COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE (CAM)
Complementary and alternative medicine practices (CAM) are used together with modern medicine practices in many countries around the world and in Türkiye. TACMP, which has been one of the focal points of health policies in recent years, has gained a legal framework and taken on a formal scope with the steps taken in this direction. CAM around the world; It is applied with various methods such as acupuncture, homeopathy, ozone therapy, oxygen therapy, mesotherapy, massage, hypnosis, ayurveda, aromatherapy, yoga, cryotherapy, meditation, osteopathy, reflexology, spa treatment, thermal therapy, hydrotherapy, musicotherapy, plates.
In general, CAM applications are grouped into five main groups:
1.Ancient/Traditional Medical Systems: Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasizes the balance of “qi” or vital energy. Within this system, disease is defined as a disturbance in the balance of vital energy or the balance of various organ systems. It includes traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, homeopathy and naturopathy.
2. Mind‐Body Interventions: These are methods used to affect the physical health of the mind. Meditation, hypnosis, yoga can be given as examples of music therapy.
3. Biologically Based Therapies: These treatments include herbs, foods, vitamins and other dietary supplements from nature. Some herbal products have been tested for side effects and quality.
4. Manipulative and Physically Based Therapies: These methods are based on manipulation and/or movement of one or more parts of the body. This method can be used to relieve pain, stress and anxiety, and improve overall well-being. Reflexology and therapeutic massage can be given as examples.
5. Energy Therapies: These treatments focus on energy both in the body and from external sources. The aim of energy therapy is to balance the energy flow in the patient. Reiki and qi gong can be given as examples.
