CAM and the Canadian Medical Profession
Each year, a significant number of Canadians turn to Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), and its popularity is increasing. The manner in which CAM is utilized, the extent of its usage, and the ambiguity surrounding standards of evidence contribute to its emergence as a healthcare concern. Additionally, Canadian physicians often lack the necessary training to adequately advise their patients on CAM.
Over the past 20 years, Integrative Medicine (IM) has grown and is recognized as a sub-specialty in the U.S, a world leader in education in this field. The current state of CAM and IM education for Canadian physicians is outlined in the Integrative Medicine in the Canadian Medical Profession: Certificate of Added Competence Proposal for Physicians (National Library of Medicine, 2023) with a comparison to the United States' experience. Canada is so far behind. The landscape and challenges of Integrative Medicine for Canadian physicians are examined. The proposal examines the landscape and challenges of Integrative Medicine by Canadian Medical Colleges to advance this field in Canada, says Dr. Ester Konigsberg (Integrative Medicine in the Canadian Medical Profession: Certificate of Added Competence Proposal for Physicians, 2023).
The article goes on to say that The Fraser Institute conducted a survey titled "Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Use and Public Attitudes 1997, 2006, and 2016," which found that seventy-nine percent of Canadians had used a CAM therapy, and more than half (56%) had utilized a CAM therapy in the year leading up to the survey. Although most individuals opted for CAM therapies for “wellness,” over half of the visits also addressed medical concerns. Canadians surveyed expressed interest in IM, the integration of conventional medicine and CAM.
Canadian Studies in CAM
Canada has conducted various studies focusing on complementary and integrative health approaches, reflecting a growing interest in combining traditional and modern healthcare practices. Here are some notable studies:
The Alberta Complementary and Alternative Medicine Study: This research explored the prevalence and types of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) used by patients with chronic diseases. It aimed to understand patients' motivations and experiences with CAM therapies.
The Toronto Complementary Medicine Research Group: This group has been involved in multiple studies assessing the efficacy and safety of various complementary therapies, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage therapy, and energy healing. Their work often collaborates with hospitals and academic institutions to evaluate integrative health models.
The Canadian Research Institute of Spirituality and Healing (CRISH): CRISH has conducted research into the impact of spiritual and energy healing practices on mental health and overall well-being. Their studies often involve psychometric assessments and qualitative interviews with participants, exploring how energy-healing practices influence emotional and psychological health.
The University of British Columbia's Integrative Oncology Research: Focused on the role of complementary therapies in cancer care, this research examines how integrative approaches, including energy healing, can improve quality of life, manage symptoms, and support conventional cancer treatments.
The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine's Pilot Studies: These studies investigate the use of naturopathic treatments, including dietary supplements, lifestyle counselling, homeopathy, and energy healing practices, in managing chronic conditions like arthritis and diabetes.
Studies on energy healing have yielded some positive outcomes; however, there is insufficient high-level evidence to prove its effectiveness.
Pain relief
Some studies have shown that energy healing can help with pain:
A 2018 meta-analysis found that reiki therapy reduced pain scores compared to control groups.
A 2014 review suggested that reiki therapy may help reduce pain and anxiety.
A review of studies on qigong for musculoskeletal pain found that qigong can soothe pain in adults with chronic pain.
Other benefits
Some studies have shown that energy healing can improve other health outcomes, including:
Quality of life in cocaine-dependent adults
Function in people with arthritis
Complications from bone marrow transplant
Anxiety levels in patients who had coronary artery bypass graft
Challenges
However, there are also challenges with energy healing research, including:
Randomized placebo-controlled trials have shown no effect on disease progression or symptoms.
Studies have had issues with study design, such as inadequate reporting, lack of blinding, and lack of reliability.
More robust trials are needed to better understand which elements of energy healing interventions are associated with positive outcomes.
These studies show Canada's commitment to exploring, validating, and integrating complementary and integrative health approaches within its healthcare framework. This not only aims to enhance the quality of patient care but also seeks to broaden the spectrum of treatment options available to patients navigating the complexities of their health and wellness journeys. By systematically investigating various complementary therapies—ranging from acupuncture and herbal medicine to mindfulness practices, energy healing, and nutritional interventions—Canada is positioning itself to be a progressive healthcare paradigm. This approach recognizes the importance of holistic health and the value of treating the individual as a whole, rather than merely addressing isolated symptoms. Furthermore, the integration of these modalities into the mainstream healthcare system reflects an evolving understanding of patient needs and preferences, promoting a more personalized and patient-centred model of care. Through rigorous research and validation processes, these studies not only contribute to the scientific understanding of these health approaches but also empower healthcare practitioners to offer a more comprehensive array of therapeutic options. Ultimately, this commitment is a testament to Canada's proactive stance on enhancing health outcomes and improving the overall patient experience within its healthcare landscape.
Author
Mara Hagglund, CAIEHP did her undergraduate work at Langara College. Upon graduation she became a senior research apprentice at the Integrative Energy Healing Program at Langara College under Dr. Ruth Lamb. She went on to become and instructor and faculty in the Health and Human Services Department at Langara College, and founded her own holistic health practice, Vancouver Energy Healing, and is a member of the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada.
References
Keywords: integrative medicine, education, functional medicine, health policy, energy healing
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