There have been great strides in the acceptance of alternative therapies the last 10 years. As an example more than one in four U.S. hospitals now offer complementary and alternative therapies (CAM), such as acupuncture, homeopathy, and massage therapy. A survey shows the percentage of hospitals offering one or more CAM services increased from 8% in 1998 to 27% in 2005. The top inpatient services were massage therapy (37%); music/art therapy (26%); therapeutic touch (25%); guided imagery (22%); relaxation training (20%); and acupuncture (11%).
When I first started practicing medicine in the mid 80’s CAM therapy had very little if any acceptance among allopathic physicians. In fact, one could run the risk of losing his/her medical license by practicing alternative medicine. The changes that are taking place today are long over due. One of the main reason we are seeing this change in opinion is because the public is tired of drug therapy and want something better.
Terry Pfau, DO, HMD