This document provides a course syllabus for an introductory course on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) offered at Jefferson Community College. The 3-week course will provide an overview of different CAM practices and how they can be incorporated into students' lives. Students will learn about the varieties of CAM practices and terminology, how CAM practices can be utilized, and the benefits and potential risks of different practices. The syllabus outlines class information, course materials, outcomes, calendar, etiquette, and contact information for the instructor.

1. Jefferson Community College
Introduction to Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Course Syllabus
InstructorInformation: KristenLawrence
ClassInformation:Mondayat8:00-9:30 P.M. May 2-May 16
Prerequisites:None
Course Description
The goal of thiscourse isto give youan introductiontothe vastarray of complementaryandalternative medicine (CAM)
practices. Thiscourse will give youanoverviewof the differenttypesof CAMpracticesand waystheycan be
incorporatedintoyourlife. Itisan interactive andintegrative classthatishandsonin regardsto applicationtoyourlife.
Course Materials
There isno material requiredacceptwhat ishandedoutinclassand the online readingresourcesthatwillbe provided.
Course Outcomes: By the endof the course youshouldbe able to:
Demonstrate anunderstandingof the varietiesof CAMpractices andthe applicable terminology
Demonstrate anunderstandingof howCAMpracticescan be utilized inyourlife
Demonstrate andunderstandingof the benefitsof CAMpractices and possible risksassociatedwithspecificpractices
Course Calendar
Week1: Overviewof ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine
Week2: How ComplementaryandAlternative Medicinecanbe usedinyour life
Week3: Benefits andanypossibleRisksof ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine
Class Etiquette
Please keepyourcell phone turnedoff oron airplane mode
If enteringlate,pleasedosoquietly
Be respectful of othersinthe classandtheiropinions
Have an openmind
How to Reach Me
Feel free toe-mail me orcontact myoffice withanyquestionsyoumayhave regardingthe material we gooverinclass
or any relatedtopic.

2. Class #1 Lecture Notes:
Introduce myself andgooverthe course syllabus (5minutes)
Askif there are any questionregardingthe syllabus
Icebreakertogetto knoweach other: If there isa small group-introduce yourself andwhetherornot familiarwithCAM
practices;If there isa large group-introduce yourself toyourneighborandwhetherornotfamiliarwithCAMpractices
(10-15 minutes)
Passout the CAM surveyhandout,give time tocompleteandthenhandbackin (10 minutes)
ExplainIwill discussresultsof surveyatthe nextclass
Passout terminologysheetanddiscussthe termsof complementary,alternative andintegrativemedicinebasedonthe
definitionsfrom www.nccih.nih.gov/health/integrative-health(10minutes)
I wouldaskthat everyone explorethe NCCIHwebsite andwrite aone-page summaryonaCAMtopic of theirinterest
(notfor gradingbutfor informational only) Explainthatthere willbe anopportunitytoshare findingsinnextclass
Overviewwithslideshowpresentationonvarietyof CAMpracticesincluding:Reflexology,Aromatherapy,Massage
Therapy,ChiropracticCare,Acupuncture (30-40 minutes) (InformationfromFundamentalsof Complementaryand
AlternativeMedicinebyMarc Micozzi)
Openupa questionandanswertime forapproximately 10-15 minutes

3. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Survey
(Handout #1 for Class #1)
Name:_________________________________________
Are you familiarwithorhave youheardof Complementary&Alternative Medicine?Yes No
Do youcurrentlyutilize anycomplementaryoralternative medicine?Yes No
If so, please explainwhattype _____________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Do youtake practice any of the followingmind,body,spiritpractices?(Pleasecheckall thatapply)
Gets 30 or more minutesof
physical activityona dailybasis
Have dailytime forprayer
and/ormeditation
Readfor fun/relaxation
Volunteers Eat a heart-healthydiet
including5fruits/vegetables
daily
Smilesandlaughs often
Makes time forfunand hobbies Maintainsclose family
connections
Gets enoughsleepregularly
Copeswithstressinhealthy
manner
Has a close groupof
friends/supportsystem
Is happywithhis/herlifeand
self
Are there otherpracticesthat you use that are not listed?(Pleasedescribe)______________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
What isone thingyouare hopingtotake away fromthisclass?_________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Do youhave any questionsorconcernsinregardsto ComplementaryandAlternative Medicine?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

4. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Terminology
(Handout #2 for Class #1)
ComplementaryMedicineisanynon-mainstreammedical practice thatisusedtogetherwithconventional medicine.
Some examplescaninclude,butare notlimitedtoyoga,deepbreathing,massage,natural productsandspecial diets
(2015 Retrievedfrom www.nccih.nih.gov/health/integrative-health).
AlternativeMedicineisanynon-mainstreammedical practice thatisused instead of conventional medicine. According
to National CenterforComplementaryandIntegrative Medicine,true alternativemedicinedoesnotexistasmost
people use complementarymedicine.
(2015 Retrievedfrom www.nccih.nih.gov/health/integrative-health).
Integrative Medicine involvesbringingcomplementaryandalternativemedicinetogether(2015 Retrievedfrom
www.nccih.nih.gov/health/integrative-health).
What isthe National CenterforComplementaryandIntegrativeMedicine? A federal governmentagencythatconducts
scientificresearchoncomplementaryandintegrative healthpractices(2015 Retrievedfrom
www.nccih.nih.gov/health/integrative-health).
Fun“Assignment”
Explore the NCCIHwebsite andwrite aone-page summaryonatopicof yourinterestinthe realmof Complementary
and Integrative Medicine

5. Class #2 Lecture Notes
Welcome everyone backandgo overoverall resultsof CAMsurveyfromfirstclass,includinghow manywere familiar
withthe practices,howmanyutilize apractice and how manypartake in the practicesthat were listed(5-10minutes)
Askand allowanyone toshare theirfindingsfromthe NCCIHwebsite (10-20minutes)
Hand out a listof some of examplesof CAMpractitionersinthe local areaand talkabout how to choose a practitioner
basedon the informationfromNCCIHwebsite:goovertalkingtoyour primaryhealthcare provideraboutvisitingaCAM
practitioner,howtofinda CAMpractitionerandchoose amodalitythatfitsyourneeds,informationoneducation,
licensingandcredentialing,andquestionyoushouldask(45minutes)
Talking to your primary healthcare provider: It isalwaysimportanttomake sure youopenlydiscusswithyourprimary
healthcare anyCAMpracticesor productsthat youare using. AsNCCIH pointsout,doingthiswill helpguarantee
coordinatedandsafe healthcare foryourself (NCCIH,2015 Retrievedfrom www.nccih.nih.gov)
Choosinga Practitioner:There isa greatvarietyof CAMpractitionershere inlocal areathat I foundbydoinga little bit
of research. Dependingonthe resultsyouare lookingfororwhat ailmentyouwouldliketotreatwill helpyounarrow
downwhatmodalityandpractitioner youchoose. Ihave a handoutthat listsjusta few of the CAM modalitiesand
practitionerswithinourlocal area. A goodplace to start whendeterminingwhatpractitionerormodalitytochoose
wouldbe yourprimarycare physician,alocal hospital,licensingboards,orstate regulatoryagencies. Some questionsto
ask whenchoosingaCAMpractitionermayinclude:
What training,education,certificationdoyouhave?
What previousexperience doyouhave treatingthe same ailmentsasmine?
Are you willingtoworktogetherwithmyconventionalhealthcare provider?
How longhave youbeeninpractice?
(NCCIH,2015 Retrievedfrom www.nccih.nih.gov)
In additiontothese questionsandtalkingwithyourprimarycare doctor, youmay alsowant to askfriendsandfamilyfor
any referralstheymaybe able togive basedonpositive experiencestheyhave hadwithapractitioner.
Afteryourfirstvisit,youcan askyourself some questionstohelpyoudetermine how well you“fit”withthe CAM
practitionerandwhetheryouwill continue seeingthem. These questionsinclude:
DidI feel comfortable withthe practitioner?
Didthe practitioneranswerall myquestions?
Didthe treatmentplanseemreasonable andacceptable tome?
Didthe practitionerrespondtome ina waythat made me feel satisfied?
(NCCAM,2004 Retrievedfrom www.spineuniverse.com)

6. Education, licensingandcredentialing: Each state and CAMmodalityhasspecificrequirementsso itisimportantto
researchand be knowledgeable aboutthe requirementsinyourparticularstate. Perthe NCCIHwebsite,if apractitioner
isrequiredtohave a license thismeansitismandatoryinorderto providerservices. If a practitionerisrequiredtohave
a license thatmeanshe/she musthave credentialsbefore usingaspecificprofessional title andhavingregistration
meansthat a practitionermustprovide informationinregardstotheirtrainingtoa state consumerprotectionagency.
Some examplesof differingrequiredqualificationsinclude:Inmanystatesif an acupuncturistdoesnothave a doctorof
medicine degree (M.D.) thentheywill needtobe certifiedbythe NationalCertificationCommissionforAcupunctureand
Oriental Medicine. AdditionalcertificationboardsincludeNationalCertificationBoardfor TherapeuticMassage and
Bodywork,National Boardof ChiropracticExaminers,andCouncil forHomeopathicCertification(NIH,2015 Retrieved
fromwww.nccih.nih.gov).
There are twoimportantaspectsto keepinmindandthose are stayinginformedandfeelingcomfortable. Youcanvisit
the variouslicensingandcertificationboardswebsitesinadditiontothe National CenterforComplementaryand
AlternativeMedicinewebsitetofindanynecessaryinformationregardingCAMpracticesandpractitioners. Be an
informedconsumer. Inaddition,make sure thatyouare comfortable withthe practitionerANDwiththe treatment
plan. Thisis YOUR healthand you needtodo whatis bestfor it. Be openanddiscussall aspectsand optionswithboth
your conventionalandCAMpractitioner.
Opendiscussionandquestionandanswersection(15-20minutes)
Additional information/reading:
Visitthe site https://nccih.nih.gov/health/financial tofindinformationregardinghow topayfor CAMcare
Let classknowthat we will have achance at the nextclassto share personal storiesregardingCAMpractices

7. Sample of Local CAM Practitioners
(Handout #1 for Class #2)
Massage Therapy
1). Randall’sHealingTouch,719 WashingtonStreet,Watertown
2). Brayton’s TherapeuticMassage,343 Arsenal Street,Watertown
3). HarmonyDay Spa, 20077 Arsenal Street,Watertown
ChiropracticCare
1). WatertownWellnessCenter,21101 State Route 12F, Watertown
2). NorthernLightsChiropracticCare,1116 Arsenal Street,Watertown
3). Spinal DiscRegenerationcenter,1116 Arsenal Street,Watertown
Natural Products
1). WatertownWellnessCenter,1116 Arsenal Street,Watertown
2). The Mustard Seed,969 Arsenal Street,Watertown
Acupuncture:
1). Lori Gooding,117 ShermanStreet,Watertown,NY
2). AdamFrench,officesinWatertown,Lowville andGouverneur
(Photofrom www.angieromero.com/complementary-alternative-medicine/ Copyright2016 www.angieromero.com)

8. Class #3 Lecture Notes
Welcome everyone tothe lastclassand ask if there are any questionsregardinginformationfromthe last2 classesand
whattheyhave foundon the NCCIHwebsite (10-15minutes)
Openthe floorupfor individualstoshare personal experiencesthey’ve hadwithCAMpractitioners(20-25minutes)
Discussand presentslideshowpresentationonbenefitsandanypossiblerisksassociatedwiththe modalitieswe
discussedinClass#1 (30 minutes) (InformationfromFundamentalsof ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicineby
Marc Micozzi and https://nccih.nih.gov/health/decisions/consideringcam.htm)
Openlydiscussasa groupethical issuesthatmayarise whenchoosingandvisitingaCAMpractitioner(20 minutes)
Thank everyone forcomingandsuggesttheyvisitthe websitesonthe handout formore informationonCAM
information

9. Considerations to Make When Looking at Complementary Health Care Approaches
(Handout #1 for Class #3)
The following are some considerations to make when considering CAM practices and the safety of the
modality:
1). Each person responds differently to each healthcare approach and products. Some things that may affect
your outcome include your own health, how you use the product and what you believe.
2). Just because something says it is natural does not mean it is safe. Be sure to do your own research.
3). Do research and know what factors affect the safety of both a product and a practice.
4). When choosing a CAM practitioner choose just as wisely as you would choose a primary health care
provider.
5). Be sure to tell all your health care providers about any CAM practices and products that you utilize.
6). Be sure that any CAM practitioner you choose is willing to work with your primary healthcare provider as
well.
(2014 Retrieved from https://nccih.nih.gov/health/decisions/consideringcam.htm)
7). Visit some of the following websites for more information:
www.nccih.nih.gov
www.cdc.gov
www.fda.gov
(Photofrom www.animalwellnessguide.com/is-it-complementary-or-alternative-or-both-medicine/ Copyright2014
www.animalwellnessguide.com)

10. References
Coyle, C. (2014) Is It Complementary or Alternative Medicine? Or Both? Photo Retrieved from
http://animalwellnessguide.com/is-it-complementary-or-alternative-or-both-medicine/
Micozzi, M. (2011) Fundamentals of Complementary and Alternative Medicine 4th Edition. St. Louis, Missouri;
Elsevier, Inc.
NCCAM (2004) Selecting a Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Practitioner Retrieved from
http://www.spineuniverse.com/treatments/alternative/selecting-complementary-alternative-medicine-
cam-practitioner
NIH (2015) Are you Considering a Complementary Health Approach? Retrieved from
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/decisions/consideringcam.htm
NIH (2015) Complimentary, Alternative or Integrative Health: What’s in a Name? Retrieved from
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/integrative-health
NIH (2015) Credentialing, Licensing and Education Retrieved from
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/decisions/credentialing.htm
NIH (2015) Paying for Complementary Health Approaches Retrieved from
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/financial
Romero, A. (2016) Complementary and Alternative Medicine Photo Retrieved from
http://www.angieromero.com/complementary-alternative-medicine/