Page 95 - Cultural Competence in Health Education

EXHIBIT 4.2. Categories of Complementary and Alternative
Medicine as Defined by NCCAM.

WHOLE MEDICAL SYSTEMS
Whole medical systems are built upon complete systems of theory and practice. Often,
these systems have evolved apart from and earlier than the conventional medical
approach used in the United States. Examples of whole medical systems that have devel-
oped in Western cultures include homeopathic medicine and naturopathic medicine.
Examples of systems that have developed in non-Western cultures include traditional
Chinese medicine and Ayurveda.
MIND-BODY MEDICINE
Mind-body medicine uses a variety of techniques designed to enhance the mind’s capacity
to affect bodily function and symptoms. Some techniques that were considered CAM in
the past have become mainstream (for example, patient support groups and cognitive-
behavioral therapy). Other mind-body techniques are still considered CAM, including
meditation, prayer, mental healing, and therapies that use creative outlets such as art,
music, or dance.

BIOLOGICALLY BASED PRACTICES
Biologically based practices in CAM use substances found in nature, such as herbs,
foods, and vitamins. Some examples include dietary supplements, herbal products, and
the use of other so-called natural but as yet scientifically unproven therapies (for exam-

ple, using shark cartilage to treat cancer).
MANIPULATIVE AND BODY-BASED PRACTICES
Manipulative and body-based practices in CAM are based on manipulation and/or
movement of one or more parts of the body. Some examples include chiropractic or
osteopathic manipulation, and massage.

ENERGY MEDICINE
Energy therapies involve the use of energy fi elds. They are of two types:

■ Biofi eld therapies are intended to affect energy fields that purportedly surround and
penetrate the human body. The existence of such fields has not yet been scientifi -

cally proven. Some forms of energy therapy manipulate biofields by applying pres-
sure and/or manipulating the body by placing the hands in, or through, these fi elds.
Examples include qi gong, Reiki, and Therapeutic Touch.
■ Bioelectromagnetic-based therapies involve the unconventional use of electromag-

netic fields, such as pulsed fi elds, magnetic fi elds, or alternating-current or direct-
current fi elds.
Source: NCCAM, 2007a.

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