WASHINGTON, Dec 11, 2008 (UPI via COMTEX) -- A U.S. study suggests 38 percent
of adults and 12 percent of children use some form of complementary and
alternative medicine.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine describes such
therapies as "a group of diverse medical and healthcare systems, practices and
products such as herbal supplements, meditation, chiropractic and acupuncture
that are not generally considered to be part of conventional medicine."
A 2007 National Health Interview Survey included questions on 36 types of
non-traditional therapies commonly used in the United States.
Data from 2002 and 2007 suggests overall use of complementary and alternative
medicine practices among adults has remained relatively steady, although
significant increases were seen in the use of deep breathing, meditation,
massage therapy and yoga.
"These statistics confirm that CAM practices are a frequently used component of
Americans' healthcare regimens, and reinforce the need for rigorous research to
study the safety and effectiveness of these therapies." Dr. Josephine P. Briggs,
director of NCCAM, said Tuesday in a news release.
URL: www.upi.com
Copyright 2008 by United Press International