Course Goals:

Although ancient practices such as yoga, botanicals, acupuncture, tai chi, and meditation are considered unconventional or alternative medicine in mainstream healthcare, these therapies have been practiced for centuries in many parts of the world (Mordeniz, 2019). It is estimated that 80% of the world’s population living in the developing world rely on herbal medicinal products as a primary source of healthcare and traditional medical practice viewed as an integral part of the culture in those communities (Ekor, 2014). Traditional Medicine (TM), also known also as ethno-medicine, folk medicine or indigenous healing is the oldest form of a health care system as an ancient and culture-bound method of healing for humans to address various diseases. Different societies have evolved divergent forms of indigenous healing methods such as Chinese, Indian, Native American, South American, and African traditional medicines (Mordeniz, 2019). 

It should be noted that terminology in this content area is inconsistent among sources as terms continue to change as this area evolves. The broad scope of complementary health approaches including the numerous healthcare professionals and practitioners who deliver them create challenges in agreeing upon an adequate definition capturing the large scope of this field (Snyder & Lindquist, 2018). Formerly known as Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), the current term complementary health approaches (CHA) refer to products, practices, and services outside the domain of allopathic, also known as conventional, Western, or mainstream medicine (de Mederios & Saad, 2012). These approaches are also referred to as Integrative Medicine, Integrative Health, or Holistic Health (Vadnais, 2021). Complementary health approaches encompass a diverse and broad range of practices, services, and products (de Mederios & Saad, 2012). Healthcare that combines CHA with conventional medicine becomes complementary health approaches and integrative health (CHAIH) (de Medeiros & Saad, 2012, Snyder & Lindquist, 2018). 

Furthermore, the distinctions between CHA and conventional medicine are constantly evolving since interventions such as breathing techniques for pain management during childbirth, once considered unconventional have received greater acceptance (de Medeiros & Saad, 2012). Global influences through migration and travel have increased health professionals’ awareness of multi-cultural health practices. As these practices from indigenous cultures or other healing systems demonstrate efficacy and safety, the landscape of complementary and integrative health perpetually changes (Snyder & Lindquist, 2018). 

Professional Objectives:

1. Define the terms allopathic (conventional), alternative, complementary, and integrative health. 
   
2. Identify the role of complementary health approaches within the scope of Occupational Therapy practice. 
   
3. Describe how occupational Therapy practitioners can incorporate common complementary health approaches to enhance client outcomes. 
   
4. Apply the use of complementary health approaches within the OTPF-4; Practice Framework for Occupational Therapy Health Promotion. 
   
5. Explain the benefits, contraindications, and precautions for the use of select complementary health approaches when incorporated into Occupational Therapy.