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Discovering Alternatives (July 2008)

You’ve probably heard friends and neighbors talk about trying treatments, such as acupuncture, in the hopes of improving their overall health. You’re curious about these treatment options, but you don’t know very much about what’s involved. Look no further for your condensed course in complimentary and alternative medicine (CAM).

Treatment Choices

While complementary and alternative medicine may seem like the same concept on the surface, they’re actually different. Complementary medicine works in conjunction with more traditional treatments. People seeking alternative medicine are choosing different treatments instead of traditional medicine.

Popular Treatment Options

Many popular CAM therapies can offer great benefits to women looking for options to deal with anxiety, depression, and even fertility. These treatments include:

• acupuncture. During this treatment, an acupuncture practitioner will painlessly insert tiny needles into strategic points on the skin. This therapy, which can lessen pain and decrease nausea, has been used in treatment of breast cancer, and recent studies suggest it may increase the probability of pregnancy after in vitro fertilization (IVF).
  
  
• massage therapy. This relaxing treatment can relieve anxiety and fatigue. Like acupuncture, it can be used during breast cancer treatment. Recent studies suggest it offers both physical and emotional benefits to patients.
  
  
• Tai Chi. These safe, gentle series of movements may help postmenopausal women maintain bone mineral density.
  
  
• yoga. An ancient form of movement, yoga has many benefits including inducing relaxation and combating fatigue. Recent studies suggest it may help treat anxiety and depression.
  
  

Finding a Reputable Practitioner If you are interested in trying a new yoga studio or going to a massage therapist or acupuncturist, it’s important to educate yourself beforehand. How to Shop Around The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) offers anyone interested in learning more about CAM options—or finding a CAM practitioner—valuable tips to help select an ideal provider. NCCAM advises anyone considering alternative treatments to: Begin by asking a trusted physician for a referral. He or she may be able to point you to a reputable provider. Make a list of providers in your area and call around, asking about credentials and training. Ask a potential provider where he or she was educated, too. Touch base with your insurer, so you will know if your chosen therapy is covered under your plan. Many plans do not cover CAM therapies, so ask your potential provider about the cost.

Sources: breastcancer.org, cancer.gov, glaucoma.org, heartspring.net, medicinenet.com, nccam.nih.gov