CAM use in the US

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) reports that approximately 38% of adults and 12% of children use some form of CAM.

First, the details.

• The findings are from the 2007 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), an annual survey of Americans regarding their health- and illness-related experiences.
• 23,393 adults aged at least 18 years of age and 9,417 children younger than 18 years were surveyed.

And, the results.

• CAM use among adults is greater among women and those with higher education and incomes.
• Nonvitamin, nonmineral natural products are the most commonly used CAM among adults.
• The most popular natural products are fish oil/omega 3, glucosamine, echinacea, and flaxseed.
• CAM use has increased for several therapies
  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Meditation
  • Massage therapy
  • Yoga
• American adults are most likely to use CAM for musculoskeletal problems such as back, neck, or joint pain.
• CAM for head or chest colds decreased from 2002 to 2007.

CAM included in the survey.

• Acupuncture
• Ayurveda
• Biofeedback
• Chelation therapy
• Chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation
• Deep breathing exercises
• Diet-based therapies
• Energy healing therapy/Reiki
• Guided imagery
• Homeopathic treatment
• Hypnosis
• Massage
• Meditation
• Movement therapies: Alexander technique, feldenkreis, pilates, trager psychophysical integration
• Natural products
• Naturopathy
• Progressive relaxation
• Qi gong
• Tai chi
• Traditional healers
• Yoga

The bottom line?
Religion and spirituality were not among the CAM options surveyed. If they had, the percentages would have been higher, as they were in 2002.

12/11/08 20:30 JR