CAM Therapies
CAM theories and practices are being used today by majority of people these days. These theories relate to the ethnomedical practices, which is the study of traditional branches of medicine which may or may not have related written text. These practices include traditional Chinese, Ayurveda, and Unani practices being followed in various countries.
Using South University Online Library, search the article, “Health need and the use of alternative medicine among adults who do not use conventional medicine.”
This article attempts to understand the reasons that led some individuals to turn to CAM therapies rather than traditional allopathic methods of healing. The authors specifically wish to create a profile of the most likely candidates to use CAM therapies. Findings indicate that a wide variety of factors and attributes contribute to this decision.
On the basis of your research and understanding on the topic, answer the following questions:
- What are the three main reasons some individuals select CAM therapies rather than traditional allopathic methods of healing? What would be the profile of the most likely candidates to use CAM therapies?
- What demographic is more prone to using CAM therapies? What possible reasons contribute to this disparity?
- How does this article contribute to the study of CAM practices?
- Do you see any outstanding benefits or detractions from the modality discussed in the article in contemporary wellness environments?
Combine your responses in a Microsoft Word document. Your responses should be 4- to 5-pages long.
Support your responses with reasoning and examples.
Cite any sources in APA format.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
CAM therapies have gained significant popularity globally; these therapies include various traditional practices that have been used for centuries in certain regions. This assignment primarily focuses on the analysis of an article entitled “Health need and the use of alternative medicine among adults who do not use conventional medicine” retrieved from the South University Online Library. The study in this article aims to create a profile of the most likely candidates that use CAM therapies and why. In this paper, we will provide answers to the questions put forth using our research and understanding on the topic, supported by reasoning and examples.
1. What are the three main reasons individuals select CAM therapies rather than traditional allopathic methods of healing? What would be the profile of the most likely candidates to use CAM therapies?
The three primary reasons individuals choose CAM therapies are:
i. Dissatisfaction with conventional medicine: This may be because of a lack of success or the concerning side effects of the medicines prescribed. Some individuals may also perceive allopathic medicine as being too invasive or unpleasant.
ii. Holistic healing: CAM therapies are based on more holistic approaches to well-being as opposed to conventional medicine, where the focus is typically limited to the treatment of a specific ailment.
iii. Cultural/religious beliefs: For some individuals, CAM therapies align with their cultural beliefs and practices, or they may view them as an embodiment of complementing other medical practices.
The likely candidates that will opt for CAM therapies would typically be individuals who are more open to alternative medicine and follow and believe in it. They may fall into the lower-income category, have less education or do not have health insurance. They are also more likely to suffer from chronic illnesses, in instances where conventional medicine is not yielding the desired results.
2. What demographic is more prone to using CAM therapies? What possible reasons contribute to this disparity?
Women in the age group of 25 to 49 are more prone to using CAM therapies. Some possible reasons that contribute to this disparity are:
i. Women are more likely to pay attention to their well-being, which leads them to explore different modes of healing.
ii. Women may find allopathic medicine more invasive or unpleasant, a possible reason for a heightened interest in CAM therapies.
iii. Women may be more inclined to take preventive measures to avoid disease, which would prompt them to explore CAM therapies.
iv. Women often take on the primary caregiver role, which could lead them to investigate alternative therapy methods to address the health concerns of their loved ones.
3. How does this article contribute to the study of CAM practices?
The article contributes to the study of CAM practices by examining the various reasons individuals choose CAM therapies over traditional allopathic medicine. It offers insight into how certain demographics are more likely to turn to CAM therapies and provides understanding on how CAM therapies can meet the needs of some patients better than conventional medicine. The authors offer a model for profiling the typical candidate who would choose CAM therapies, which could help in developing targeted programs and services.
4. Do you see any outstanding benefits or detractions from the modality discussed in the article in contemporary wellness environments?
One of the outstanding benefits of CAM therapies is that it provides more holistic approaches to wellness, boosting overall health, and helping individuals to be better in tune with their bodies. CAM therapies allow individuals to relieve pain, anxiety, and other conditions with natural treatments without the potential side effects of allopathic medicine. However, one of the detractions is the lack of regulation of some CAM treatments, which could lead to patients receiving unsafe or ineffective treatments. The focus on natural remedies and holistic healing in CAM therapies must not be used at the expense of neglecting traditional medicine and interventions that should not be overlooked, especially in severe health situations.
Conclusion:
CAM therapies can serve as complementary medicine to traditional medicine, with some individuals finding it to be more effective for their needs. Some are drawn to CAM therapies due to holistic and cultural reasons, and some demographics are more prone to these therapies. The study of CAM therapies will continue to involve gaining a deeper knowledge of the practice and insights into the unique requirements different groups of people may have. With regulations, it can be integrated safely into contemporary wellness environments.
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