When following the GAPS diet, finding family-friendly and nourishing recipes is essential. Here are three delicious recipes using organic, locally sourced whole foods that can help you on your healing journey.
Basic Meat Stock: Turkey or Chicken Thighs or Quarters
If you're looking for a simple yet nutritious stock to kickstart your healing process, this basic meat stock recipe is a great choice.
Ingredients:
– 2 to 3 pounds pastured turkey or chicken thighs or quarters, skin on
– 3 to 4 carrots, coarsely chopped
– 1 small onion, quartered
– 3 to 4 celery ribs, chopped
– Handful of black peppercorns
– 1 to 2 teaspoons sea salt
– 2 to 3 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
– 2 to 4 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
– 2 to 4 garlic cloves, to finish
Directions:
1. Place all the ingredients except the garlic in a 5-to-6 quart Dutch oven.
2. Cover with water, ensuring it's 2 inches above the ingredients.
3. Cook in a 350-degree oven for 3 hours or in a slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours.
4. Serve the meat and vegetables with a cup of stock on the side.
5. Enhance the flavor by adding a small clove of garlic, sea salt, whey, or probiotic juice to each cup of stock.
*Note: You can also use a whole pastured chicken, cut up, in place of thighs or quarters.
Butternut Squash Soup, or “Chicken on Fire”
This comforting and nourishing soup is perfect for a cold winter day and will surely warm your soul.
Ingredients:
– 2 quarts chicken stock (supplement with water if needed)
– 2 tablespoons coconut oil, ghee, or animal fat
– 2 to 3 leeks or 2 onions, sliced
– 1 butternut squash, peeled and cut into chunks
– 1 bouquet garni*
– Sea salt and pepper
– 2 cups shredded chicken (optional)
Directions:
1. Combine stock and fat in a pot and bring to a boil.
2. Add vegetables and simmer until soft.
3. Remove the bouquet garni and puree the soup until smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper and add chicken if desired.
*Note: A “bouquet garni” is a bundle of herbs used for flavoring soups, stocks, or stews.
Beet Kvass
For gut health, this fermented beet beverage is a fantastic way to replenish beneficial bacteria in your system.
Ingredients:
– 3 medium or 2 large organic beets, peeled and chopped
– 1 tablespoon sea salt
– ¼ cup whey or fermented pickle juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
– Filtered water
Directions:
1. Place beets in a glass jar and add salt, whey, garlic, and water.
2. Let sit for 2 days, then it's ready to drink.
3. After consuming most of the batch, add more water and let sit for another 2 days.
4. Discard beets and start fresh, using ¼ cup of liquid from the previous batch as an inoculant.
5. Refill the jar with water after each serving and store in the fridge.
These recipes are adapted from The Heal Your Gut Cookbook by Hilary Boynton and Mary G. Brackett, courtesy of Chelsea Green Publishing.
Explore these delicious recipes and enjoy the healing benefits they offer while following the GAPS diet.
Discover a world of flavor and health with these nourishing recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who uses alternative medicine
Alternative medicine can be used for many reasons.
- They want to avoid the use of harmful drugs or surgery.
- They believe natural remedies are more effective.
- They prefer noninvasive treatments.
- They want less money.
- Natural products are safer for them.
- They desire greater control over their healthcare decisions.
- They are willing to take responsibility and be responsible for their own health.
- They want to live in a healthier environment.
- They are looking for less stress in life.
- They want more freedom when it comes to choosing their doctors or their healthcare plans.
- They want their children to receive a better education.
- They desire healthy food for their families and themselves.
- They need safe and effective medications.
What is the difference between holistic medicine and alternative medicine?
Holistic medicine addresses the whole person, including mind, body and spirit. It examines all aspects that affect a person’s overall health. These include the psychological, spiritual and environmental factors often overlooked in traditional medicine. Alternative medicine is used to treat conditions like arthritis, asthma, and allergies.
Which treatments are not part of holistic medicine and why?
Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person as a healing approach, rather than just the symptoms. It promotes health and prevents disease.
Holistic medicine uses natural remedies, such as herbs, homeopathy and acupuncture, instead of surgery and drugs.
Holistic medicine involves lifestyle changes such diet, exercise and yoga.
Holistic medicine is sometimes called integrative medicine. This refers to the way that holistic medicine integrates all aspects (physical, mental and spiritual) into one comprehensive care plan.
Holistic medicine emphasizes prevention and early diagnosis of disease and encourages healthy lifestyles.
Holistic doctors believe there is no single cause of any condition. Holistic doctors look at the whole picture, which includes genetic factors, environmental influences and lifestyle choices.
Holistic practitioners are more concerned with the mind, emotions, or spirit than they are about the body.
Holistic physicians collaborate closely with their patients in order to determine the best fit for each individual.
Is there any way to find out more about holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine, a form of holistic medicine, focuses on the entire person and not on a single part. Holistic medicine addresses all aspects of the patient's health, including spiritual, mental, physical and emotional well-being.
Holistic medicine seeks to treat the person as a whole, rather than treating specific symptoms. Holistic medicine isn't about curing a disease. It is all about healing.
Holistic medicine covers preventive measures like nutrition and exercise, as well treatment for chronic conditions like diabetes and arthritis.
There are many forms of holistic medicine.
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Ayurveda
- Chiropractic medicine
- Homeopathy
- Herbalism
- Naturopathy
- Nutrition
- Osteopathic medicine
- Vedic medicine
- Yoga
What are the benefits of alternative treatment methods for cancer patients?
Cancer patients face many difficulties as they try to cope with their illness. They may have lost all hope or feel helpless as there is nothing they can do. Some symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headaches, weight loss, and fatigue.
Additionally, most traditional treatments do not work against cancer cells. Patients with cancer should look into alternative treatments, such as complementary medicine. Studies show that almost half of them use alternative medicines at least once during treatment.
Sometimes, cancer patients will choose complementary medicine to chemotherapy. This is because they believe it will be easier and more effective in managing side effects. They might also prefer it for its lower cost.
There are also other reasons.
Natural remedies may be able to prevent a recurrence, according to some patients.
Many believe natural remedies can improve quality of life.
Others believe that natural remedies may reduce the chance of getting cancer.
People concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy use natural remedies as first-line therapy.
Is holistic healing safe?
Holistic Medicine isn't as dangerous as it seems, but there are still risks when you use this treatment. Side effects that are most common include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and drowsiness as well as diarrhea, constipation and insomnia. These risks must be understood by patients and balanced against the benefits of alternative treatments, such as acupuncture.
There are no cases of death from holistic medicine.
Talk to your doctor before you begin any new treatment plan.
What do we mean by complementary medicine?
Complementary Medicine refers to any medical treatment that works in conjunction with mainstream medicine. It covers therapies such as acupuncture.
Complementary medicines should not be used in lieu of traditional medicine. They should be used alongside it. These complementary medicines are also known as “alternative”, “integrative”, or “integrative” medicine. They combine Western scientific methods and other proven therapies to heal people.
Statistics
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING FOR TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE–PubMed
- PubMed: A Randomized Controlled Trial to Determine the Effects of Foot Reflexology on Depression and Hospital Anxiety in Older Females: A Randomized Controlled Study – PubMed
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed: Holistic medicine.
doi.org
How To
What are the 4 categories of complementary and alternative medicine?
The main categories of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are mind-body, natural products as well as manipulative therapies. Mind-body medicine can include yoga, meditation and Tai Chi. Natural products include herbs and vitamins, minerals as well as dietary supplements. Manipulative therapies are physical manipulations like acupuncture or chiropractic care, acupuncture or therapeutic exercise. Energy healing involves techniques such as prayer and visualization.
CAM can be used to describe a range of alternative health practices, which are not part of the traditional Western medical model. These practices differ in how much scientific evidence they have, whether they involve drugs, surgery, or which conditions they treat. Some CAM professionals also perform diagnostic testing, such as blood tests, and prescribe medication. Others do both.
There are many subcategories that fall within each of these categories. Mind-body medicine is comprised of relaxation techniques, mindfulness, guided imagery and self-hypnosis. There are also deep breathing exercises, meditations, progressive muscle relaxation, stress management, biofeedback and visualization. Natural products include nutritional supplements, botanical remedies, homeopathic remedies and essential oils. Manipulative therapies can include manual, movement and traction as well as electrotherapies, cupping and stretching. Soft tissue mobilization, trigger point therapy (or orthopedics), myofascial releases, trigger points therapy, neurostimulation, and trigger point therapy are some examples. Spiritual healing can be done through prayer or faith healing.
Many CAM treatments treat symptoms but do not address the root cause. Some chronic conditions may benefit from CAM. When used appropriately, CAM could complement traditional treatment options.
There are many reasons people use CAM.
- To improve their overall wellbeing.
- To manage a specific condition.
- To relieve pain or discomfort.
- To prevent illness.
- To promote wellness.
- To address a personal belief.
Some people turn to CAM because it offers more control over their health than conventional medicine. Some people believe that CAM has less side effects. Some people choose CAM to not take prescription drugs. Others still prefer not take prescription drugs if they are possible. And still, others seek out CAM because they have had bad experiences with conventional medicine.
People who use CAM often say that they want to know the basics of what they are doing before trying anything new. Many CAM users have questions about safety and effectiveness. Others rely more on word of mouth recommendations from their family members and friends.
Although CAM is often viewed negatively by society, most users report positive feelings toward CAM. People who use CAM are more happy and healthier than those who do not. This is true regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, income, education level, occupation, insurance status, or other factors.
The majority of Americans use some form of complementary and alternative medicine. 95% of adults have used CAM at some point in their lives. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health was able to estimate that around 40 million people visited CAM practitioners in 2010 alone.
According to the NCCIH estimate, 10% of the U.S. Population uses chiropractors.
2013 was a year that the American Medical Association (AMA) reaffirmed its support of integrative medicine. It recognized that physicians should “integrate scientifically valid complementary and alternative medicine into clinical practice…to meet patients ‘ needs and expectations.”5
In 2007, the Institute of Medicine published a landmark report called “Relaxing Constraints: Improving Access to Complementary and Alternative Healthcare.” The report concluded that “there is no credible evidence that any specific CAM intervention is effective for preventing, treating, or curing cancer.”
CAM continues to gain popularity despite this finding. 2008 saw a 8 percent increase in the number of CAM professionals compared to 2007.
A recent study showed that nearly half of respondents had used CAM to supplement their primary care.
CAM therapies include natural products, mind-body practices, manipulative techniques, energy healing modalities, exercise, dietary supplements, and other approaches.
Many CAM treatments are used primarily for pain relief. However, they can also be used to improve mood, sleep quality, stress reduction, and immunity.
For example, acupuncture can help relieve chronic back pain, reduce anxiety and depression, improve immune function, promote weight loss and improve menstrual symptoms.
Many CAM treatments draw on Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional medicine. These roots can be traced back thousands of decades.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which originated in China 5,000 years back, has been practiced in China ever since.
TCM was only in the mid-1800s that Western science gained prominence. However, it is still an important part of modern health care.
TCM has become a popular treatment option for more than 70% of the population in the United States.
Yoga is another popular CAM remedy. Yoga originated in India around 5000 B.C. It is now widespread.
Yoga is becoming more popular because it has many positive effects on the body, mind, and spirit.
Yoga can reduce stress, increase flexibility, and improve strength. It also helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
Although there is limited scientific research, yoga seems to have positive effects on sleep33 and may be helpful for those suffering from insomnia.
Other CAM therapies, such as meditation, homeopathy, aromatherapy, are also becoming more mainstream.
The most widely used CAM today is herbal medicine.
Herbal medicines can include herbs, spices, plants, seeds and fruits as well as bark, leaves, roots, stems, and other medicinal substances.
They are often considered safer alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs and are widely used by consumers.
The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that about 90 million Americans use some form of complementary/alternative medicine.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), 45% of adult cancer patients used alternative medicine during their treatment.
The National Institutes of Health estimates that 60% of patients with cancer use CAM, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 50% of all cancer survivors report using CAM.
According to a recent study 51% of cancer survivors used at least one type CAM.
However, only 8% discussed the topic with their physicians.
This lack of communication between conventional medical providers and CAM users represents a significant gap in healthcare delivery.
–
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you're experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
——————————————————————————————————————————————
By: Dick Benson
Title: 3 Delicious and Healing Recipes for the GAPS Diet
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/nutrition/recipes/3-recipes-for-the-gaps-diet/
Published Date: Thu, 02 Jan 2025 05:04:42 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
Who uses alternative medicine
Alternative medicine can be used for many reasons.
- They want to avoid the use of harmful drugs or surgery.
- They believe natural remedies are more effective.
- They prefer noninvasive treatments.
- They want less money.
- Natural products are safer for them.
- They desire greater control over their healthcare decisions.
- They are willing to take responsibility and be responsible for their own health.
- They want to live in a healthier environment.
- They are looking for less stress in life.
- They want more freedom when it comes to choosing their doctors or their healthcare plans.
- They want their children to receive a better education.
- They desire healthy food for their families and themselves.
- They need safe and effective medications.
What is the difference between holistic medicine and alternative medicine?
Holistic medicine addresses the whole person, including mind, body and spirit. It examines all aspects that affect a person’s overall health. These include the psychological, spiritual and environmental factors often overlooked in traditional medicine. Alternative medicine is used to treat conditions like arthritis, asthma, and allergies.
Which treatments are not part of holistic medicine and why?
Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person as a healing approach, rather than just the symptoms. It promotes health and prevents disease.
Holistic medicine uses natural remedies, such as herbs, homeopathy and acupuncture, instead of surgery and drugs.
Holistic medicine involves lifestyle changes such diet, exercise and yoga.
Holistic medicine is sometimes called integrative medicine. This refers to the way that holistic medicine integrates all aspects (physical, mental and spiritual) into one comprehensive care plan.
Holistic medicine emphasizes prevention and early diagnosis of disease and encourages healthy lifestyles.
Holistic doctors believe there is no single cause of any condition. Holistic doctors look at the whole picture, which includes genetic factors, environmental influences and lifestyle choices.
Holistic practitioners are more concerned with the mind, emotions, or spirit than they are about the body.
Holistic physicians collaborate closely with their patients in order to determine the best fit for each individual.
Is there any way to find out more about holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine, a form of holistic medicine, focuses on the entire person and not on a single part. Holistic medicine addresses all aspects of the patient's health, including spiritual, mental, physical and emotional well-being.
Holistic medicine seeks to treat the person as a whole, rather than treating specific symptoms. Holistic medicine isn't about curing a disease. It is all about healing.
Holistic medicine covers preventive measures like nutrition and exercise, as well treatment for chronic conditions like diabetes and arthritis.
There are many forms of holistic medicine.
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Ayurveda
- Chiropractic medicine
- Homeopathy
- Herbalism
- Naturopathy
- Nutrition
- Osteopathic medicine
- Vedic medicine
- Yoga
What are the benefits of alternative treatment methods for cancer patients?
Cancer patients face many difficulties as they try to cope with their illness. They may have lost all hope or feel helpless as there is nothing they can do. Some symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headaches, weight loss, and fatigue.
Additionally, most traditional treatments do not work against cancer cells. Patients with cancer should look into alternative treatments, such as complementary medicine. Studies show that almost half of them use alternative medicines at least once during treatment.
Sometimes, cancer patients will choose complementary medicine to chemotherapy. This is because they believe it will be easier and more effective in managing side effects. They might also prefer it for its lower cost.
There are also other reasons.
Natural remedies may be able to prevent a recurrence, according to some patients.
Many believe natural remedies can improve quality of life.
Others believe that natural remedies may reduce the chance of getting cancer.
People concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy use natural remedies as first-line therapy.
Is holistic healing safe?
Holistic Medicine isn't as dangerous as it seems, but there are still risks when you use this treatment. Side effects that are most common include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and drowsiness as well as diarrhea, constipation and insomnia. These risks must be understood by patients and balanced against the benefits of alternative treatments, such as acupuncture.
There are no cases of death from holistic medicine.
Talk to your doctor before you begin any new treatment plan.
What do we mean by complementary medicine?
Complementary Medicine refers to any medical treatment that works in conjunction with mainstream medicine. It covers therapies such as acupuncture.
Complementary medicines should not be used in lieu of traditional medicine. They should be used alongside it. These complementary medicines are also known as “alternative”, “integrative”, or “integrative” medicine. They combine Western scientific methods and other proven therapies to heal people.
Statistics
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING FOR TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE–PubMed
- PubMed: A Randomized Controlled Trial to Determine the Effects of Foot Reflexology on Depression and Hospital Anxiety in Older Females: A Randomized Controlled Study – PubMed
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed: Holistic medicine.
doi.org
How To
What are the 4 categories of complementary and alternative medicine?
The main categories of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are mind-body, natural products as well as manipulative therapies. Mind-body medicine can include yoga, meditation and Tai Chi. Natural products include herbs and vitamins, minerals as well as dietary supplements. Manipulative therapies are physical manipulations like acupuncture or chiropractic care, acupuncture or therapeutic exercise. Energy healing involves techniques such as prayer and visualization.
CAM can be used to describe a range of alternative health practices, which are not part of the traditional Western medical model. These practices differ in how much scientific evidence they have, whether they involve drugs, surgery, or which conditions they treat. Some CAM professionals also perform diagnostic testing, such as blood tests, and prescribe medication. Others do both.
There are many subcategories that fall within each of these categories. Mind-body medicine is comprised of relaxation techniques, mindfulness, guided imagery and self-hypnosis. There are also deep breathing exercises, meditations, progressive muscle relaxation, stress management, biofeedback and visualization. Natural products include nutritional supplements, botanical remedies, homeopathic remedies and essential oils. Manipulative therapies can include manual, movement and traction as well as electrotherapies, cupping and stretching. Soft tissue mobilization, trigger point therapy (or orthopedics), myofascial releases, trigger points therapy, neurostimulation, and trigger point therapy are some examples. Spiritual healing can be done through prayer or faith healing.
Many CAM treatments treat symptoms but do not address the root cause. Some chronic conditions may benefit from CAM. When used appropriately, CAM could complement traditional treatment options.
There are many reasons people use CAM.
- To improve their overall wellbeing.
- To manage a specific condition.
- To relieve pain or discomfort.
- To prevent illness.
- To promote wellness.
- To address a personal belief.
Some people turn to CAM because it offers more control over their health than conventional medicine. Some people believe that CAM has less side effects. Some people choose CAM to not take prescription drugs. Others still prefer not take prescription drugs if they are possible. And still, others seek out CAM because they have had bad experiences with conventional medicine.
People who use CAM often say that they want to know the basics of what they are doing before trying anything new. Many CAM users have questions about safety and effectiveness. Others rely more on word of mouth recommendations from their family members and friends.
Although CAM is often viewed negatively by society, most users report positive feelings toward CAM. People who use CAM are more happy and healthier than those who do not. This is true regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, income, education level, occupation, insurance status, or other factors.
The majority of Americans use some form of complementary and alternative medicine. 95% of adults have used CAM at some point in their lives. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health was able to estimate that around 40 million people visited CAM practitioners in 2010 alone.
According to the NCCIH estimate, 10% of the U.S. Population uses chiropractors.
2013 was a year that the American Medical Association (AMA) reaffirmed its support of integrative medicine. It recognized that physicians should “integrate scientifically valid complementary and alternative medicine into clinical practice…to meet patients ‘ needs and expectations.”5
In 2007, the Institute of Medicine published a landmark report called “Relaxing Constraints: Improving Access to Complementary and Alternative Healthcare.” The report concluded that “there is no credible evidence that any specific CAM intervention is effective for preventing, treating, or curing cancer.”
CAM continues to gain popularity despite this finding. 2008 saw a 8 percent increase in the number of CAM professionals compared to 2007.
A recent study showed that nearly half of respondents had used CAM to supplement their primary care.
CAM therapies include natural products, mind-body practices, manipulative techniques, energy healing modalities, exercise, dietary supplements, and other approaches.
Many CAM treatments are used primarily for pain relief. However, they can also be used to improve mood, sleep quality, stress reduction, and immunity.
For example, acupuncture can help relieve chronic back pain, reduce anxiety and depression, improve immune function, promote weight loss and improve menstrual symptoms.
Many CAM treatments draw on Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional medicine. These roots can be traced back thousands of decades.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which originated in China 5,000 years back, has been practiced in China ever since.
TCM was only in the mid-1800s that Western science gained prominence. However, it is still an important part of modern health care.
TCM has become a popular treatment option for more than 70% of the population in the United States.
Yoga is another popular CAM remedy. Yoga originated in India around 5000 B.C. It is now widespread.
Yoga is becoming more popular because it has many positive effects on the body, mind, and spirit.
Yoga can reduce stress, increase flexibility, and improve strength. It also helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
Although there is limited scientific research, yoga seems to have positive effects on sleep33 and may be helpful for those suffering from insomnia.
Other CAM therapies, such as meditation, homeopathy, aromatherapy, are also becoming more mainstream.
The most widely used CAM today is herbal medicine.
Herbal medicines can include herbs, spices, plants, seeds and fruits as well as bark, leaves, roots, stems, and other medicinal substances.
They are often considered safer alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs and are widely used by consumers.
The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that about 90 million Americans use some form of complementary/alternative medicine.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), 45% of adult cancer patients used alternative medicine during their treatment.
The National Institutes of Health estimates that 60% of patients with cancer use CAM, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 50% of all cancer survivors report using CAM.
According to a recent study 51% of cancer survivors used at least one type CAM.
However, only 8% discussed the topic with their physicians.
This lack of communication between conventional medical providers and CAM users represents a significant gap in healthcare delivery.