Introducing Calm & Focus with Zembrin & GABA
PLT Health Solutions, Inc. is pleased to announce that NOW®, a renowned innovator, formulator, and supplier of top-quality supplements, functional foods, personal care, and pet health products, has launched an exciting new product aimed at providing cognitive support in today’s increasingly stressed-out world.* This new formulation, called Calm & Focus with Zembrin & GABA, harnesses the clinically proven stress-reducing and mood-enhancing properties of Zembrin Sceletium tortuosum to offer consumers fast and effective cognitive support.* Zembrin® is a unique, patented, and clinically studied extract derived from the South African succulent plant Sceletium tortuosum. By introducing a sense of calm serenity and alert focus, Zembrin empowers individuals to regain control over their lives.* This experiential ingredient has been shown to start working in as little as 2 hours and is safe for daily use over an extended period.
Promoting Alert Serenity, Calm Focus, and Improved Mental Functioning
In today’s fast-paced world, an increasing number of people are turning to cognitive support to cope with the demands of modern life. NOW’s Vitamin Brand Manager, Kim Perkins, states, “The clinical science behind Zembrin shows that it can help individuals regain control over their lives by introducing a sense of calm serenity or alert focus.”* Moreover, consumers will be fascinated to learn that Zembrin is a highly sustainable and socially responsible ingredient. Calm & Focus with Zembrin & GABA contains 25 mg of Zembrin and 300 mg of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA), an amino acid known for its stress-reducing properties, tension relief, and sleep improvement.
An Ancient Remedy Enhanced by Modern Science
Zembrin is a patented, clinically studied, and commercially successful extract derived from the South African succulent plant Sceletium tortuosum. For over 20,000 years, the Khoi-San people, considered the world’s first people, have used Sceletium as a mood enhancer and stress reliever. Zembrin has undergone extensive clinical research, including pre-clinical studies, safety evaluations, toxicity assessments, and five gold standard clinical trials published in reputable scientific journals. Research has demonstrated that a daily dose of 25 mg of Zembrin can reduce anxiety-related activity within two hours of consumption.*
A Sustainable and Socially Responsible Ingredient
Due to its protected status in Africa, wild harvesting of Sceletium tortuosum is not sustainable for commercial products. However, Zembrin innovator, HG&H Pharmaceuticals, has implemented a seed-to-shelf ingredient management program using specially cultivated Sceletium tortuosum raw materials. This approach ensures that only cultivated plant material is used, avoiding the depletion of threatened wild plant stocks and ensuring consistent product quality.
A Commitment to Health and Social Responsibility
Steve Fink, Vice President of Marketing for PLT Health Solutions, emphasizes that NOW’s choice of Zembrin reflects the company’s dedication to improving people’s health in a socially conscious manner. Fink states, “Zembrin embodies the intersection of traditional ethnobotany, modern science, sustainability, and social responsibility. It serves as a model for transforming a traditional plant into a modern nutraceutical ingredient that helps individuals live happier and healthier lives.” He further expresses excitement about partnering with NOW and the positive impact this product will have on their customers.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
About NOW®
Established in 1968 by Elwood Richard, NOW has grown from a small family-owned business into one of the most respected manufacturers in the natural products industry. As a family-owned company, NOW® takes a comprehensive approach to wellness by offering over 1,400 dietary supplements, functional foods, sports nutrition, and health and beauty products. NOW is committed to providing safe, affordable products of the highest quality and continues to be a prominent advocate in the natural products industry. With over 55 years of experience, NOW® remains true to its original mission of offering value in products and services that empower individuals to lead healthier lives. For more information, visit NOWFoods.com.
The post New Dietary Supplement for Cognitive Support appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is alternative medicine important
Alternative medicines are more popular than traditional ones because they’re usually cheaper and healthier. Patients have sometimes died after receiving these treatments. This could be due to allergic reactions or side effects. Other therapies might not work.
If you don’t understand enough about alternative medications, it can make your choice difficult. For example, vitamin supplements aren’t regulated like pharmaceuticals, so it’s easy to overdose on vitamins. Even worse, some alternative remedies contain toxic chemicals.
What is the distinction between alternative medicine (AM) and complementary medicine (CM)?
Alternative medicine is a treatment that is not commonly used by mainstream medical professionals, but has been proven to be beneficial for certain conditions. Homeopathy, acupuncture and aromatherapy are all examples. Complementary medicine refers to therapies that complement traditional treatment. They can be used in conjunction with conventional medicine. These include dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, enzymes, probiotics, and other natural substances.
Both forms of medicine can be used but are not recommended by many doctors due to lack of evidence or safety concerns.
There is not consensus among health professionals regarding the best approach for integrating CAM in patient care.
Many CAM methods are based on theories that have been developed over thousands of year. However, clinical trials over the past 20 years suggest that some of these therapies might work.
A variety of studies have suggested that acupuncture might relieve pain. It may also reduce nausea and vomiting that are associated with chemotherapy, according to preliminary data. Studies have also shown that acupuncture may reduce symptoms of irritable-bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Some CAM methods also appear to have potential therapeutic effects on diseases like HIV/AIDS, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Although there is still much to learn about the effectiveness and safety of CAM, experts are unanimous in their belief that it can be used to treat various conditions.
As a consequence, more people turn to CAM practitioners for relief of common illnesses.
Despite this popularity, many people still have questions about “alternatives” and “complementary” medicine.
What is the difference between traditional and holistic medicine?
Traditional medicine concentrates on the treatment of symptoms, while holistic medicine addresses the entire person. Holistic medicine considers the patient as an entire person, rather than focusing on one aspect.
Traditional medicine treats certain organs, systems, or diseases (e.g. the brain), while holistic medicines consider all aspects and the entire body. It also looks at how lifestyle choices affect overall wellness.
Alternative methods are used by people with cancer.
When trying to deal with their cancer, patients with the disease are often confronted with many obstacles. Some patients may believe they are doomed to failure or that there is no way out. Patients may feel pain, nausea or fatigue. They might also experience loss of strength, lack of appetite, or feeling helpless.
Additionally, most traditional treatments do not work against cancer cells. Patients with cancer should look into alternative treatments, such as complementary medicine. Research shows that nearly half of patients have used alternative medicine at least once in their treatment.
Cancer patients sometimes choose complementary medicine instead of chemotherapy because they think it will be easier to handle side effects. They may also prefer it because it is less expensive.
You can also use the following reasons:
Some patients believe natural remedies can prevent a recurrence.
Many people believe natural remedies can improve their quality of living.
Others believe natural remedies could reduce your chance of developing cancer.
People concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy use natural remedies as first-line therapy.
Who uses holistic medicines?
Holistic medicine refers to health care treating the whole person rather than treating specific symptoms. It addresses both the mental as well as physical aspects of well being.
Holistic medicine also includes chiropractic treatment, acupuncture, nutrition counseling, yoga, and various other complementary therapies.
People who practice holistic medicine include people with cancer, heart issues, diabetes and arthritis.
What are alternative medicine examples?
Alternative medicine refers to treatments other than those considered by mainstream medicine to be useful for treating disease. These include traditional Chinese medicine and homeopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture and herbal medicines, nutritional therapy, energy healing techniques, such as Reiki, and acupuncture.
Alternative medicine may also refer not to scientific evidence but that have been successfully used in clinical practice. These include yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, reflexology and flower essences.
What are the strengths of holistic medicine compared to conventional medicine?
Many cultures and religions around the globe have been using holistic medicine for thousands of year. They were based on ancient wisdom and experience.
These medicines are safe, efficient, natural, and inexpensive. Side effects of these medicines are very low compared to pharmaceutical drugs.
They will also assist you in achieving better health and well-being.
They can reduce the risk of disease and increase your overall well-being.
They can even treat diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease, arthritis, asthma or depression, as well as high blood pressure.
There are hundreds of different traditional medicines worldwide, each with unique benefits.
The World Health Organization estimates that 80% of the population relies on traditional methods to treat illness or injury.
According to some reports, about half a million people depend on traditional herbal remedies for their primary healthcare.
The global market in complementary therapies is expected to reach $22.2 Billion by 2020.
People are increasingly looking for alternative medical options to avoid any side effects that may be associated with traditional treatments.
People often turn to complementary therapies for treatment when they are not able to respond to conventional treatments. They may also try them before resorting to surgery or medication.
There are many good reasons to choose complementary therapies.
- To improve quality of life
- To reduce stress levels
- For relaxation
- To ease your pain
- To enhance immunity
- For support in coping with serious illnesses
- To boost energy
- To control weight
- To maintain good nutrition
- To improve sleep patterns
- To deal with chronic conditions
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)
- 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)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (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)
External Links
doi.org
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise of complementary and other medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed: Holistic medicine – PubMed
nccih.nih.gov
webmd.com
How To
What are the different types of alternative and complementary medicine?
The main categories of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are mind-body, natural products as well as manipulative therapies. Mind-body medicine includes yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, Reiki, acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic care, homeopathy, aromatherapy, reflexology, naturopathy, biofeedback, hypnosis, and herbalism. Natural products include herbs vitamins, minerals, nutritional supplements, and botanicals. Manipulative therapy includes physical manipulation, such as chiropractic and osteopathic care, acupuncture and therapeutic exercise. Techniques such as prayer or visualization can be used to bring about energy healing.
CAM stands for a broad range of health practices that go beyond the Western medical system. The scientific evidence supporting these practices is varied, as are the types of drugs they use and what conditions they treat. Some CAM professionals also perform diagnostic testing, such as blood tests, and prescribe medication. Some do both.
There are many subcategories that fall within each of these categories. In mind-body medicine there are relaxation techniques. Natural products include nutritional supplements, botanical remedies, homeopathic remedies and essential oils. Manipulative therapies include manual, movement, traction, electrotherapies, cupping, stretching, soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, orthopedics, and neurostimulation. Spiritual healing can be done through prayer or faith healing.
Many CAM treatments treat symptoms but do not address the root cause. Some chronic diseases can be helped by CAM. When used appropriately, CAM could complement traditional treatment options.
There are many reasons that people use CAM.
- To improve their overall well-being.
- To manage a condition.
- To reduce pain or discomfort.
- To prevent illness.
- To promote wellness.
- To address a personal belief.
Some people use CAM to have more control over their own health than traditional medicine. It may have fewer side effects. Others opt for CAM to avoid prescription medication. Some prefer not taking prescription medications if at all possible. Some people seek out CAM to avoid having to repeat the same mistakes they had with traditional medicine.
Some people who use CAM claim they want to be confident about what they’re doing before trying out new techniques. Many CAM users are concerned about the safety and effectiveness. Others rely on friends and family for word of mouth.
Although CAM is often viewed negatively by society, most users report positive feelings toward CAM. People who use CAM are generally happier and healthier than people who don’t. This holds true regardless of gender, age, race, religion, income level, occupation, insurance status or any other factors.
Nearly all Americans use some kind of complementary and/or alternative medicine. 95% of adults use CAM at least once in their lives. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), approximately 40 million visits were made to CAM providers in 2010 alone.
The NCCIH estimates 10 percent of the U.S. populace uses chiropractors.
The American Medical Association reiterated its support for integrative medical care in 2013. The American Medical Association recognized the need for physicians to “integrate scientifically supported complementary and alternate medicine into clinical practice…to satisfy patients’ needs and expectations.”5
The Institute of Medicine published a landmark document in 2007 called “Relaxing Contraints: Improving Access To Complementary and Alternative Healthcare.” This report stated that there is no evidence that any specific CAM intervention is capable of curing, preventing, or treating cancer.
CAM continues its popularity despite the fact that it has been proven to be very popular. In 2008, the number of CAM practitioners increased by 8 percent compared to 2007.
A recent survey found that almost half the respondents said they used CAM as part their primary healthcare plan.
CAM therapies can include natural products, mind/body practices, manipulative methods, energy healing techniques, exercise, dietary supplementation, and other approaches.
Many CAM therapies can be used for pain relief, but many have other benefits such as improved mood, reduced stress and increased immunity.
Acupuncture can, for example help with chronic back pain, anxiety and depression, improve immune function as well as promote weight loss.
Many CAM treatments draw on Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional medicine. These roots can be traced back thousands of decades.
For example, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) originated 5,000 years ago and has been practiced in China since ancient times.
TCM was only in the mid-1800s that Western science gained prominence. However, it is still an important part of modern health care.
TCM is used to treat a majority of Americans.
Yoga is another popular CAM treatment. Yoga was first developed in India around 5000 B.C. Yoga is now an accepted global practice.
Yoga has been gaining popularity with the general population because it provides many physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.
Yoga can ease stress, improve flexibility and increase strength.
Although there isn’t much scientific research on yoga, it appears that it has positive effects on sleep33. Yoga may be beneficial for people with insomnia.
Other CAM therapies such as aromatherapy, meditation, and homeopathy are also being accepted by mainstream medicine.
The most widely used CAM today is herbal medicine.
Herbal medicines are made up of herbs, spices flowers, seeds fruits, nuts, bark, leaves and roots.
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 has estimated that 60% of patients with breast cancer use CAM. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that around 50% of all cancer survivors reported using CAM.
In fact, according to a recent study, 51% of cancer survivors reported using at least one type of CAM.
However, only 8.8% of them discussed it 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.
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By: Dick Benson
Title: New Dietary Supplement for Cognitive Support
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/choice-products/new-dietary-supplement-for-cognitive-support/
Published Date: Mon, 13 Nov 2023 14:29:28 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is alternative medicine important
Alternative medicines are more popular than traditional ones because they’re usually cheaper and healthier. Patients have sometimes died after receiving these treatments. This could be due to allergic reactions or side effects. Other therapies might not work.
If you don’t understand enough about alternative medications, it can make your choice difficult. For example, vitamin supplements aren’t regulated like pharmaceuticals, so it’s easy to overdose on vitamins. Even worse, some alternative remedies contain toxic chemicals.
What is the distinction between alternative medicine (AM) and complementary medicine (CM)?
Alternative medicine is a treatment that is not commonly used by mainstream medical professionals, but has been proven to be beneficial for certain conditions. Homeopathy, acupuncture and aromatherapy are all examples. Complementary medicine refers to therapies that complement traditional treatment. They can be used in conjunction with conventional medicine. These include dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, enzymes, probiotics, and other natural substances.
Both forms of medicine can be used but are not recommended by many doctors due to lack of evidence or safety concerns.
There is not consensus among health professionals regarding the best approach for integrating CAM in patient care.
Many CAM methods are based on theories that have been developed over thousands of year. However, clinical trials over the past 20 years suggest that some of these therapies might work.
A variety of studies have suggested that acupuncture might relieve pain. It may also reduce nausea and vomiting that are associated with chemotherapy, according to preliminary data. Studies have also shown that acupuncture may reduce symptoms of irritable-bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Some CAM methods also appear to have potential therapeutic effects on diseases like HIV/AIDS, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Although there is still much to learn about the effectiveness and safety of CAM, experts are unanimous in their belief that it can be used to treat various conditions.
As a consequence, more people turn to CAM practitioners for relief of common illnesses.
Despite this popularity, many people still have questions about “alternatives” and “complementary” medicine.
What is the difference between traditional and holistic medicine?
Traditional medicine concentrates on the treatment of symptoms, while holistic medicine addresses the entire person. Holistic medicine considers the patient as an entire person, rather than focusing on one aspect.
Traditional medicine treats certain organs, systems, or diseases (e.g. the brain), while holistic medicines consider all aspects and the entire body. It also looks at how lifestyle choices affect overall wellness.
Alternative methods are used by people with cancer.
When trying to deal with their cancer, patients with the disease are often confronted with many obstacles. Some patients may believe they are doomed to failure or that there is no way out. Patients may feel pain, nausea or fatigue. They might also experience loss of strength, lack of appetite, or feeling helpless.
Additionally, most traditional treatments do not work against cancer cells. Patients with cancer should look into alternative treatments, such as complementary medicine. Research shows that nearly half of patients have used alternative medicine at least once in their treatment.
Cancer patients sometimes choose complementary medicine instead of chemotherapy because they think it will be easier to handle side effects. They may also prefer it because it is less expensive.
You can also use the following reasons:
Some patients believe natural remedies can prevent a recurrence.
Many people believe natural remedies can improve their quality of living.
Others believe natural remedies could reduce your chance of developing cancer.
People concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy use natural remedies as first-line therapy.
Who uses holistic medicines?
Holistic medicine refers to health care treating the whole person rather than treating specific symptoms. It addresses both the mental as well as physical aspects of well being.
Holistic medicine also includes chiropractic treatment, acupuncture, nutrition counseling, yoga, and various other complementary therapies.
People who practice holistic medicine include people with cancer, heart issues, diabetes and arthritis.
What are alternative medicine examples?
Alternative medicine refers to treatments other than those considered by mainstream medicine to be useful for treating disease. These include traditional Chinese medicine and homeopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture and herbal medicines, nutritional therapy, energy healing techniques, such as Reiki, and acupuncture.
Alternative medicine may also refer not to scientific evidence but that have been successfully used in clinical practice. These include yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, reflexology and flower essences.
What are the strengths of holistic medicine compared to conventional medicine?
Many cultures and religions around the globe have been using holistic medicine for thousands of year. They were based on ancient wisdom and experience.
These medicines are safe, efficient, natural, and inexpensive. Side effects of these medicines are very low compared to pharmaceutical drugs.
They will also assist you in achieving better health and well-being.
They can reduce the risk of disease and increase your overall well-being.
They can even treat diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease, arthritis, asthma or depression, as well as high blood pressure.
There are hundreds of different traditional medicines worldwide, each with unique benefits.
The World Health Organization estimates that 80% of the population relies on traditional methods to treat illness or injury.
According to some reports, about half a million people depend on traditional herbal remedies for their primary healthcare.
The global market in complementary therapies is expected to reach $22.2 Billion by 2020.
People are increasingly looking for alternative medical options to avoid any side effects that may be associated with traditional treatments.
People often turn to complementary therapies for treatment when they are not able to respond to conventional treatments. They may also try them before resorting to surgery or medication.
There are many good reasons to choose complementary therapies.
- To improve quality of life
- To reduce stress levels
- For relaxation
- To ease your pain
- To enhance immunity
- For support in coping with serious illnesses
- To boost energy
- To control weight
- To maintain good nutrition
- To improve sleep patterns
- To deal with chronic conditions
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)
- 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)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (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)
External Links
doi.org
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise of complementary and other medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed: Holistic medicine – PubMed
nccih.nih.gov
webmd.com
How To
What are the different types of alternative and complementary medicine?
The main categories of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are mind-body, natural products as well as manipulative therapies. Mind-body medicine includes yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, Reiki, acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic care, homeopathy, aromatherapy, reflexology, naturopathy, biofeedback, hypnosis, and herbalism. Natural products include herbs vitamins, minerals, nutritional supplements, and botanicals. Manipulative therapy includes physical manipulation, such as chiropractic and osteopathic care, acupuncture and therapeutic exercise. Techniques such as prayer or visualization can be used to bring about energy healing.
CAM stands for a broad range of health practices that go beyond the Western medical system. The scientific evidence supporting these practices is varied, as are the types of drugs they use and what conditions they treat. Some CAM professionals also perform diagnostic testing, such as blood tests, and prescribe medication. Some do both.
There are many subcategories that fall within each of these categories. In mind-body medicine there are relaxation techniques. Natural products include nutritional supplements, botanical remedies, homeopathic remedies and essential oils. Manipulative therapies include manual, movement, traction, electrotherapies, cupping, stretching, soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, orthopedics, and neurostimulation. Spiritual healing can be done through prayer or faith healing.
Many CAM treatments treat symptoms but do not address the root cause. Some chronic diseases can be helped by CAM. When used appropriately, CAM could complement traditional treatment options.
There are many reasons that people use CAM.
- To improve their overall well-being.
- To manage a condition.
- To reduce pain or discomfort.
- To prevent illness.
- To promote wellness.
- To address a personal belief.
Some people use CAM to have more control over their own health than traditional medicine. It may have fewer side effects. Others opt for CAM to avoid prescription medication. Some prefer not taking prescription medications if at all possible. Some people seek out CAM to avoid having to repeat the same mistakes they had with traditional medicine.
Some people who use CAM claim they want to be confident about what they’re doing before trying out new techniques. Many CAM users are concerned about the safety and effectiveness. Others rely on friends and family for word of mouth.
Although CAM is often viewed negatively by society, most users report positive feelings toward CAM. People who use CAM are generally happier and healthier than people who don’t. This holds true regardless of gender, age, race, religion, income level, occupation, insurance status or any other factors.
Nearly all Americans use some kind of complementary and/or alternative medicine. 95% of adults use CAM at least once in their lives. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), approximately 40 million visits were made to CAM providers in 2010 alone.
The NCCIH estimates 10 percent of the U.S. populace uses chiropractors.
The American Medical Association reiterated its support for integrative medical care in 2013. The American Medical Association recognized the need for physicians to “integrate scientifically supported complementary and alternate medicine into clinical practice…to satisfy patients’ needs and expectations.”5
The Institute of Medicine published a landmark document in 2007 called “Relaxing Contraints: Improving Access To Complementary and Alternative Healthcare.” This report stated that there is no evidence that any specific CAM intervention is capable of curing, preventing, or treating cancer.
CAM continues its popularity despite the fact that it has been proven to be very popular. In 2008, the number of CAM practitioners increased by 8 percent compared to 2007.
A recent survey found that almost half the respondents said they used CAM as part their primary healthcare plan.
CAM therapies can include natural products, mind/body practices, manipulative methods, energy healing techniques, exercise, dietary supplementation, and other approaches.
Many CAM therapies can be used for pain relief, but many have other benefits such as improved mood, reduced stress and increased immunity.
Acupuncture can, for example help with chronic back pain, anxiety and depression, improve immune function as well as promote weight loss.
Many CAM treatments draw on Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional medicine. These roots can be traced back thousands of decades.
For example, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) originated 5,000 years ago and has been practiced in China since ancient times.
TCM was only in the mid-1800s that Western science gained prominence. However, it is still an important part of modern health care.
TCM is used to treat a majority of Americans.
Yoga is another popular CAM treatment. Yoga was first developed in India around 5000 B.C. Yoga is now an accepted global practice.
Yoga has been gaining popularity with the general population because it provides many physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.
Yoga can ease stress, improve flexibility and increase strength.
Although there isn’t much scientific research on yoga, it appears that it has positive effects on sleep33. Yoga may be beneficial for people with insomnia.
Other CAM therapies such as aromatherapy, meditation, and homeopathy are also being accepted by mainstream medicine.
The most widely used CAM today is herbal medicine.
Herbal medicines are made up of herbs, spices flowers, seeds fruits, nuts, bark, leaves and roots.
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 has estimated that 60% of patients with breast cancer use CAM. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that around 50% of all cancer survivors reported using CAM.
In fact, according to a recent study, 51% of cancer survivors reported using at least one type of CAM.
However, only 8.8% of them discussed it with their physicians.
This lack of communication between conventional medical providers and CAM users represents a significant gap in healthcare delivery.