Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM)

Alternative Health Care - This term is used to describe any medicinal interventions that are not taught widely at medical schools nor generally available in hospitals. They are used in place of conventional medicine (Eisenberg et al 1993; McDowell, 1994)

Complementary Health Care – This term is used to characterize the intervention in which the therapy is prescribed or used in combination with conventional medicine or treatment (Cleaveland and Biester, 1995)

Integrative Health Care - Integrative health blends complementary and conventional treatments addressing the body, mind and spirit, as well as the environment and relationships with others. It focuses on wellness, health promotion, and the healing process (Source-Healing Connections Society of Calgary) Source: Integrative Health Institute - Calgary

There is no alternative treatment for MS that can substitute for proven medical treatment. Beware of anything touted as a cure.

CAM includes a broad variety of therapies that augment but do not replace conventional medical approaches. Keep in mind that alternative treatments whose risks and benefits have not been rigorously studied on humans may be both ineffective and even harmful. In addition, persons with MS who disregard scientifically validated therapies while pursing unproven methods could increase their incidence of exacerbations. While many CAM treatments are generally considered safe, you should always consult your doctor before initiating them.

For an idea of some of the CAM that exist, see the Multiple Sclerosis Complementary Alternative Medicine site at www.ms-cam.org

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