Page 98 - Cultural Competence in Health Education

EXHIBIT 4.4. Modalities of CAM as Defined by NCCAM.

Acupuncture is a method of healing developed in China at least 2,000 years ago. Today,
acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical points
on the body by a variety of techniques. American practices of acupuncture incorporate
medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries. The acupuncture tech-
nique that has been most studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin,

solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.
Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils (extracts or essences) from fl owers,
herbs, and trees to promote health and well-being.
Ayurveda is a CAM alternative medical system that has been practiced primarily in the
Indian subcontinent for 5,000 years. Ayurveda includes diet and herbal remedies and
emphasizes the use of body, mind, and spirit in disease prevention and treatment.
Chiropractic is a CAM alternative medical system. It focuses on the relationship between
bodily structure (primarily that of the spine) and function, and how that relationship
affects the preservation and restoration of health. Chiropractors use manipulative ther-
apy as an integral treatment tool.
Dietary supplements. Congress defined the term “dietary supplement” in the Dietary

Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. A dietary supplement is a product
(other than tobacco) taken by mouth that contains a “dietary ingredient” intended to sup-
plement the diet. Dietary ingredients may include vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botani-
cals, amino acids, and substances such as enzymes, organ tissues, and metabolites. Dietary
supplements come in many forms, including extracts, concentrates, tablets, capsules, gel
caps, liquids, and powders. They have special requirements for labeling. Under DSHEA, die-
tary supplements are considered foods, not drugs.
Electromagnetic fi elds (EMFs, also called electric and magnetic fi elds) are invisible lines
of force that surround all electrical devices. The Earth also produces EMFs; electric fi elds

are produced when there is thunderstorm activity, and magnetic fields are believed to be
produced by electric currents fl owing at the Earth’s core.
Homeopathic medicine is a CAM alternative medical system. In homeopathic medi-
cine, there is a belief that “like cures like,” meaning that small, highly diluted quantities
of medicinal substances are given to cure symptoms, when the same substances given at
higher or more concentrated doses would actually cause those symptoms.
Massage therapists manipulate muscle and connective tissue to enhance function of
those tissues and promote relaxation and well-being.

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