COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE

MEDICINE
CAM101
COURSE SYLLABUS
General Information:
Instructor: Rasia Ming
Email: rasiaming@student.kaplan.edu
Course Meetings: Hamilton Community Centre (Monday to Thursday 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm)
Credit Hours: 4

Course Description:
This course will serve as an introduction to Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the
health approaches that fall within. This class will be dedicated to understanding the basic concepts of CAM
as well as taking a closer look at the different health approaches that can be used to reach optimum levels
of health and wellness. In addition, other forms of CAM that are not widely used will be addressed so that
deeper knowledge can be gained of the topic.

Course Prerequisites:
None

Course Objectives:
1. To understand the basics of Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
2. To understand the types of Complementary Health Approaches.
3. To learn about various health approaches that are commonly used
4. To learn about other health approaches.
5. To gain a sense of understanding about CAM as a whole.
Required Materials:
Micozzi, M. S. (2011). Fundamentals of complementary and alternative medicine. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo.:
Saunders/Elsevier.
Basics: Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name?
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, Maryland 20892
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/integrative-health

Recommended Materials:
Michie, D., & Bell, N. (2011). Hurry up and meditate: [your starter kit for inner peace and better
health]. Unabridged. Tullamarine, Vic.: Bolinda Audio.

Grading:
Grading will be based upon mastery of each topic covered within the course through scores of assignments,
lab work, quizzes and final exams.
Grading Scale : 0% - 100%
 CAM101
GENERAL COURSE OUTLINE
Lesson One:
CAM Basics
•What is CAM?
•Why Choose CAM?
Types of Complementary Health Approaches
•Mind and Body Practices
•Natural Products

Lesson Two:
A Closer look...
•Vitamins, Herbs and Nutritional Supplements
•Yoga
•Meditation
•Massage Therapy

Lesson Three:
Additional Complementary Health Approaches
•Ayurvedic Medicine
•Traditional Chinese Medicine
•Naturopathy
 CAM 101
LESSON ONE LECTURE
Lesson Summary:

This lesson addresses the basics of Complementary and Alternative Medicine

(CAM). It poses questions of "what is CAM?", as well as "why should I choose
CAM?", which are questions that require much thought. Going over
the basic concepts of this particular topic of health will provide in depth answers
to these questions and aid in enhancing learning and knowledge of CAM as a
whole.
Lesson Content:

What is CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine?

Complementary and alternative medicine is the term used for medical practices and products that are not part of standard medical
care (Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name, 2017). Complementary Medicine is treatments that
are used along with standard medical treatments but are not considered as standard treatments. An example of Complementary
medicine would be using acupuncture to lessen side effects associated with different forms of treatment. On the other hand,
alternative medicine is treatments that are used instead of standard medical treatments. An example would include using
a special diet to treat diabetes rather than the normal diabetic drugs that are prescribed by a practitioner (Complementary,
Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name, 2017). CAM treatments have undergone careful evaluation and have found
to be safe and effective for those who use it. However, some CAM therapies have been found to be ineffective and, in some
cases, can be harmful depending on an individual's specific case. This is why it is very important to always consult with a
healthcare provider before choosing to use CAM on your own (Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a
Name, 2017).

Why should I choose CAM?

Choosing CAM allows for individuals to experience treatment in a more natural and effective way.
You become more health conscious when using CAM methods of treatment and this consciousness allows you to have a more
active role in your own health and the steps you take to get it to a level that is not only satisfying but life changing for you
(Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name, 2017). If failure is seen with the use of normal prescribed
medications, CAM therapies provide relief for specific complaints that an individual is experiencing. Additionally, people
find comfort from the complementary treatments they receive from a therapist. It gives you an opportunity to remain positive as
well as works to boost your immune system allowing you to fight off chronic complaints and illnesses in a more soothing way
(Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name, 2017).
What are the Types of Complementary and Health Approaches?

Most complementary health approaches fall into two subgroups which is mind and body practices or natural practices.
Mind and body practices include a wide range and diverse group of techniques administered or taught by a trained
teacher or practitioner (Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name, 2017). Such techniques
as chiropractic and osteopathic manipulation, massage therapy, meditation and yoga are among the most popular mind
and body practices used by adults. Additionally, mind and body practices including relaxation techniques such
as guided imagery, breathing exercises and progressive muscles relaxation, healing touch, hypnotherapy, acupuncture,
tai-chi and qi gong have also been of assistance to many. Each therapy is chosen based on what is suited for an
individual and their specific case (Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name, 2017).

On the other hand, natural products which are a variety of products such as vitamins, herbs and nutritional supplements
are widely marketed and available to consumers. Many adults include a dietary supplement in their diet. This is the most
popular complementary health approach seen amongst individuals. Many of these natural products are considered safe
to consume because they are present or produced by nature. However, some do have tendencies to not interact well
with other medications being taken (Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name, 2017). It is
essential to speak with a physician about any natural products you take or would like to take in order to rule out any
risks that can be associated with them.
HANDOUTS
 CAM 101
LESSON TWO LECTURE
Lesson Summary:

This lesson takes us on a journey to look closer at complementary health

approaches. It aids in providing in depth information about some of the most
popular forms of CAM that are used. Addressing these specific forms of CAM
allows us to be fully aware of what they entail when it comes to health
promotion and improving well-being.
Lesson Content:

A closer look at Complementary Health Approaches...

Vitamins, Herbs and Nutritional Supplements have become a strong part of today's popular health culture. The use of
vitamins, herbs and nutritional supplements is primarily self-initiated rather than practitioner based and presents unique
regulatory, safety, and efficacy challenges to consumers, researchers, and practitioners. These natural products of
CAM are for intended use of supplementing the diet (Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a
Name, 2017). There are many types of vitamins, herbs and nutritional supplements that are available to consumers, each
carrying specific health benefits. The most popular vitamins, herbs and nutritional supplements that are used, include
Omega-3s, Multivitamins, Whole-food concentrate, Vitamin C, Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin
D, Spirulina and Turmeric (Micozzi, 2011). Large rigorous studies have been done on a few natural products
to show their overall effectiveness. While indications have been made that these natural products are in fact helpful in
most cases more must be learned about effects that these products have in the human body, their overall safety
and potential interactions with medicines and other natural products.
Yoga is a mind and body practice that is said to originate in India during the Golden Age. The actual Sanskirt word,
when broken down means "to control" or "to unite" (Micozzi, 2011). Yoga is a major part of the Hindu religion as it
embodies their natural state of being and spirituality. The popularity of yoga has grown dramatically in recent years,
with almost twice as many adults practicing yoga today. Yoga can be done from the privacy of your home or in a
classroom. Once you get into Yoga you learn that it is so much more than just a way to work-out and keep in shape, but
more of a philosophy, a passion and a way of life for many of those who involve themselves in this form of CAM.

The styles of yoga typically combine breathing techniques, physical posture and relaxation. There are numerous
schools of yoga. Hatha yoga is the type of yoga that is commonly practiced throughout the United States and Europe
which emphasizes posture and breathing. Some of the major styles of Hatha
Yoga include Vini, Iyengar, Ashtanga and Bikram (Micozzi, 2011).

Yoga has the power to do many beneficial things for the human body. There are both physical and mental benefits that
can be achieved from partaking in yoga. Individuals who suffer from different conditions find that yoga is of great
assistance to them and their health issues. Listed below are the major physical and mental benefits that have been linked
to yoga.
Physical Benefits of Yoga
•Increased Strength and Flexibility
•Increased Body Alignment (reduces pain in the joints)
•Increased Balance
•Increased Stamina

Mental Benefits of Yoga

•Body Awareness
•Better Sleep
•Relaxation
•Stress Reduction
•Improvement in self-confidence

(Micozzi, 2011)
Meditation is also a mind and body practice. There are many types of meditation which originated
in ancient spiritual and religious traditions. Some forms of meditation instruct the practitioner to become mindful of
feelings, sensations and thoughts in order to observe them in a nonjudgmental way (Complementary, Alternative, or
Integrative Health: What’s In a Name, 2017). Meditation has a long history for increasing calmness, improving
psychological balance, increasing physical relaxation and enhancing overall health and wellbeing coping with
different illnesses.
Many studies of meditation have been conducted for different conditions stating that it can be helpful for reducing
blood pressure, symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome as well as flare-ups that are associated with ulcerative colitis.
It has the power to ease symptoms of depression, anxiety and works to help people with insomnia.

Additional conditions benefited by Meditation:

•Pain
•Smoking Cessation
•Menopausal Symptoms
•Inflammation

Although meditation is generally considered safe for healthy people, those with physical limitations may not be able
to participate in certain meditative practices involving movement (Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health:
What’s In a Name, 2017). Therefore, discussions must be held with healthcare providers or mediation
instructors before starting this type of practice.
Massage Therapy dates back thousands of years and references to massage appear in ancient writing from
Japan, Egypt, China and India. Massage therapy encompasses many different techniques (Micozzi, 2011). Generally,
therapists press, rub, and otherwise manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body to help you feel
better. Therapists most often use their hands and fingers, but may use their forearms, elbows and even feet. Essential
oils are sometimes incorporated during massage therapy as a form of aromatherapy.

Much of the scientific research that has be conducted on massage therapy points at its beneficial effects on pain and
other symptoms that are associated with a number of different conditions such as cancer, mental health, headaches,
fibromyalgia and HIV/AIDS (Micozzi, 2011). However, evidence suggests that these effects are short term and that
individuals must continue to receive massages so that the benefits are ongoing.

Massage therapy appears to have few risks when it performed by a trained practitioner but massage therapists should
take some precautions when working with individuals who suffer from certain health conditions (Micozzi, 2011).
Conditions include bleeding disorders, tumors, people that take blood thinners as well as women who are pregnant.
HANDOUTS
 CAM101
LESSON THREE LECTURE
Lesson Summary:

This lesson aids as a wrap up lesson providing additional information about other
forms of complementary health approaches that are available. The information
provided in this lesson will further enhance knowledge previously gained about
complementary health approaches in the previous lessons.
Lesson Content:

Wrapping up!

A closer look at additional Complementary Health Approaches...

Ayurvedic Medicine is one of the world's oldest medical systems. It originated in India more than 3,000 years
ago. It remains as one of India's traditional health care systems (Micozzi, 2011). Ayurvedic medicine's concepts
about health and disease promote the use of special diets, herbal compounds and other unique health practices.

Inside Out: The Science of Ayuveda: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOa3fGdMNMY

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) originated in ancient China and has evolved over thousands of years. TCM
practitioners use herbal medicines and various mind and body practices, such as acupuncture and tai chi, to treat or
prevent health problems. In the United States, people use TCM primarily as a complementary health approach
(Micozzi, 2011).

Traditional Chinese medicine and harmony of the planet: Lixin Huang at

TEDxWWF: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbLAoUG3wmY&t=135s
Naturopathy also called naturopathic medicine is a medical system that has evolved from a combination of
traditional practices and health care approaches that are popular in Europe during the 19th century (Micozzi, 2011).

People visit naturopathic practitioners for various health-related purposes including that of primary care, overall
well-being, and treatment of different illnesses.

What is naturopathic medicine?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqivwXL2XcY

HANDOUTS
 TCM
Five Elements Theory
 Educational Resources

Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name?. (2017). Retrieved

January 11, 2018 from https://nccih.nih.gov/health/integrative-health#cvsa

Micozzi, M. S. (2011). Fundamentals of complementary and alternative medicine. 4th ed. St.
Louis, Mo.: Saunders/Elsevier