Multicultural Health Chapter 4 Complementary And Alte 550505

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Overview of Chapter Topics History of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices CAM usage in the U.S. An overview of some CAM modalities Use of unlicensed practitioners Laws related to CAM History of CAM Practices Complementary medicine Treatment modalities used in conjunction with conventional Western medical therapies. Alternative medicine Treatment modalities used instead of conventional medical therapies. History of CAM Practices Both refer to treatment modalities that are not based on Western, science-based medicine, such as: Folk or traditional remedies, including herbal cures Chinese medicine, including acupuncture Naturopathy Homeopathy Midwifery History of CAM Practices Prior to late 19th century, American medical care was provided by lay healers, naturopaths, homeopaths, midwives, and botanical healers, in addition to conventionally trained doctors.

Nineteenth century advances in science led to the standardization of medical training and practice by the early 20th century. In the first half of the 20th century, nonconventional treatments were marginalized. History of CAM Practices The 1950s saw a resurgence of interest in alternative medical practices. Counterculture movements of the 60s-70s fueled interest in “natural†and “holistic†healing practices. Recent decades have seen the development of medical approaches that integrate the conventional and the CAM.

CAM Usage in the U.S. In 2012, the out of pocket amount that was spent in the United States on complementary health approaches was $30.2 billion Of that $30.2 billion, $28.3 billion was for adults and $1.9 billion was for children. CAM Usage in the U.S. CAM Usage in the U.S. CAM Usage in the U.S. CAM Policy The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) is the lead Federal agency for scientific research on the usefulness and safety of complementary and integrative health practices. NCCIH released its most recent strategic plan in 2016. CAM Policy The strategic plan in 2016 with five strategic objectives: Objective 1. Advance Fundamental Science and Methods Development Objective 2. Improve Care for Hard-to-Manage Symptoms Objective 3. Foster Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Objective 4. Enhance the Complementary and Integrative Health Research Workforce Objective 5. Disseminate Objective Evidence-based Information on Complementary and Integrative Health Interventions Overview of Some Specific CAM Treatment Modalities Ayurvedic medicine Originally described in the Sanscrit Vedas (means science of life), it was the major health care practice in pre-Raj India. Practitioners seek to balance combinations of the five elements seen as basic by this system (ether, air, fire, water, and earth).

The elements combine to form doshas (the three vital energies that regulate everything in life). Overview of Some Specific CAM Treatment Modalities Yoga is an ancient system of exercises and breathing techniques said to encourage physical/spiritual well-being. Some yoga practitioners teach that centers of energy, known as chakras, are connected to the nerves and spinal cord. It is believed that certain asanas and meditations can positively influence the chakras, improving physical and mental health. Overview of Some Specific CAM Treatment Modalities Traditional Chinese medicine The cause of the disease must be cured, not just the symptoms.

Considers a person’s body, mind, spirit, and emotions as part of one complete whole rather than individual parts that are to be treated separately. Overview of Some Specific CAM Treatment Modalities Traditional Chinese medicine is based on the interrelated theories of: Qi (“cheeâ€) Five elements Ying and yang theory Meridian theory Theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine Qi Vital life force that flows through 12 meridians. Has two parts (1) energy or power, and (2) conscious intelligence. Parts are found in organ system and allow them to perform physical and energetic functions. Flow through channels is disturbed by negative thoughts or feelings.

Theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine Five elements Wood Fire Earth Metal Water The organ systems are tied to a particular element. The theory illustrates the interrelatedness between all things. If elements are not in balance health problems occur. Overview of Some Specific CAM Treatment Modalities Naturopathy, or Natural Medicine Originated in Germany during the late 19th century. Aims to enable the body’s own healing powers by helping it to restore its homeostasis (equilibrium). Naturopathic treatment modalities include herbal remedies and hydrotherapy (uses compresses, wraps, hot and cold baths).

Overview of Some Specific CAM Treatment Modalities Naturopathic doctors (NDs) or naturopathic medical doctors (NMDs) work to identify the cause of disease through an understanding of the body, mind, and spirit of the person. Naturopathic doctors use a variety of therapies and techniques including nutrition, behavior change, herbal medicine, homeopathy, and acupuncture. Overview of Some Specific CAM Treatment Modalities Naturopathy has two major focus areas: Supporting the body’s own healing abilities. Empowering people to make lifestyle changes necessary to achieve the best possible health. Naturopathic doctors emphasize prevention and patient education; they treat both acute and chronic conditions. Overview of Some Specific CAM Treatment Modalities Table 4-5: The Six Key Principles of Naturopathy Overview of Some Specific CAM Treatment Modalities Herbal remedies Plants used for medicinal purposes are classified as medicinal herbs. Herbs have been used to treat diseases for centuries. Many conventional medications were originally developed from herbs.

Overview of Some Specific CAM Treatment Modalities Herbal remedies use herbs to restore homeostasis through treating the cause of diseases. Herbal preparations use either whole plants or parts of plants. Overview of Some Specific CAM Treatment Modalities Herbal products are often sold as dietary supplements in the U.S. Cannabis is an herbal remedy that is sold in many forms such as supplements, gummies, and in food. People often use the words “cannabis†and “marijuana†interchangeably, but they do not have the same meaning.

Cannabis refers to all products derived from the plant Cannabis sativa. Marijuana refers to parts of or products from the plant Cannabis sativa that contain substantial amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Overview of Some Specific CAM Treatment Modalities THC is the substance that’s primarily responsible for the effects of marijuana on a person’s mental state. Some cannabis plants contain very little THC. Under U.S. law, these plants are considered “industrial hemp†rather than marijuana May be helpful in treating certain rare forms of epilepsy, nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy, and loss of appetite and weight loss associated with HIV/AIDS.

Overview of Some Specific CAM Treatment Modalities Evidence suggests modest benefits of cannabis or cannabinoids for chronic pain and multiple sclerosis symptoms. It is now widely used to treat pain, nausea, anxiety, depression, muscle spasms, and seizures. Cannabis has been linked to some harmful effects. increased risk of motor vehicle crashes smoking cannabis during pregnancy has been linked to lower birth weight Some people who use cannabis develop cannabis use disorder, which has symptoms such as craving, withdrawal, lack of control, and negative effects on personal and professional responsibilities In addition to a general craving to use cannabis, withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, sleep difficulties, decreased appetite, restlessness, depressed mood, aggression, irritability, nausea, sweating, headache, stomach pain, strange dreams, increased anger and shakiness.

According to the DSHEA, a producer is responsible for determining that the dietary supplements it manufactures or distributes are safe and that any representations or claims made about them are substantiated by adequate evidence to show that they are not false or misleading. Dietary supplements do not need approval from the FDA before they are marketed. After a dietary supplement is on the market, the FDA has the responsibility of monitoring its safety and, if found to be unsafe, to take action to remove it from the market. A product may not be sold as a dietary supplement and promoted as a treatment, prevention, or cure for a specific disease or condition. Overview of Some Specific CAM Treatment Modalities Cannabis is not legal under Federal law. The FDA has determined that products containing THC or CBD cannot be sold legally as dietary supplements.

Foods to which THC or CBD has been added cannot be sold legally in interstate commerce. Whether they can be sold legally within a state depends on that state’s laws and regulations. Overview of Some Specific CAM Treatment Modalities Reiki is pronounced “ray-kee.†Practitioners of Reiki place their hands lightly on or just above a person, with the goal of facilitating the person’s own healing response. Overview of Some Specific CAM Treatment Modalities Overview of Some Specific CAM Treatment Modalities The modern-day Reiki practice may have started in Tibet more than 2,500 years ago. Reiki was rediscovered in the early 1900s by a Japanese man named Dr. Mikao Usui. The practice is not used to diagnose or treat specific illnesses. Reiki is used to promote relaxation, decrease stress and anxiety, and increase a person’s general sense of well-being. Overview of Some Specific CAM Treatment Modalities Overview of Some Specific CAM Treatment Modalities The practice of meditation is a group of mental techniques intended to provide relaxation and mental harmony, quiet one’s mind, and increase awareness. It has been practiced in many cultures for thousands of years. Meditative practices are found in Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic religious traditions. Meditation is currently utilized for nonreligious purposes, such as improved emotional and physical health, e.g., decrease stress, anxiety, and pain. Overview of Some Specific CAM Treatment Modalities Common types of meditation practices include: Mindfulness meditation Transcendental meditation Spiritual meditation Overview of Some Specific CAM Treatment Modalities Health benefits are associated with the practice of meditation. Stress reduction, decreased anxiety, decreased depression, reduction in physical and psychological pain, improved memory, and increased efficiency. Physiological benefits include reduced blood pressure, heart rate, lactate, cortisol, and epinephrine; decreased metabolism, breathing pattern, oxygen utilization, and carbon dioxide elimination; and increased melatonin, among others. Overview of Some Specific CAM Treatment Modalities Unlicensed Practitioners Those who attempt to practice the healing arts without obtaining the requisite license and complying with the licensing laws are prosecuted for the unlicensed practice of the particular profession. Penalties for unlawful practice can be stiff and include both prison time and monetary penalties. Summary A variety of types of practices are embedded in cultures. Some see these practices as unscientific. Many of these practices are used by people as an alternative to complement Western medicine. People using these modalities and preparing ethnic remedies need to be aware of the laws in the United States to avoid violating them.

Paper For Above instruction

Comprehensive understanding of multicultural health necessitates an appreciation of the diverse modalities of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that are deeply rooted in various cultural traditions. CAM refers to a broad spectrum of healing practices and products that are not traditionally part of conventional Western medicine, and their usage varies widely across different cultures and health systems. This paper explores the historical development, prevalent modalities, regulatory landscape, and health implications of CAM, emphasizing its role in multicultural health contexts, particularly within the United States.

Historically, CAM practices have been integral to many cultures long before the advent of modern Western medicine. Folk remedies, herbal treatments, Chinese medicine, naturopathy, homeopathy, and midwifery exemplify modalities developed outside the scope of evidence-based Western medicine. Prior to the late 19th century, healthcare in America was primarily delivered by lay healers, herbalists, midwives, and indigenous practitioners, often rooted in traditional knowledge passed orally through generations. The advent of scientific medicine in the 19th century led to the standardization and professionalization of healthcare practices, marginalizing many CAM therapies. However, the resurgence of interest in holistic and natural healing modalities emerged prominently in the mid-20th century, especially during the 1950s, fueled by countercultural movements and a growing desire for alternative health practices.

The contemporary landscape of CAM in the United States indicates significant utilization, with expenditures reaching over $30 billion annually, reflecting its widespread acceptance. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), established as the federal research agency dedicated to evaluating the safety and efficacy of CAM practices, has laid out strategic objectives aimed at advancing scientific understanding, improving symptom management, promoting health, and disseminating reliable information. These initiatives underscore a growing integration of CAM into mainstream healthcare, emphasizing evidence-based approaches and patient safety.

Among the myriad CAM modalities, Ayurvedic medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), naturopathy, herbal remedies, and mind-body techniques such as yoga, Reiki, and meditation are notable. Ayurveda, originating in India and documented in the Vedas, emphasizes balancing the five elements—ether, air, fire, water, and earth—and doshas or vital energies that govern physiological and psychological functions. It promotes individualized treatments aimed at restoring harmony within the body.

Traditional Chinese Medicine, rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy, considers disease treatment as addressing the underlying imbalance in the whole person—body, mind, spirit, and emotions. TCM's core theories include Qi (vital energy), yin-yang balance, the five elements, and meridians—channels that facilitate the flow of Qi. Treatments such as acupuncture, herbal therapy, qigong, and Tai Chi focus on restoring energetic balance and holistic health.

Naturopathy, developed in Germany in the late 19th century, emphasizes supporting the body's inherent healing abilities and restoring homeostasis through natural modalities like herbal medicine, hydrotherapy, nutrition, and lifestyle modifications. Naturopathic doctors (NDs or NMDs) employ an integrative approach focusing on prevention, education, and treating both acute and chronic diseases. Their core principles include the healing power of nature, identifying causes, first do no harm, and treating the whole person.

Herbal medicine remains a cornerstone of CAM, with plants used for medicinal purposes extensively across cultures. Modern pharmacology owes much to herbal origins, with many synthetic drugs derived from medicinal herbs. In the US, herbal products are frequently marketed as dietary supplements under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA). While these supplements can be purchased freely, regulation primarily holds manufacturers responsible for safety and truthful labeling, with the FDA overseeing post-market safety rather than pre-market approval. Notably, cannabis-related products have gained attention for their medicinal properties; for instance, cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, are used for managing chronic pain, nausea, and neurological conditions like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.

However, cannabis use presents concerns regarding safety, dependency, and legal status. THC-rich cannabis is classified as a controlled substance under federal law, although laws vary at the state level, allowing for medicinal or recreational use in some jurisdictions. Evidence supports modest benefits of cannabinoids; nonetheless, adverse effects such as impaired motor skills, lower birth weight when used during pregnancy, and potential for dependence necessitate cautious application and regulation.

Mind-body practices such as Reiki and meditation exemplify the noninvasive therapies aimed at enhancing well-being through relaxation and mental harmony. Reiki involves placing hands lightly on or above the body to promote natural healing, originating from Tibet and revitalized in Japan by Dr. Mikao Usui. It is non-diagnostic and used mainly to reduce stress and increase overall wellness.

Meditation, practiced for millennia across religious and secular settings, includes techniques such as mindfulness, transcendental, and spiritual meditation. These practices are associated with reduced stress, anxiety, depression, and pain, alongside physiological benefits like lowered blood pressure, decreased cortisol, and improved sleep patterns. The evidence supports meditation as an adjunct therapy for promoting mental and physical health.

Participation in CAM often involves unlicensed practitioners—individuals practicing healing arts without proper licensing—an illegal activity subject to penalties including fines and imprisonment. While many CAM practices are rooted in cultural traditions regarded as unscientific by some, it is essential for users and practitioners in the US to understand legal boundaries to ensure safe and lawful practice.

In summary, CAM provides a valuable complement to conventional medicine, especially in culturally diverse settings. Its rich history, varied modalities, and ongoing research underscore its significance in promoting holistic health. As the scientific community continues to evaluate these practices, informed choices based on evidence and legal compliance will help optimize health outcomes and respect multicultural perspectives in healthcare.

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