Complementary and alternative medicine : facts and figures : part 2

Abstract

The popularity of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is evident in both developed and less developed societies. It is perceived as being more natural and having fewer side effects than conventional medicine. Claims for efficacy are often unsubstantiated. In this second article, other forms of CAM will be described including herbalism, chiropractic, osteopathy, reflexology and iridology. Proposed mechanisms of action and evidence-based research about their efficacy will be presented, while issues related to safety and regulation will be discussed. Evidence for or against the efficacy of these forms of complementary and alternative medicine was obtained from studies, reviews and meta-analyses researched from various online publications. There is evidence for efficacy of osteopathy and chiropractic in low back pain, but little evidence for efficacy of herbal medicine. No evidence was demonstrated in iridology and reflexology. CAM practices should be researched for efficacy and safety applying the same standards used in conventional medicine.