Question

Describe an example of integrating biomedical and non biomedical healers and healing practices in the U.S. or elsewhere in the world

Answer 1

Non-biomedical medical therapies or CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) consists of different health care systems and medical practices that are not considered as a part of regular medical practice (National Institutes of Health (NIH).

These systems have effective solutions for a particular set of diseases. For example, acupuncture is found to be against the side effects caused by anti-cancer drugs. Acupuncture is a Chinese Medical technique, which involves using needles to unblock the pathways carrying energy. It is being used in the treatment of various musculo-skeletal disorders.

Acupuncture is found to relieve the symptoms of joint pain in women taking breast cancer treatment. It also helps to relive the pain and other symptoms (hot flashes, difficulty in breathing, fatigue) in other cancer patients. Acupuncture releases the endorphins (endogenous pain relieving substances), and elevate the serotonin levels, which helps to enhance the feeling of wellbeing. So, combining the biochemical treatment for cancer and acupuncture technique can help the cancer patients to have relief from the sickness.