Complementary and alternative medicine provide options; a way to go back to the original source of healing, the path that was traveled before the invention of scientific medicine. Although termed "alternative" now, these sometimes-considered-hoodoo methods were established and practiced from the earliest of recorded history.

     The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) classifies complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) into five major groups including whole medical systems, mind-body medicine, biologically-based practice, manipulative and body-based practices and energy medicine (see sidebar for list). The most common usages of CAM are consumption of non-vitamin, non-mineral natural products. Use of several therapies, including deep breathing exercises, meditation, massage therapy and yoga has widely increased in the last few decades.

     Those using CAM are varied, but according to NCCAM, use of CAM is highest among women and those with higher levels of income and education. In the United States, approximately 38 percent of adults (about 4 in 10) and approximately 12 percent of children (about 1 in 9) are using some form of CAM.

     Local practitioners tell me that more frequently, physicians of patients with chronic issues are referring them to alternative practitioners. Many times CAM are used in conjunction with mainstream medicine to enhance healing. The articles and advertisers in this issue share information about some of the healing methods available in our area.