Trying to construct a definition that covers a large heterogeneous group of complementary and alternative therapies is difficult. Many therapies are well known whereas others may be exotic, mysterious or even dangerous. Some relaxation techniques, massage therapies, special diets and self-help groups could be considered to be lifestyle choices rather than true therapeutic interventions, althoug...

BACKGROUND In recent times the basic understanding, perceptions and CAM use among undergraduate health sciences students have become a topic of interest. This study was aimed to investigate the understanding, perceptions and self-use of CAM among pharmacy students in Malaysia. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted on 500 systematically sampled pharmacy students from two private and...

OBJECTIVE To examine the use of complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) in our region, particularly for children with chronic conditions, and explore contributing factors to their use. METHODS A prospective random sample of mothers visiting the out patient department of King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia were identified from the 1st of June, 2006 to the 31st of M...

The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency of complementary and alternative medicine usage in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients living in the eastern part of Turkey. In this study a descriptive design was used. The study was conducted with 216 patients who were present at the clinic. Data were gathered by the researchers in a comfortable setting through questionn...

complementary and alternative medicine (cam) is frequently used in portugal and it contributes to the improvement of people’s health. cam and western medicine (wm) are taken as complements both in the diagnosis and the treatment stage. the portuguese health system is able to generate certified cam professionals but the provision of cam care and services is not included in the national health sy...

Chinese medicine has been used to treat a variety of cancer-related conditions. This study aims to examine the prevalence and patterns of Chinese medicine usage by cancer patients. We reviewed articles written in English and found only the Chinese medicine usage from the studies on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Seventy four (74) out of 81 articles reported rates of CAM usage ran...

This article reports on findings from a study of the accounts of people participating in music therapy as part of a programme of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in supportive cancer care. The article outlines the perceived effects of music therapy, which shares many characteristics with CAM therapies as well as offering a distinct contribution as a creative therapy. Hence in this a...

OBJECTIVES Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a controversial illness, with apparent disagreements between medical authorities and patient support organisations regarding safe and effective treatments. The aim of this study was to measure the extent of different views regarding treatments, comparing patient support organisations and medical authorities in the UK. METHODS Two independent raters...