Try something different this holiday season and serve this delicious Savory Sweet Potato Casserole instead of the usual marshmallow-topped dish. The combination of flavors and textures in this recipe will surely impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 5 pounds sweet potatoes (5 to 6 large potatoes)
- 1 large (1 1⁄2 oz.) shallot, grated (1 1⁄2 Tbsp.)
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted, divided
- 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1 1/4 teaspoons black pepper, divided
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves, roughly chopped
- 1 1/2 cups coarsely ground day-old sourdough breadcrumbs (2 1⁄2 oz.)
- 2 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, shredded (about 1⁄2 cup)
- 1 teaspoon Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the sweet potatoes on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until very tender when pierced with a knife, about 1 1⁄2 hours. Allow them to cool for 30 minutes, then peel and discard the skins.
- In a large bowl, stir together the sweet potatoes, shallot, milk, eggs, sage, nutmeg, 1⁄2 cup of the melted butter, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper using a fork until the mixture is mostly smooth. Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine the pecans, breadcrumbs, cheese, and the remaining 1⁄2 cup of butter, 1⁄2 teaspoon of salt, and 1⁄4 teaspoon of pepper. Sprinkle this pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake the casserole, uncovered, at 350°F for 28 to 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
For more details and the original recipe, visit Alternative Medicine Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the importance of alternative medicine?
Alternative treatments are becoming more popular as they’re cheaper and more effective than traditional therapies. Many patients have died due to side effects or allergic reactions after using these treatments. You may also find that alternative therapies are not as effective.
Alternative medicines can also be dangerous if you don’t have enough information to make an informed decision. Vitamin supplements aren’t controlled as pharmaceuticals so it is easy to get too high on vitamins. Worse, alternative remedies may contain toxic chemicals.
What is the alternative to holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine is an approach to health care that considers all aspects of the human body and its emotional, social, spiritual, and environmental dimensions. Holistic medicine is based upon the belief that all illnesses must have multiple causes. Therefore, it requires a combination treatment to maximize effectiveness.
Holistic medicine physicians believe prevention is better then cure. They partner with patients to achieve optimal wellness.
They look for the root causes of disease to prevent them from returning. Holistic physicians treat the entire body, not just its organs. They refer to the whole of being as “the entire body.”
This means that they go beyond skin care and treat the entire body holistically. The doctor may recommend changes to your diet, exercise, or life style. He might also recommend yoga or meditation, herbal supplements, massages, acupuncture, chiropractic care, or other forms alternative medicine.
What are the 5 domains of integrative medicine?
Integrative medicine encompasses five domains: mind-body; nutrition; social determinants; lifestyle and prevention. These five areas address all aspects of health care, including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and environmental well-being.
Integrative medicine provides a comprehensive approach to the treatment of disease, health, and well-being. It includes both conventional medical treatment and complementary therapies such acupuncture.
What does holistic mean?
Holistic means whole-based. Holistic means to see the whole picture and not just a part. It is difficult to do this because we tend to see things as individual parts.
We tend to think of black and then white. There are many shades of grey.
So, when working on a project, try to see everything from different angles. You should look at it from all sides.
Consider how the whole thing fits together. How does each of its components interact with one another?
If you find a problem in your situation, take the time to ask why. And don’t forget to consider the impact of any change you make.
How safe is holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine is safe because it does not contain harmful drugs. It is a natural treatment for people who have been using it for centuries.
They have been proven to be effective in treating many diseases, including asthma, arthritis, chronic pain, diabetes, high blood sugar, heart disease and obesity, as well as anxiety, stress.
Holistic medicines are also used by millions of people around the world who suffer from various kinds of diseases. These include homeopathy and acupuncture as well as chiropractic care, massage therapy, homeopathy, herbal treatments, biofeedback, yoga, meditation, hypnosis, nutrition counseling, physical exercise, and other complementary therapies. These therapies treat the whole person rather than just treating the symptoms.
What is the difference in alternative medicine and complementary medicine?
Alternative medicine refers only to treatment methods that are not recommended by mainstream doctors but have been proven to provide beneficial results 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 supplements like vitamins, minerals, herbs and amino acids as well probiotics and other natural substances.
While both forms of medicine are commonly used, many conventional doctors do not recommend them due to insufficient 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. Some of these therapies may work, according to clinical trials that have been conducted over the last 20 years.
As an example, several studies indicate that acupuncture may relieve pain. Similar to chemotherapy, preliminary data suggest that acupuncture can reduce nausea or vomiting. Some studies have shown that acupuncture may be beneficial for irritable bowel syndrome (FBS), fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple Sclerosis, migraines, tension headaches as well as anxiety and depression.
Some CAM techniques may also be beneficial in treating diseases like HIV/AIDS (AIDS), diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.
Even though there are still gaps in our knowledge about the effectiveness of CAM, most experts agree that it can play a role in treating various ailments.
As a result, CAM practitioners are becoming more popular as a way to treat common illnesses.
Despite its popularity, many are still confused about what “alternative” and “complementary medicine is.
Is holistic medical legitimate?
Yes, and no. Yes. Numerous medicines have been found to be effective in treating various diseases. They don’t cure all ailments. It all depends what you mean “holistic.” It all depends on what you mean by “holistic.”
Some people claim that holistic medicine has been around since ancient times. But this is simply untrue. Although some healers in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome used natural remedies, they did so without scientific knowledge.
It was not until the Middle Ages when medical practitioners began to study anatomy & physiology. This led directly to the development surgery, obstetrics, pharmacology, and a host of other medical specialties. Most Western countries had established public hospitals in which trained doctors could offer medical care by the turn of the 19th century.
Conventional medicine is today the dominant type of healthcare. Many people still prefer alternative and complementary medicine. Many people find that it works better than drugs.
Some people find that they feel more relaxed when receiving massage therapy than tranquilizers. Some prefer to eat healthy food over taking prescription medication. Others still believe that regular exercise improves their bodies’ performance.
Statistics
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
External Links
cam.cancer.gov
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary, Integrative and Health Approaches
- Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name? NCCIH
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING FOR TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE–PubMed
- PubMed: Randomized controlled trial examining the effects of foot reflexology on hospital anxiety and depression in female older adults.
doi.org
How To
What are the different types of alternative and complementary medicine?
There are four major types of CAM: mind-body medicine (natural products), manipulative therapies (energy healing), and manipulative therapies (natural products). Mind-body medicine encompasses yoga, Tai Chi, Reiki and massage therapy. It also includes homeopathy, homeopathy, aromatherapy (reflexology), naturopathy biofeedback, Hypnosis, hypnosis, and chiropractic care. Natural products include herbs vitamins, minerals, nutritional supplements, and botanicals. Manipulative treatments include physical manipulations, including acupuncture, chiropractic, and osteopathic treatment. Prayer and visualization are some of the techniques used for energy healing.
CAM stands for a broad range of health practices that go beyond the Western medical system. These practices differ in how much scientific evidence they have, whether they involve drugs, surgery, or which conditions they treat. Some CAM practitioners can also do diagnostic testing (e.g., blood test) and prescribe medication. Others may do neither.
There are many subcategories that fall within each of these categories. In mind-body medicine there are relaxation techniques. Natural products are nutritional supplements, botanical medicines, homeopathic remedies, essential oils, probiotics, nutraceuticals, herbal preparations, medicinal plants, and teas. 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 help symptoms without addressing the cause of the disease. Some chronic conditions may benefit from CAM. If used correctly, CAM may be a complement to conventional treatments.
There are many reasons why people use CAM:
- To improve their overall well being.
- To manage a certain condition.
- To reduce discomfort or pain
- 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. Some may feel it has less side effects. Some people choose CAM to not take prescription drugs. Some prefer not taking prescription medications if at all possible. Others still seek out CAM, even though they’ve had bad experiences in conventional medicine.
Some people who use CAM feel that they need to be certain about their work before trying new things. Many people who use CAM ask questions about its safety and effectiveness. Others rely on friends and family for word of mouth.
Although CAM can be viewed negatively by society in general, most users feel positive about it. People who use CAM are more happy and healthier than those who do not. This holds true regardless if you are of any gender, race or ethnicity.
An overwhelming majority of Americans are familiar with some form of complementary or alternative medicine. Nearly 95% of Americans use some form of complementary and alternative medicine at least once in their lifetime. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – NCCIH, approximately 40,000,000 visits were made to CAM providers alone in 2010.
The NCCIH estimates that 10 percent of the U.S. population uses chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncturists, naturopaths, and/or osteopaths.3 By comparison, only 2 percent of the population uses medical doctors.
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 study in 2007 titled “Releasing Constraints – Improving Access to Complementary and Alternative Healthcare” which concluded that “there is no credible evidence of any specific CAM intervention being effective in preventing, treating, and curing cancer.”
CAM is still gaining popularity despite this conclusion. The number of CAM practitioners grew by 8 percent in 2008 compared to 2007.
A recent survey found that almost half the respondents said they used CAM as part their primary healthcare plan.
CAM therapies may include natural products and mind-body practices as well as manipulative techniques, energy healing, modalities, exercise, and dietary supplements.
Many CAM treatments are used primarily for pain relief. However, they can also be used to improve mood, sleep quality, stress reduction, and immunity.
Acupuncture can be used to relieve back pain, anxiety, depression, increase immune function, promote weight loss, and improve menstrual symptoms.
Many CAM treatments have roots in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Traditional Chinese medicine.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), for example, was developed 5,000 years ago. It has been used in China since ancient times.
TCM is an important component of modern health care.
TCM is used for treatment by more than 70% of Americans today.
Yoga is another popular CAM treatment. Around 5000 B.C., yoga was born in India. It is now widespread.
Yoga has been gaining popularity with the general population because it provides many physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.
Yoga can help ease stress, enhance flexibility and increase strength while improving cardiovascular fitness and reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
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 are also gaining acceptance in mainstream medicine, including meditation, homeopathy, and aromatherapy.
One of the most common types of CAM used 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 options to pharmaceutical drugs, and they are widely used by customers.
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, 45% of adults diagnosed with cancer said they used alternative medicine during their illness.
The National Institutes of Health estimates 60% of cancer patients use CAM. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports approximately 50% of all cancer survivors report using CAM.
According to a recent study, 51% cancer survivors have used at the very least one type of CAM.
However, only 8.8% of them discussed it with their physicians.
This is a serious problem with healthcare delivery because there is not enough communication between conventional medical practitioners and CAM users.
–
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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: Savory Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/nutrition/recipes/savory-sweet-potato-casserole-recipe/
Published Date: Sat, 18 Nov 2023 16:32:49 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the importance of alternative medicine?
Alternative treatments are becoming more popular as they’re cheaper and more effective than traditional therapies. Many patients have died due to side effects or allergic reactions after using these treatments. You may also find that alternative therapies are not as effective.
Alternative medicines can also be dangerous if you don’t have enough information to make an informed decision. Vitamin supplements aren’t controlled as pharmaceuticals so it is easy to get too high on vitamins. Worse, alternative remedies may contain toxic chemicals.
What is the alternative to holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine is an approach to health care that considers all aspects of the human body and its emotional, social, spiritual, and environmental dimensions. Holistic medicine is based upon the belief that all illnesses must have multiple causes. Therefore, it requires a combination treatment to maximize effectiveness.
Holistic medicine physicians believe prevention is better then cure. They partner with patients to achieve optimal wellness.
They look for the root causes of disease to prevent them from returning. Holistic physicians treat the entire body, not just its organs. They refer to the whole of being as “the entire body.”
This means that they go beyond skin care and treat the entire body holistically. The doctor may recommend changes to your diet, exercise, or life style. He might also recommend yoga or meditation, herbal supplements, massages, acupuncture, chiropractic care, or other forms alternative medicine.
What are the 5 domains of integrative medicine?
Integrative medicine encompasses five domains: mind-body; nutrition; social determinants; lifestyle and prevention. These five areas address all aspects of health care, including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and environmental well-being.
Integrative medicine provides a comprehensive approach to the treatment of disease, health, and well-being. It includes both conventional medical treatment and complementary therapies such acupuncture.
What does holistic mean?
Holistic means whole-based. Holistic means to see the whole picture and not just a part. It is difficult to do this because we tend to see things as individual parts.
We tend to think of black and then white. There are many shades of grey.
So, when working on a project, try to see everything from different angles. You should look at it from all sides.
Consider how the whole thing fits together. How does each of its components interact with one another?
If you find a problem in your situation, take the time to ask why. And don’t forget to consider the impact of any change you make.
How safe is holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine is safe because it does not contain harmful drugs. It is a natural treatment for people who have been using it for centuries.
They have been proven to be effective in treating many diseases, including asthma, arthritis, chronic pain, diabetes, high blood sugar, heart disease and obesity, as well as anxiety, stress.
Holistic medicines are also used by millions of people around the world who suffer from various kinds of diseases. These include homeopathy and acupuncture as well as chiropractic care, massage therapy, homeopathy, herbal treatments, biofeedback, yoga, meditation, hypnosis, nutrition counseling, physical exercise, and other complementary therapies. These therapies treat the whole person rather than just treating the symptoms.
What is the difference in alternative medicine and complementary medicine?
Alternative medicine refers only to treatment methods that are not recommended by mainstream doctors but have been proven to provide beneficial results 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 supplements like vitamins, minerals, herbs and amino acids as well probiotics and other natural substances.
While both forms of medicine are commonly used, many conventional doctors do not recommend them due to insufficient 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. Some of these therapies may work, according to clinical trials that have been conducted over the last 20 years.
As an example, several studies indicate that acupuncture may relieve pain. Similar to chemotherapy, preliminary data suggest that acupuncture can reduce nausea or vomiting. Some studies have shown that acupuncture may be beneficial for irritable bowel syndrome (FBS), fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple Sclerosis, migraines, tension headaches as well as anxiety and depression.
Some CAM techniques may also be beneficial in treating diseases like HIV/AIDS (AIDS), diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.
Even though there are still gaps in our knowledge about the effectiveness of CAM, most experts agree that it can play a role in treating various ailments.
As a result, CAM practitioners are becoming more popular as a way to treat common illnesses.
Despite its popularity, many are still confused about what “alternative” and “complementary medicine is.
Is holistic medical legitimate?
Yes, and no. Yes. Numerous medicines have been found to be effective in treating various diseases. They don’t cure all ailments. It all depends what you mean “holistic.” It all depends on what you mean by “holistic.”
Some people claim that holistic medicine has been around since ancient times. But this is simply untrue. Although some healers in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome used natural remedies, they did so without scientific knowledge.
It was not until the Middle Ages when medical practitioners began to study anatomy & physiology. This led directly to the development surgery, obstetrics, pharmacology, and a host of other medical specialties. Most Western countries had established public hospitals in which trained doctors could offer medical care by the turn of the 19th century.
Conventional medicine is today the dominant type of healthcare. Many people still prefer alternative and complementary medicine. Many people find that it works better than drugs.
Some people find that they feel more relaxed when receiving massage therapy than tranquilizers. Some prefer to eat healthy food over taking prescription medication. Others still believe that regular exercise improves their bodies’ performance.
Statistics
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
External Links
cam.cancer.gov
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary, Integrative and Health Approaches
- Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name? NCCIH
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING FOR TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE–PubMed
- PubMed: Randomized controlled trial examining the effects of foot reflexology on hospital anxiety and depression in female older adults.
doi.org
How To
What are the different types of alternative and complementary medicine?
There are four major types of CAM: mind-body medicine (natural products), manipulative therapies (energy healing), and manipulative therapies (natural products). Mind-body medicine encompasses yoga, Tai Chi, Reiki and massage therapy. It also includes homeopathy, homeopathy, aromatherapy (reflexology), naturopathy biofeedback, Hypnosis, hypnosis, and chiropractic care. Natural products include herbs vitamins, minerals, nutritional supplements, and botanicals. Manipulative treatments include physical manipulations, including acupuncture, chiropractic, and osteopathic treatment. Prayer and visualization are some of the techniques used for energy healing.
CAM stands for a broad range of health practices that go beyond the Western medical system. These practices differ in how much scientific evidence they have, whether they involve drugs, surgery, or which conditions they treat. Some CAM practitioners can also do diagnostic testing (e.g., blood test) and prescribe medication. Others may do neither.
There are many subcategories that fall within each of these categories. In mind-body medicine there are relaxation techniques. Natural products are nutritional supplements, botanical medicines, homeopathic remedies, essential oils, probiotics, nutraceuticals, herbal preparations, medicinal plants, and teas. 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 help symptoms without addressing the cause of the disease. Some chronic conditions may benefit from CAM. If used correctly, CAM may be a complement to conventional treatments.
There are many reasons why people use CAM:
- To improve their overall well being.
- To manage a certain condition.
- To reduce discomfort or pain
- 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. Some may feel it has less side effects. Some people choose CAM to not take prescription drugs. Some prefer not taking prescription medications if at all possible. Others still seek out CAM, even though they’ve had bad experiences in conventional medicine.
Some people who use CAM feel that they need to be certain about their work before trying new things. Many people who use CAM ask questions about its safety and effectiveness. Others rely on friends and family for word of mouth.
Although CAM can be viewed negatively by society in general, most users feel positive about it. People who use CAM are more happy and healthier than those who do not. This holds true regardless if you are of any gender, race or ethnicity.
An overwhelming majority of Americans are familiar with some form of complementary or alternative medicine. Nearly 95% of Americans use some form of complementary and alternative medicine at least once in their lifetime. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – NCCIH, approximately 40,000,000 visits were made to CAM providers alone in 2010.
The NCCIH estimates that 10 percent of the U.S. population uses chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncturists, naturopaths, and/or osteopaths.3 By comparison, only 2 percent of the population uses medical doctors.
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 study in 2007 titled “Releasing Constraints – Improving Access to Complementary and Alternative Healthcare” which concluded that “there is no credible evidence of any specific CAM intervention being effective in preventing, treating, and curing cancer.”
CAM is still gaining popularity despite this conclusion. The number of CAM practitioners grew by 8 percent in 2008 compared to 2007.
A recent survey found that almost half the respondents said they used CAM as part their primary healthcare plan.
CAM therapies may include natural products and mind-body practices as well as manipulative techniques, energy healing, modalities, exercise, and dietary supplements.
Many CAM treatments are used primarily for pain relief. However, they can also be used to improve mood, sleep quality, stress reduction, and immunity.
Acupuncture can be used to relieve back pain, anxiety, depression, increase immune function, promote weight loss, and improve menstrual symptoms.
Many CAM treatments have roots in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Traditional Chinese medicine.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), for example, was developed 5,000 years ago. It has been used in China since ancient times.
TCM is an important component of modern health care.
TCM is used for treatment by more than 70% of Americans today.
Yoga is another popular CAM treatment. Around 5000 B.C., yoga was born in India. It is now widespread.
Yoga has been gaining popularity with the general population because it provides many physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.
Yoga can help ease stress, enhance flexibility and increase strength while improving cardiovascular fitness and reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
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 are also gaining acceptance in mainstream medicine, including meditation, homeopathy, and aromatherapy.
One of the most common types of CAM used 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 options to pharmaceutical drugs, and they are widely used by customers.
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, 45% of adults diagnosed with cancer said they used alternative medicine during their illness.
The National Institutes of Health estimates 60% of cancer patients use CAM. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports approximately 50% of all cancer survivors report using CAM.
According to a recent study, 51% cancer survivors have used at the very least one type of CAM.
However, only 8.8% of them discussed it with their physicians.
This is a serious problem with healthcare delivery because there is not enough communication between conventional medical practitioners and CAM users.