Introduction to Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Primary Task Response: Within the Discussion Board area, write 250 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas.

In 1994, the federal government limited the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) power to regulate natural drugs, such as herbs and vitamins. Because these substances are deemed natural, people may think that they are safe, but that is not always the case. Other complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies—mind–body–spirit therapies, energy and biofield therapies, and manipulation therapies—are generally safe, but each patient needs to be assessed for contraindications. For this reason, it is important that any form of CAM is discussed with the health care professional.

Within this Discussion Board, reflect on any alternative treatments that you have ever opted to use—in particular, treatment other than what was recommended by your allopathic medical provider—and answer the following questions:

What was the response when you discussed it with your medical provider?
Did your health care insurance cooperate fully and pay the bill?
If you have not opted for CAM to treat anything serious before, what treatments would you expect your insurance to cover?