This document discusses complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies. It provides data on increasing CAM use in the US population and barriers to CAM adoption by conventional medical practitioners. Some CAM therapies, like aromatherapy and mindfulness meditation, show potential benefits for issues like anxiety, pain and dementia symptoms based on limited clinical studies. The document advocates an approach for physicians to take regarding CAM that respects patient values while counseling on risks and benefits.

1. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Suzana Makowski, MD Melissa Fischer, MD MEd Images included may be copyrighted and are used for education under the Fair Use and TEACH Acts. Use for other purposes must conform to national copyright law.

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