Lecture notes

Week 1 Lecture
HW400 Complementary and Alternative Medicine
LessonSummary:
This lesson addresses basic components of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM).
Key points of the history of CAM and its vast benefits will be introduced. Students will learn the
differences between complementary and alternative. An introductory quiz will be given to see
student’s previous knowledge in this topic.
LessonContent:
Complementary Verses Alternative
 Terms should not be used interchangeably.
 Holistic practiced used in combination with modern medicine is deemed
‘complementary’.
o Example: Using massage therapy to help destress the body during cancer
treatments.
 Holistic methods used in place of modern medicine is deemed ‘alternative’.
o Example: Ayurveda medicine uses herbs to balance the mind, body, and
spirit.
 Most used the complementary method, true alternative is hard to come by.
History of CAM
 Believed to have started around Revolutionary War (1775-1783). Medicine was
viewed as a part time hobby because doctors would still have full-time jobs, such
as in the government.
o Midwives became caretakers using herbal remedies.
 Popular Health Movement occurred 1830-1840 to alter conventional medicine
and make it more follow the guidelines that the midwives implemented.
o Example: Nutrition, clean water, exercise, and health education.
 Traditional Chinese Medicine:
o Been around for almost 23 centuries.
o Restore illness through herbs, acupuncture, diet, massage, and Tia Chi.
o Strongly believe in ying-yang which is opposing energies such as sun and
moon. When ying-yang are out of balance, it causes health issues in the
person. The life force energy qi must be balanced, so ying-yang can be at
rest.
 Ayurveda Medicine:
o Considered oldest healing science originating in India.
o Basic biological energies are called Doshas.

o Help individuals live a well-balanced life.
o Prevent illness by maintaining balance through mind, body, and
consciousness.
o Yoga, meditation, herbs, and nutritious foods help maintain one’s balance.
 Native American Medicine:
o Treat mind, body, soul, and emotional aspects.
o Symbolic healing ceremonies and rituals combine with herbs to heal.
Benefits of CAM:
 Generally more affordable.
o Very accessible for low to middle income.
 Evidence of safety and effectiveness.
 Cause fewer adverse reactions than modern medicine.
o No side effects.
 Available in all aspects of the world.
 Contribute to a better health care system.
 Help chronic conditions where there is no cure.
o Give patient hope in still obtaining recovery.
 Promotes mind, body, soul connection.
 Promotes stress reduction.
o Especially with yoga and meditiation.
Conclusion:
At the conclusion of today’s class, students should now be familiar with the differences of
complementary versus alternative medicine. Students should be able to explain the history of
how CAM came about. Last but not least, students should be able to state at least three benefits
of CAM practices.
Reference:
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2015, March). Complementary,
iiiiiiiiAlternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name? Retrieved from
iiiiiiiihttps://nccih.nih.gov/health/integrative-health

Week 2 Lecture
LessonSummary:
This lesson addresses the most common forms of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
(CAM). Statistics will be mentioned on how many individuals actually utilize CAM, as well as
the success of the form. Students will also compare CAM methods to modern medicine and
learn how to pick a reputable CAM professional. Lastly, a unique assignment will be described
and completed before the last lecture.
LessonContent:
Common Forms of CAM:
 Utilization of natural products.
o Herbs, Vitamins, Supplement.
 Deep breathing.
o Mindful exercise to see that breaths have the power to change situations.
 Yoga, Tai Chi, or Qi.
o Tai Chi is a variety of martial arts
 Chiropractic or Osteopathic manipulation.
o Osteopathic medicine uses modern medicine as well as hands-on therapy
to achieve total body wellness.
 Meditation.
o Explain transcendental, mindfulness, Zen and more.
 Massage.
o Explain reflexology, deep tissue, Swedish and more.
 Dieting.
o Consuming more fruits, vegetables, and nutrient dense foods.
 Homeopathy.
o Holistically approaches the person as a whole rather than categorized
sickness.
 Progressive relaxation.
o Teaching muscles to relax through a specific process.
 Guided imagery.
o Hearing words to promote positive thoughts.
Statistics:
 69% of people have tried a CAM method at least once.
 4 in 10 adults consistently use CAM.

 1 in 9 children are utilizing CAM.
o Due to current health condition or parent who already uses CAM.
 CAM is greater in women with substantial income.
 75 out of 125 medical schools are beginning to teach CAM.
CAM versus Modern Medicine:
 Majority of doctors will not recommend CAM methods to a patient.
o Modern medicine has advanced through scientific studies.
o Some doctors feel the CAM practice lacks enough evidence to refer.
 Patients are starting to become much more aware of medication risks.
o Starting to question if the doctor is truly giving his or her best advice in
regards to the patient’s condition.
o Doctors are too quick to recommended medication without all the facts.
 Philosophical differences is CAM methods treat illness while modern medicine
masks symptoms.
 Holistic care may not be covered by insurance.
 Holistic medicine asks the patient how their lifestyle choices could have affected
their illness.
 Modern medicine asks how a gene could affect the patient’s illness.
How to Select a CAM Provider:
 First, a patient can check to see if their primary doctor has any referral
suggestions.
 Search for the practitioner’s education, training, licenses, certificate, and
philosophy.
 Check if the practitioner accepts insurance at all.
o Do not be surprised if they don’t.
 Feel free to tell your primary provider about the holistic steps you’re taken as it
keeps you in control of your care.
Conclusion:
At the conclusion of today’s class, students should know the most common forms of CAM used.
Students should be able to reiterate which population use CAM the most. Ultimately, the
student’s should understand how to seek and select an appropriate CAM provider.
Reference:

Week 3 Lecture
LessonSummary:
This lesson addresses Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) systems along with
lacking CAM evidence. Discussion will occur of last week’s assignment where the students had
to try a new CAM form and write a one page journal. The students will switch with at least one
other person and read the experience their peer had trying a new CAM practice. A quick and
final comprehensive quiz will occur, as well as an end of class survey. Any additional questions
about the course may be addressed.
LessonContent:
CAM Systems in Depth:
 Ancient healing systems.
o Originated in India more than 3,000 years ago.
o Ayur=life Veda=science or knowledge.
o Engages proper use of one’s senses.
o Provides ideally behavior.
o Describes three energies: movement, transformation, and structure of fire,
wind, and earth.
o One must become in tune with his or her primary energy to remain
balanced, creative, and free.
o When energy is unbalanced dry skin, bowel issues, congestion and other
symptoms occur.
 Homeopathy.
o Developed in Germany in 18th century.
o Remedies come from plants, minerals, or animals.
o Only uses in minute doses.
o Example: Bee pollen or red onion.
o Majority of remedies are formed into sugar pellets and placed under the
tongue.
o Treatments are individualized based on patient’s condition.
 Naturopathy.
o Originated in Europe in the 19th century.
o Holistic systems based on the power of nature.
o Focuses on internal self-healing processes.
o Emphasizes prevention and optimal health.
o Uses modern, traditional, and scientific approaches.
o Example: psychotherapy, manipulative therapies, and lifestyle changes.

o Physicians must complete a 4 year graduate-level program by an
accredited Naturopathic organization in addition to lengthy training
programs in order to receive a license.
Lack of CAM Evidence:
 Been around for thousands of years but does not contain a ton of scientific research.
 Holistic treatments are highly individualized, so it is hard to obtain specific results,
especially in rigorous clinical research.
 Holistic approaches are still controversial compared to modern medicine.
 There are some controlled, randomized studies which show CAM as a reliable
approach.
 Natural does not always mean safe. Some mismarked and labeled safe products
cause problems in combination with other medicine or in the wrong dosage.
 Watch out for scams such as products that cure or target a specific obesity related
medical condition.
 Always ask questions and seek professional help if unsure of a certain product or
tactic.
Conclusion:
At the conclusion of today’s class, students should be able to reiterate basic components and
structure of CAM approaches. Students should be able to tell the difference between CAM
methods and explain the lack of CAM evidence. Today’s lecture completes the Complementary
and Alternative Medicine course. Students may wish to continue practicing the CAM approach
they journaled about or even try a new one. To conclude, the students should now have a better
understanding of what Complementary and Alternative medicine entails.
Reference:

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