Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is the use of therapies that are outside the practice of conventional medicine. Complementary refers to therapies that are used in conjunction with traditional medical treatments. Alternative therapies are used in place of traditional medicine.

There are many different kinds of CAM. Here is a brief description of some of them: Acupuncture is an ancient method of healing based on the belief that the body contains a life force, called Qi, which travels along specific pathways in the body. Health problems occur when the flow of Qi is disrupted. Acupuncture works by placing tiny needles along specific points in the energy pathways to restore the flow of Qi.

Chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between body structure and health. Manipulation of the joints (primarily those in the spine) can restore normal function to the body and improve health.

Hypnosis is a technique in which patients are placed in a deep state of relaxation. During this “state” they are more open to suggestions made by the therapist, such as stopping smoking or overeating.

Massage is a kind of manipulation therapy aimed at the soft tissues. There are many different kinds of techniques, all aiming to relieve tension in the muscles, stimulate circulation and enhance relaxation.

Reiki is a form of energy medicine based on the belief that a universal life force flows through all living things. Weakness or disruption of the life force leads to health problems or emotional imbalance. In a Reiki session, a practitioner channels life energy to the client’s body.

Therapeutic touch is another form of energy medicine. The practitioner first attains a state of relaxation, or altered consciousness. Then his/her hands move over the client’s body to sense areas of “energy congestion” or “blockage.” The therapist’s hands are then moved in a rhythmic pattern to ease the congestion and restore the balance of energy.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, more than 38 percent of American adults used some type of CAM in 2007. Some of the most popular CAM therapies are chiropractic, meditation, massage, relaxation and guided imagery. CAM is most commonly used for relief of back pain, neck pain, joint pain, arthritis and anxiety.

CAM for Kids

Researchers estimate up to 30 percent of children in the U.S. use one or more types of CAM. In children with chronic or recurrent medical conditions, CAM use may reach as high as 70 percent. Some of the most common conditions for which CAM is used in children include: asthma, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, cancer, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Cultural beliefs play an important role in a parent’s decision to use CAM for a child. Other factors that may lead to CAM use include: recommendation from friends or family, fear of adverse effects of traditional medicine and dissatisfaction of results from conventional medicine.

Many conventional health care providers are embracing certain types of CAM therapies and some facilities have centers dedicated to integrating CAM and traditional medicine. Suzanne Prestwich, M.D., Pediatric Hospitalist with Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, says parents who are considering CAM for their child should get advice and guidance from their health care provider. It’s important for traditional physicians to know if CAM is being used because alternative therapies can influence standard treatment decisions or interfere with treatment. Prestwich says parents who are considering CAM should get as much information as they can on the different therapies. Look for published information that provides details on the safety and potential risks of CAM therapies. Ask a CAM practitioner what kind of training/experience he or she has. If there is a certifying organization, make sure the practitioner has current certification. AUDIENCE INQUIRY

If you have any specific questions about the use or safety of CAM therapy for you or your child, talk with your health care provider. For general information:

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, http://www.nccam.nih.gov