Bee Healthy: What is complementary and alternative medicine?

"Complementary medicine" is treatment that is used in addition to a physician's standard care, such as using acupuncture in addition to more traditional medical care to help lessen pain. "Alternative medicine" is treatment that is used in place of conventional medicine. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) was formed within the National Institutes of Health to test the safety and effectiveness of various CAM treatments. NCCAM grouped CAM practices into the following broad categories in order to help make sense of the many therapies available:

• Natural Products includes herbal medicines and dietary supplements. Examples of herbs include ginseng, ginkgo and echinacea, while examples of dietary supplements include selenium, glucosamine sulfate and SAMe.

• Mind and Body Medicine techniques strengthen the communication between your mind and body. Examples include the following: meditation, yoga, acupuncture, deep-breathing exercises, guided imagery, hypnotherapy, progressive relaxation, qi gong and tai chi.

• Manipulative and Body-Based Practices use human touch to move or manipulate a specific part of the body. Spinal manipulation is performed by chiropractors and other health care professionals such as physical therapists and osteopathic physicians and is often a treatment option used by people with low back pain. Massage therapy is used to relieve pain, reduce stress, increase relaxation, and aid general well-being.

• Energy Medicine is called by different names, such as magnet therapy, light therapy, healing touch and reiki. The goal of these therapies is to unblock or rebalance your energy force.

• Whole Medical Systems aren't just a single practice, but different practices that center on a philosophy, such as the power of nature. Examples of whole medical systems include Ayurvedic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy and naturopathy.

Clinical trials for many CAM therapies are lacking. As with any medical treatment, there can be risks with CAM therapies. Select CAM practitioners with care by looking into their training and experience. Be aware that dietary supplements may interact with medications or have side effects of their own. Tell all of your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Additional information is available at http://nccam.nih.gov.

Shirley DeAcetis has her master's degree in social work and supervises the Maino Community Health Library at Sutter Gould Medical Foundation in Modesto.