In Part I of this article, I explored some of the traditional Western, allopathic (conventional) interventions for a diagnosis of sarcoidosis. In Part II, I will provide information that you can use to examine potential CAM interventions for alleviating symptoms of sarcoidosis. Because every person's experience of sarcoidosis is different, the information in this article should not be considered an endorsement for any particular therapy. The decision to try complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is one that is best made in consultation with a primary care physician.
Suzanne Somers' announcement on March 29, 2001, that she is using an alternative therapy to treat her breast cancer, has put alternative medicine in the spotlight. While Somers has undergone radiation, a conventional cancer treatment, she has refused to undergo chemotherapy. Instead, she has chosen Iscador, a homeopathic remedy used widely in Asia and Europe, and, according to Somers, approved in the United States just recently. Physicians have expressed concern that Somers' choice will be seen as a carte blanche endorsement for treating breast cancer, even though Somers specifically states that the treatment is right for her, and may not be right for others.
There is an ongoing debate over the usefulness and safety of complementary and alternative medicine. However, in the 1990's, consumers turned to CAM in record numbers. While 33% of healthcare consumers used CAM in 1994, by 1997, 42% used CAM such as homeopathy, massage, herbal medicine, folk remedies, megavitamins and energy healing, to the tune of 27 billion dollars. In addition, a significant number of physicians had begun to refer their patients to CAM practitioners.
A year after the 1997 survey, the U.S. Congress established the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NCCAM defines CAM as "those healthcare and medical practices that are not currently an integral part of conventional medicine." Complementary therapies are typically used along with traditional Western medical interventions in an integrative way. Alternative therapies are used instead of conventional medicine.
NCCAM conducts scientific research to assure that CAM is safe and effective. It also defines and categorizes the various CAM products and practices, maintains an extensive database, and provides a public information clearinghouse. Consumers and professionals can also participate in public town meetings and obtain information on conferences and educational programs.
NCCAM divides CAM into five broad categories: 1. Alternative Medicine Systems (AMS): Traditional Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Native American, etc., homeopathic and naturopathic medicine. Acupuncture, controlled breathing, and natural medicines are examples of AMS.
