Session 11 - Complementary Therapies

Question 1

What is complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)?

Answer 1

Any other medical system based on a theory of disesae other than the orthodox science of medicine

Question 2

Why do people turn to CAM?

Answer 2

• High level of satisfaction reported
• Seen as more holistic
• Persistent symptoms that orthodox medicine cant fix
• adverse effects of conventional treatments

Question 3

What are concerns of CAM?

Answer 3

• May harm patient
• may risk missed or delayed diagnosis
• practitioner may be unqualified
• Some CAM theories are so absurd they cannot possibly work e.g. homeopathy

Question 4

What are the arguments for NICE evaluating CAM?

Answer 4

• High public interest
• Some GPs already provide access
• NICE could stimulate higher quality research

Question 5

What are the arguments against NICE evaluating CAM?

Answer 5

• NHS money limited
• NICE has higher priorities
• Poor quality evidence

Question 6

Describe the theory of aromatherapy

Answer 6

• Use of essential oils to improve health and promote wellbeing
• Practitioners apply essential oils topically with massage and through inhalation
• ‘Works’ by stimulating limbic system of midbrain which releases hormones that influence mood

Question 7

Describe the theory of acupuncture

Answer 7

• Trigger points can be treated by needling the area
• Manipulation of these points can restore proper Qi flow to the body