CMO Message: Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Not all medical treatments come in pill bottles or are delivered in doctors’ offices. Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) such as acupuncture and therapeutic herbs have been practiced for thousands of years and can be an important part of healing and health maintenance. With growing public interest and scientific research in CAM, these treatments are gaining more acceptance in modern medicine but does that mean that they are right for you?

Treatment modalities in CAM may be more effective for certain medical conditions than others. For instance, research shows that chiropractic manipulation is most effective for low back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Acupuncture appears to be most effective for chronic pain conditions and nausea and vomiting after surgery or chemotherapy. Mind-body therapies such as meditation and tai chi have been shown to improve mental health, chronic pain, and blood pressure. In contrast, homeopathy has much less scientific evidence.

While many people are interested in CAM because they are considered more “natural” therapies, there can also be side effects. Herbal supplements are not as tightly regulated as drugs but can be potent enough to interact with medications. Some herbs may even be harmful for people with conditions like high blood pressure or during pregnancy and lactation. In addition, the safety and effectiveness of certain therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic care can vary significantly by the experience of the provider so make sure to check their credentials and reviews.

If you are interested in CAM, be sure to discuss it with your doctor to find out what treatments are best for you. They might have recommendations for specific practitioners and can counsel you on potential side effects and drug interactions. The world of CAM is diverse and, when used properly, can provide valuable tools to help you achieve better health!

You're invited to a 30-minute interactive session with CMO Dr. Rosemary Ku on Thursday, July 18th at 10 a.m. to discuss evidence-based complementary and alternative treatments. We’ll discuss the research and what to consider if you're curious about acupuncture, chiropractic care, herbal supplements, and homeopathy. Register now and see you there! After the presentation, there will be plenty of time for Q&A and discussion.