A Review of the Incorporation of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by Mainstream Physicians

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Abstract
COMPLEMENTARY and alternative medicine (CAM), a subject that was covered extensively in the last issue of the ARCHIVES, includes a variety of medical interventions that are not taught extensively at US medical schools or generally provided at US hospitals.1 In 1990, an estimated 33% of the general public in the United States reported using 1 or more types of CAM, and the number of visits to CAM providers was greater than the number of visits to all primary care physicians.1 A national survey conducted in 1994 found 40% of the general public reporting the use of CAM within the previous year.2 Surveys in Europe and Australia have reported similar uses of CAM (range, 20% to 49%).3-6 The popularity of particular types of CAM varies geographically, but generally includes chiropractic, relaxation techniques, massage, herbal medicine, and homeopathy.1-5 The demographic characteristics of frequent CAM users do not vary regionally. Different international surveys consistently report that users of CAM tend to be more educated, have higher incomes, and are more likely to be between the ages of 30 and 49 years.1,7-9 However, Astin2 found that among demographic variables only educational level predicted use of CAM.