Alternative No More

Not so long ago, many people considered complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM, as something exotic or bizarre. But today 36 percent of American adults use some form of CAM, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Now the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have begun to integrate CAM practices into the care of patients participating in clinical trials.

Last spring, an Integrative Medicine Consult Service was established at the NIH Clinical Center, the world's largest research hospital. The new service provides an opportunity for clinicians to discuss CAM therapies with knowledgeable medical staff and learn how such practices might complement patient care.

A Bright Outlook

Traditionally, most CAM practitioners had solo practices or worked in alternative clinics. But that's starting to change. Some health systems now hire CAM practitioners such as acupuncturists and massage therapists. Some insurance plans now pay for CAM therapies.

For those interested in pursuing a career in complementary care, the outlook is bright. Here's a run-down of some of the most common forms of CAM.

Chiropractic

Chiropractors diagnose and treat patients whose health problems are associated with the body's muscular, nervous and skeletal systems, especially the spine. They emphasize the importance of healthy lifestyles and do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery. They often collaborate with medical doctors, and their services are increasingly covered by insurance. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of chiropractors is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations through the year 2014. Learn more at www.acatoday.org.

Acupuncture

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine describes acupuncture as "a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical points on the body." The most common technique involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles. These are manipulated with the hands or by electrical stimulation. Most acupuncturists have private practices, although some are finding jobs in HMOs and healthcare systems. Learn more at www.aaaomonline.org.

Massage Therapy

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for massage therapists is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations through the year 2014. This will happen as more people learn about the benefits of massage therapy. Therapists who complete formal training programs and pass the national certification exam are likely to have good job opportunities. Employment opportunities will increase due to the growing acceptance of massage as a medical tool by providers and insurers. Learn more at www.amtamassage.org.

Naturopathic Medicine

According to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, this system of medicine is based on the assumption that nature is orderly. This orderliness results in ongoing life and well-being. Treatments are tailored to a patient's physical condition and life circumstances. Naturopaths complete a four-year graduate-level degree. They study the same basic sciences as an M.D., as well as clinical nutrition, acupuncture, homeopathic medicine, herbal medicine, psychology and lifestyle counseling. The majority of naturopaths go into private practice. Insurance plans are beginning to cover naturopathic care. Learn more at www.naturopathic.org.

For a more complete overview of CAM, visit National Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine, nccam.nih.gov.

Nancy Giguere is a freelance writer from St. Paul who has written about healthcare since 1995.