Is complementary and alternative medicine Safe For Kids?

Written by Tena Moore


It’s no secret that complementary and alternative medicine (otherwise known as CAM) is growing in the United States. A recent study showed that nearly 36 percent of adults and 12 percent of children have used some form of CAM. The study was the very first study that included children. These treatments and therapies can range from yoga, acupuncture and hypnosis, to herbal tinctures, dietary supplements and homeopathic medicines.

While the use of CAM is growing, some are wondering if CAM therapies are safe for their children. To address this issue the American Academy of Pediatrics published a report urging pediatricians to advise their patients toward therapies that are best suited to them, whether or not the therapy is considered conventional or CAM. Although many doctors want more studies performed and more statistical data to back up CAM therapies, nearly 64 percent of medical schools are now offering CAM classes in their medical department.

What is a parent to do while studies are still being conducted and doctors still aren’t in agreement about CAM therapies? Seek out a well-informed CAM practitioner, talk to your family physician about CAM therapies and if possible, find a doctor or medical center in your community that deals with integrative medicine so that your children can benefit from conventional medicine and complementary or alternative medicine.


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Integrative Medicine Moving Into Mainstream

Written by Tena Moore  (if this post appears on any site other than Vitaminstuff.com it has been stolen)


No one is saying that mainstream medicine doesn’t work; it undoubtedly does, but many are saying that it is only one part of the entire picture. Our current medical system doesn’t treat the person unless they are sick, and when they are sick they are simply given medications that treat the sickness not the cause, or the person as a whole being. On the other hand, complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) have not been studied quite enough yet and without studies, your doctor is not allowed (by oath) to recommend CAM therapies. What many are suggesting is a merging of the two types of health care, called Integrative Medicine.

CAM therapies treat the entire person, not just the condition. So while your doctor may give you a pill to cut cholesterol, CAM may suggest yoga to reduce stress, a nutritionist to help with eating habits, and dietary supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids. In Integrative Medicine, CAM therapies and conventional medicine would be integrated together to not only take care of the sickness, but nurture wellness.

Many new studies are being done on CAM, and more and more hospitals are taking an integrative approach to health. It seems that the biggest issue is not integrating the two types of medicine, but getting insurers to integrate CAM into their insurance programs.




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