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Beyond Traditional Medicine – How You May Benefit

When you hear the term complementary and alternative medicine, you may think of treatments that are outside the mainstream of “traditional” medicine. But at a time when western medicine is recognizing the value of treating the “whole patient” — a holistic approach — many complementary and alternative treatments are gaining increased acceptance for their value in treating a range of conditions affecting older adults.

What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine?

“Complementary and alternative medicine encompasses a broad range of therapies and treatments meant to complement traditional biomedical therapies,” explains UAB internist and palliative care specialist Rodney Tucker, MD. “For some, the terms ‘complementary’ and ‘alternative’ imply replacement of traditional medical therapies. This idea generates controversy among some in the medical community.”

Dr. Tucker says critics of complementary and alternative therapies point to the fact that these treatments haven’t been subjected to rigorous scientific study and haven’t been FDA-approved. “As a result, there is sometimes less acceptance of these therapies on the part of western physicians,” he adds.

But Dr. Tucker stresses that as knowledge of complementary and alternative medicine has increased, many of these therapies are now viewed as integrative therapies within traditional medicine. “This means that therapies with known benefit are integrated into a patient’s plan of care — not as a substitute for traditional biomedical therapies, but as a complement to them. This is the ideal application of complementary and alternative medicine.”

Recent research shows that 4 out of 10 of Americans use complementary and alternative medicine (integrative medicine). According to a study released in December 2008 by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), 38% of adults and 12% of children use some form of complementary or alternative medicine.

What Are Some Common Integrative Therapies?

“We’re focused on recommending therapies that have some evidence-based benefit,” says Dr. Tucker. “There are many that do not meet this standard, but there are also several that have proven benefits.”

Beneficial integrative therapies include:

  • Acupuncture
  • Massage
  • Botanical Medicine (the study of supplements in the diet as therapies)
  • Alternative Movement or Integrative Movement (Yoga, Pilates)
  • Chiropractic Medicine
  • Life Coaching/Supportive Counseling
  • Pet Therapy, Music Therapy, and Art Therapy (for depression/anxiety)

“For example, cancer patients may benefit greatly from massage therapy during treatment,” Dr. Tucker says. “Also, massage can be beneficial for musculoskeletal pain as well as anxiety.”

Acupuncture may help people with frequent headaches or other chronic pain, while integrative movement is beneficial for increasing endurance. “Older adults may have physical limitations that an alternative approach could help,” adds Dr. Tucker.

“Overall, there is substantial evidence that integrative medicine helps to treat patients in a holistic manner,” Dr. Tucker explains. “It addresses not only the physical aspects of suffering, but also the emotional and psychological aspects.” He says older adults face many emotional and psychological challenges — loss of loved ones, children moving away, and other life stresses involved in the aging process. “Integrative medicine offers a range of valid therapies to help with these challenges.”

How Can I Find Integrative Therapies?

“It can be difficult for patients to find physicians who are knowledgeable about integrative therapies,” observes Dr. Tucker. “Also, physicians may not know where to send patients to receive valid therapies.”

Dr. Tucker advises patients and their families to be prepared to ask physicians about specific integrative therapies. “And, you should be prepared to do your homework. It’s very important to look for service providers who have professional certifications and credentials.”

Article last updated: March 30, 2009 11:25 AM