The rise and rise of complementary and alternative medicine: a sociological perspective

Abstract

Major reasons for the growth in the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), in Australia and elsewhere, are general societal changes rather than specific reasons internal to medicine. There are problems of definition of CAM, as well as the extent to which CAM modalities can be considered a unified paradigm. The general changes examined include the consumer and green movements, as well as postmodernism. The movement surrounding evidence‐based healthcare may provide some answers, but will not settle the issue of compatibility. CAM is here to stay and will continue to present challenges for conventional medicine on how to respond.

General practitioners' knowledge and practice of complementary/alternative medicine and its relationship with life-styles: a population-based survey in Italy

“…In this study factors such as following a vegetarian or macrobiotic diet and practising physical activity appear to be associated with the professional use of CAM. These findings support the theory that a holistic view of health and health care can be one of the possible determinants of GPs' interest in this type of medicine [5,30]. …”

“…In its various forms, CAM is enjoying a growing popularity among the public [2,3]. Dissatisfaction with mainstream modern medicine particularly with regards to patient-physician relationship, concerns about the side effects of chemical drugs, and personal beliefs favouring a more holistic orientation to health care are often quoted as possible explanations [3-5]. Estimates of CAM use in Western countries range from about one-third to half of the general population [6,7].…”

Ethnomedicine and dominant medicine in multicultural Australia: a critical realist reflection on the case of Korean-Australian immigrants in Sydney

“…Coulter and Willis [[16]: 588] note that ethnomedicine 'has become a widely used form of health care', with up to 42 per cent of Australians reporting using traditional medicines. MacLennan et al [57] estimate that complementary therapy/medicine has developed into a thriving service industry in Australia, generating in excess of $2.3 billion annually.…”

“…Second, taking hanbang i medicine in the Korean-Australian community as an illustrative case, the paper explores the transformation of the dominant biomedicine in Australia as a result of the influx of ethnomedicine in the era of global capitalism and global movement. The terms ethnomedicine, complementary therapy, traditional medicine, alternative medicine and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), carry different connotations for different people [16]. In this study the terms are used interchangeably.…”

Complementary and alternative medicines versus prescription drugs: perceptions of emergency department patients

“…Patients may require management of CAM toxicity 2 5 7 12 and there is the potential for interaction between CAM and drugs prescribed in both primary care and ED settings. 6 12-15 Finally, individuals may use CAM for reasons of self empowerment, 16 failure or distrust of conventional medicine, 17 and a belief that CAM are safe 1 6 and drug free. 1 8 17 These perceptions may impact adversely upon ED management, especially with regard to patient compliance with conventional treatment regimens.…”