Discover The Crucial Role YOU Play in Shaping Global Health and The World Economy!
By Jayney Goddard MSc, FCMA, PG Dip Ed. President, The Complementary Medical Association
In recent years, there’s been a significant shift in how we approach health and healing. The terms ‘complementary medicine’, ‘integrative health care’, and ‘alternative medicine’ are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion among patients, healthcare providers, and even the media. However, these approaches are distinct, and it’s crucial to understand their differences to appreciate the valuable role they play in modern healthcare.
Over my four decades in this fascinating profession I have noticed that too often, complementary medical practitioners ‘play small’, not knowing just how much of a contribution they make to the health of society – and the economy. I really want CMA Members to know just how much of a massive contribution they offer!
The words we use matter
It is really important in this field to make sure that we are all using the same terms correctly – so that we can speak with a united voice – and be understood, when it comes to working with conventional medical partners – and governmental stakeholders for example.
Alternative Medicine – an outdate term
Firstly, let’s address the outdated term ‘alternative medicine’. This phrase suggests that these therapies are used instead of conventional medicine, which is not the case in modern practice. The field has evolved considerably, and we now recognise that the most effective approach to health often involves a combination of conventional and complementary therapies.
Complementary medicine and integrative health care
Complementary medicine and integrative health care, as the names suggest, work alongside conventional medical treatments. They encompass a wide range of therapies and practices, from acupuncture and herbal medicine to mindfulness and nutrition. These approaches are used to enhance overall well-being, manage symptoms, and support the body’s natural healing processes. Importantly, complementary medicine and integrative health care are not intended to replace conventional treatments but to work in harmony with them.
Taking these concepts a step further, overall they offer an holistic approach that combines the best of conventional medicine with evidence-based complementary therapies. This model of care considers the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – and addresses the full range of physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, and environmental influences that affect health. In our field we emphasise the therapeutic relationship between practitioner and patient, our work is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapies, both conventional and complementary – for the ultimate good of the patient.
Is complementary medicine and integrative health care growing in popularity?
The shift towards these models of care is not just a trend; it’s a response to the growing burden of lifestyle-related illnesses. According to the World Health Organization, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) – primarily cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes (predominantly Type 2) – are responsible for 71% of all deaths globally. In the UK alone, NCDs account for an estimated 89% of all deaths.
The economic impact of these diseases is staggering. The NHS spends approximately £11 billion a year on diabetes treatment alone (That’s over £30 million pounds per day!), and this figure is projected to rise to £16.9 billion by 2035. Cardiovascular diseases cost the UK economy an estimated £19 billion annually, including healthcare costs and lost productivity.
In the United States, the economic impact of NCDs is even more pronounced than in the UK, given the larger population and different healthcare system. Here are some key statistics:
1. Overall NCD impact: According to the Milken Institute, the total cost of chronic diseases in the US was $3.7 trillion in 2019 (10,137 billion dollars PER DAY!), equivalent to nearly 19.6% of the country’s GDP. This includes both direct healthcare costs and indirect costs such as lost productivity.
2. Cardiovascular diseases: The American Heart Association reports that cardiovascular diseases cost the US economy $363 billion annually (as of 2016-2017 data). This includes $216 billion in direct medical costs and $147 billion in lost productivity due to premature death.
3. Diabetes: The American Diabetes Association estimates that the total cost of diagnosed diabetes in the US was $327 billion in 2017. This includes $237 billion in direct medical costs and $90 billion in reduced productivity.
4. Cancer: According to the National Cancer Institute, the national expenditure for cancer care in the US was $190.2 billion in 2015 and is projected to increase to $245.6 billion by 2030.
5. Chronic respiratory diseases: The CDC reports that in 2020, the total cost of chronic respiratory diseases like COPD was estimated at $49 billion, including $32.1 billion in direct healthcare expenditures.
6. Mental health conditions: While not always categorised as NCDs, mental health conditions have a significant economic impact. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that serious mental illness costs America $193.2 billion in lost earnings per year.
These figures underscore the enormous economic burden of NCDs in the United States, reinforcing the potential value of complementary medicine and integrative healthcare approaches in prevention and management of these conditions. The scale of these costs in the US context further emphasises the global nature of this healthcare challenge and the need for innovative, holistic solutions.
Addressing the root of illness – how we help
Complementary medicine and integrative health care offer a proactive approach to these challenges. By focusing on prevention and addressing the root causes of illness, these approaches can potentially reduce the burden on healthcare systems and improve quality of life for millions.
For instance, mind-body practices like meditation and yoga have been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve overall cardiovascular health. Nutritional therapy can play a crucial role in managing conditions like diabetes and obesity. Acupuncture has demonstrated effectiveness in pain management, potentially reducing reliance on opioids.
Moreover, these approaches align with the growing emphasis on patient-centred care. They empower individuals to take an active role in their health, promoting lifestyle changes and self-care practices that can have long-lasting benefits.
Standards, ethics, training
It’s important to note that complementary medicine and integrative health care are not a free-for-all. Practitioners in these fields undergo rigorous training and adhere to strict safety protocols. Many complementary therapies have a long history of use and a rapidly growing body of scientific evidence supporting their efficacy.
The safety of these approaches, when practiced by qualified professionals – such as Members of The CMA, is paramount. Reputable practitioners work within their scope of practice, recognise when to refer to other healthcare providers, and are committed to ongoing professional development (CMA CPD).
The future
As we move forward, it’s crucial that we continue to bridge the gap between complementary and conventional medicine. This requires open dialogue, continued research, and a willingness to embrace a more holistic view of health.
For healthcare professionals, understanding the principles of complementary medicine and integrative health care can enhance patient care and outcomes. For patients, it opens up a wider range of options for managing their health and well-being.
Complementary medicine and integrative health care represent a modern, holistic approach to health that complements rather than opposes conventional medicine. By focusing on prevention, addressing root causes, and treating the whole person, these approaches offer valuable tools in the fight against lifestyle-related illnesses. As we face the growing challenges of NCDs, embracing these models of care could be key to creating a healthier, more sustainable healthcare system.
CMA Members can be justifiably proud of the contribution they are making to the health of society – and the concomitant reduction of the global economic burden of illness.