In recent years complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), as a type of holistic medicine has become increasingly popular in the region. A synthesis of western medicine, complementary and alternative medicine and patient education holistic practitioners have found their niche throughout the Caribbean and South America.
Even as their popularity increases, there are those of us who are still not quite sure what holistic medicine includes and the types of practitioners. So, if you’ve ever wondered about the difference between an osteopath and a massage therapist, this series is for you.
Today, we begin with defining CAM, which is generally classified as holistic medicine. As a whole, this type of treatment is based on the premise that patients should assume responsibility for their wellbeing. For that reason, holistic practitioners tend to place focus on educating patients on lifestyle changes to have them achieve optimal health.
CAM – What is it?
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as a type of holistic medicine falls outside the scope of conventional health care. Although complementary and alternative are usually categorised as one term, there are differences between the two. The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) defines them as:
Despite this distinction, there are instances where the two overlap, as in the case of aromatherapy. Aromatherapists are sought out for either complementary or alternative treatment.
CAM Practitioners – Are they regulated?
Conventional medical practitioners are required by law to be appropriately qualified and to adhere to a code of ethics and professional statutory regulations. And, osteopathic and chiropractic professionals are similarly regulated. However, there are no regulatory standards for other forms of CAM.
As the use of complementary and alternative medicines become more common understanding of these various treatments is vital.
However, we’ll do the research if you do the reading. We want you to be informed.
Stay tuned for our next post as we will discuss Osteopathy.
For more information on holistic options, check our Yello listing.