they experienced in the past two years, what they did to treat them, and how they rated the results. More than 46,000 readers responded." This article includes a summary of how readers rated conventional and complementary treatments for ten common medical conditions (allergies, arthritis, back pain, depression, headache, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, insomnia, prostate problems,

Considering the alternative. By Janet White. Canadian Healthcare Manager. February 2000. pp. 20-25.
This article discusses the prevalence of alternative therapy usage among Canadians, coverage of CAM therapies by provincial health plans, and the federal government's efforts to regulate natural health products. Includes a brief glossary and an interview with Dr. Fred Hui, a Toronto MD who incorporates CAM into his practice.

Complementary therapies: alternative approaches that can complement traditional medical care. By Wendy Haaf. Good Times. January 2000. pp. 14-16.
Provides a brief overview of massage therapy, chiropractic, and acupuncture. Also includes a sidebar suggesting answers for the question, "How do you best integrate complementary therapies into your overall health care?"

What is complementary medicine? (ABC of complementary medicine) By Catherine Zollman & Andrew Vickers. BMJ. September 11, 1999. pp. 693-6.
This article provides an overview of complementary medicine, beginning with a definition of this term and a list of the therapies it includes. The article describes the current training and regulation of complementary health practitioners in the UK, describes their different approaches to treatment, and lists common misconceptions people may have about complementary medicine.


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Periodicals:

Alive: Journal of Health and Nutrition. Published monthly by Alive Publishing Group Inc. 7436 Fraser Park Drive, Burnaby, BC V5J 5B9 Tel: (604) 435-1919, Toll free: 1-800-663-6580, Fax: (604) 435-4888
Web site: www.alivemagazine.com
Covers various aspects of nutrition and alternative therapies. Includes articles, health tips, a health policy section, a biotech news section, answers to medical questions, events, and much more.

Alternative & Complementary Therapies. The Official Journal of the Society of Integrative Medicine. Published bimonthly by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 2 Madison Avenue, Larchmont, NY 10538. Tel: (914) 843-3100, Fax: (914) 834-3582.
E-mail: info@liebertpub.com
Web site: www.liebertpub.com
Covers "mind-body medicine, botanicals, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, nutrition, vitamin therapy, homeopathy, behavioral therapy, and other nonconventional holistic health specialties." [adapted from their web site]. Includes sections: "News You Can Use", " Web Watch" and "Literature Watch".

Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients. Published 10 times a year by Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients. 911 Tyler Street, Pt. Townsend, Washington 98368-6541. Tel: (360) 385-6021, Fax: (360) 385-0699.
E-mail: tldp@olympus.net
Web site: www.tldp.com
Articles are written by researchers, health practitioners, or patients. "As a forum for the entire alternative medicine community, [this journal] presents information discussing all alternative medicine practices." [adapted from their web site] Includes articles, editorials, news items, and letters to the editor.


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Databases:

Alt-HealthWatch Online database published by Ebsco Information Services. Division Headquarters Birmingham, AL USA. Tel: (205) 991-6600, Fax: (205) 995-1518
Web site: www.epnet.com/database.html
"...a resource of full text articles from more than 170 international peer-reviewed and professional journals, magazines, reports, proceedings, association & consumer newsletters plus hundreds of pamphlets, booklets, special reports, original research and book excerpts." [excerpted from EBSCO's web site] Available free on the Toronto Public Library web site (www.tpl.toronto.on.ca) to TPL patrons with current library cards.

CAM on PubMed
Web site: www.nlm.nih.gov/nccam/camonpubmed.html
Publisher: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the National Library of Medicine.
This is a subset of the National Library of Medicine's PubMed database, providing abstracts of publications on Complementary and Alternative medicine.


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Internet Sites:


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This brief guide is intended to provide health information. It is a representative, rather than comprehensive, list of current resources on the topic of complementary and alternative medicine This guide does not imply recommendation of any treatment and should not be substituted for the advice of a health provider.

For further information, please consult the following related Healthnavigators :
  • Herbal Medicine
  • Dietary Supplements

Healthnavigator, March 2003
Produced by the Consumer Health Information Service (CHIS)
Internet: http://www.tpl.toronto.on.ca/uni_chi_index.jsp
Phone: (416) 393-7056
Ontario residents outside local area: 1-800-667-1999
Web Page Updated: July 24, 2003

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