A newly released survey has found that Americans are turning to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices more often.
The National Health Interview Survey found that in 2007 CAM expenditures accounted for 11.2 percent of total out-of-pocket health care spending, with $33.9 billion dollars spent versus $286.6 billion on conventional medicine.
CAM includes such procedures and approaches as acupuncture, biofeedback and neurofeedback, chiropractic, herbal supplements, meditation as well as various forms of relaxation therapy that are not routinely considered to be part of mainstream medicine.
The survey found that 38 percent of adults use some form of CAM every year, spending an estimated $12 billion on 354 yearly visits to CAM practitioners. Thats an increase compared to the last time the data was compiled in 2002.
Among the therapies being used most often are biofeedback, deep breathing exercises, meditation and yoga all things that encourage a mind-body connection. The therapies that are not being used as often include tai chi, progressive muscle relaxation and energy healing therapies.
CAM therapies, once dismissed by some in the medical community as superfluous, have become important health resources for everything from treating depression and anxiety to lowering blood pressure and improving overall health.