Treating Lethal and Debilitating Illnesses with Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Columbia University: Harlem Health Promotion Center

University of South Carolina: Prevention Research Center

Topics:
Cancer | Complementary Medicine

Researchers at the two centers identified complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments effective in curing or relieving the symptoms of lethal or debilitating illnesses. Their methods included comprehensive reviews of published and online information, surveys of patients and CAM providers, and studies of demographic and cultural characteristics of people who have successfully used CAM in treating lethal or debilitating diseases. The researchers also examined whether the way participants view their illness or define their disease affects how they seek and react to care.

The researchers in South Carolina also analyzed cancer patients’ use of macrobiotics, which is based on the theory that peoples’ well being results from their total environment, including foods consumed, daily social interactions, the climate and geography. They also explored faith or spiritual healing for physical and mental ailments. The researchers interviewed people who use these therapies and the healers who advocate their use, reviewed associated literature, and did an analysis of people whose use of macrobiotics may have altered the course of their cancer.

 

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