Essay On CAM

2489 Words5 Pages

History and Trends Popularity with CAM has grown since the development of self-care advice such as self-help books and self-care books. The concept of self-care is consumer culture characterized by the multi-billion dollar industries that have a sole focus on diet programs, fitness, cosmetics, and an array of self-help books The history of healing gardens was first recorded in the twelfth century, at a monastery in Clairvaux, France. St. Bernard credited the benefits of a hospice garden, to its green plants, fragrances, privacy and birdsong to being therapeutic in healing of the soul. The history of healing gardens continued to be successful as plant based activities were introduced in veteran’s hospitals during World War II to be used as rehabilitation service for veterans that were wounded. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), is generally defined as those healing modalities that provide supplemental treatment in addition to conventional treatment. A majority of people find information about CAM via the internet, friends, or family. The quality of this information varies greatly. Yoga, meditation, chiropractic treatment, and acupuncture, are among the most popular uses of CAM. The way people perceive health today portrays a more holistic approach rather than solely biomedicine. Interestingly enough, users of CAM are of the better educated population who suffer from chronic diseases. CAM is generally used a supplement to biomedical health care rather than replacing it (Fries, 2013) Children and the use of CAM Children are also frequent users of CAM by the use of vitamins or herbal remedies, such as Omega 3 essential fatty acids or herbal remedies such as St. John’s wort have... ... middle of paper ... ... the difficulties in researching animals. Availability seems to be an issue as well with access to healthy foods. Financial strains and the affordability of healthy food is yet another barrier. One participant with serious mental illness stated, “In a lot of these places around where I live, I mean in the immediate area, they don’t have a lot of it (fresh fruits and vegetables), and if they are they are sky high (in price) (Barre Laura, 2011).” The issue of transportation in order to obtain food is another obstacle in eating healthy. Areas in which social work can advocate for clients is to fight for healthy eating at community mental health centers. It is also imperative to be empowering individuals to not only be mentally healthy, but to strive for a healthier diet. Clinicians could also ask about eating in response to emotional eating (Barre Laura, 2011).

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