History of Medicine Academic Paper

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History of Medicine
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is continuously gaining popularity in the US with one in four American adults reportedly using it. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions (Briggs, 2009). The non-conventional treatments include natural substances like herbs, energy medicine like magnet therapy, massages, medicine focusing on the relationship between the mind the body such as mediation, and whole medical system such as homeopathy (Briggs, 2009).
It is reported that CAM is commonly used among people with considerably high education levels, women and those residing close to cities or in the cities (Briggs, 2009). One of the reasons why people resort to CAM is failure of conventional medicine to heal their conditions. Another reason is that people hold perceptions that natural products are superior to drugs from drug stores. Other people are attracted to the holistic approach that CAM takes. CAM addresses social, emotional and spiritual needs of the patients (Womens Health, n.d).
Some of the negative outcomes include the fact that some of the products used are known to cause other complications such as ephedra. Ephedra is a product from China that was found to cause heart complications. It was widely used in the US to help people manage their weight and to enhance their athletic capability. Others can interfere with other treatments for instance some products used to treat depression may interfere with HIV prescription drugs or alter the effectiveness of some contraceptives. Others may interfere with breastfeeding and pregnancy (Womens Health, n.d).
Most of the CAM such as black cohosh has not been scientifically studied and they pose serious risks for the users (Womens Health, n.d). It is recommended that people discuss their CAM treatment with their physician before embarking on a conventional medicine treatment regimen.