Complementary and Alternative Careers

Chapter 27


Complementary and Alternative Careers



Learning Objectives



image Define at least eight terms relating to careers in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).


image Specify the role of selected CAM providers, including personal qualities, levels of education, and credentialing requirements.


image Describe the methods used in allopathic, holistic, and homeopathic health care.


image List five domains of complementary and alternative health care as described by the National Institutes of Health.



Key Terms











Complementary and Alternative Terminology*







































































Term Definition Prefix Root Suffix
Aromatherapy Treatment with odors aroma therapy  
Chiropractic Pertaining to adjustment of the spine by hand   chiro/pract ic
Homeopathic Treatment with similar disease homeo path ic
Hydrotherapy Treatment with water hydro therapy  
Hypnotherapy Treatment using hypnosis hypno therapy  
Neuromuscular Pertaining to the nerves and muscles neuro muscul ar
Orthopedic Pertaining to correction of bones ortho ped ic
Osteoarthritis Inflammation of the bones and joints osteo arthr itis
Radiography Picture taken using radiation radi/o graph y
Thermography Picture taken showing heat therm/o graph y


image


*A transition syllable or vowel may be added to or deleted from the word parts to make the combining form.




Abbreviations for Complementary and Alternative Medicine






































Abbreviation Meaning
ADHD Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
BCIA Biofeedback Certification Institute of America
CAM Complementary and alternative medicine
DC Doctor of chiropractic
EEG Electroencephalogram
EMG Electromyogram
GSR Galvanic skin response
ND Doctor of naturopathy
NIH National Institutes of Health
TMJ Temporomandibular joint dysfunction



Careers


Complementary medicine, alternative medicine, and holistic health are therapies based on wellness and natural treatment. Complementary and holistic health practices are used at the same time as conventional medical techniques. Alternative health care is used in place of conventional methods. Integrative medicine incorporates alternative practices that have been shown to be effective by research.


In a 2007 survey, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reported that more than 38% of Americans use complementary and alternative therapies. If megavitamin therapy and prayer are included in the definition, the total rises to at least 62%. Nonvitamin, nonmineral, and natural products were the most commonly used CAM therapy. Practices that have increased significantly between 2002 and 2007 include deep breathing, meditation, massage, and yoga.


The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) provides grants for research and training to determine the effectiveness of their treatments (Box 27-1). More than 20 states have laws that allow the practice of CAM. Some of the conditions that draw consumers to complementary health care include chronic pain, arthritis, addiction, headache, anxiety, chronic fatigue, sprains, and muscles strains.



BOX 27-1   2009 Alternative Therapies Studies*




*http://nccam.nih.gov/research/extramural/awards/


The NIH organizes CAM practices into five domains (Box 27-2). These five domains or categories include whole medical systems, mind-body interventions, biological-based treatments, manipulative and body-based methods, and energy therapies.



BOX 27-2   Complementary and Alternative Methods







Many of the health care workers specializing in CAM have education and training in other health careers (Table 27-1). For example, holistic practitioners include nurses, physicians, veterinarians, pharmacists, and many other professionals. Two CAM professions that have specific educational requirements include the chiropractor and naturopath.



TABLE 27-1


Complementary and Alternative Career Educational Cost and Earnings












Career Educational Cost* Earnings†
Chiropractor

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Apr 15, 2017 | Posted by in MEDICAL ASSISSTANT | Comments Off on Complementary and Alternative Careers

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