NCCAM Featured Content

1. Homeopathy: An Introduction

   Homeopathy, also known as homeopathic medicine, is an alternative medical system that was developed in Germany more than 200 years ago. This fact sheet provides a general overview of homeopathy and suggests sources for additional information.

2. Message from the Director: What the Science Says About Complementary Health Practices for Asthma

   More than 24 million people in the United States, including 7 million children, suffer from asthma—a chronic lung condition that causes episodes of wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Although there is no cure for this condition, conventional medical treatments are very effective for managing asthma symptoms, and most people are able to control their asthma with conventional therapies and behavioral changes.

   Even so, some people turn to complementary health practices in their efforts to relieve asthma symptoms, particularly for children. As a matter of fact, in the 2007 National Health Interview Survey asthma ranked eighth among conditions prompting use of complementary health practices by children. But what does the science say about these practices?

3. What You Need To Know About Asthma and Complementary Health Practices

   Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects people of all ages. It causes episodes of wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Although there is no cure, most people are able to control their asthma with conventional therapies and by avoiding the substances that can set off asthma attacks. Even so, some people turn to complementary health practices such as acupuncture, breathing exercises, and herbal supplements in their efforts to relieve symptoms.

   If you’re thinking about complementary health practices for asthma, here’s what you need to know: There is not enough evidence to support the use of any complementary health practices for the relief of asthma symptoms.

4. NCCAM Clinical Digest: Asthma and Complementary Health Practices

   Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects people of all ages. It causes episodes of wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Although there is no cure, most people with asthma are able to manage the disease with medications and behavioral changes.

   Researchers also are studying various complementary health approaches for asthma relief. This issue provides information on "what the science says" about complementary health practices for asthma, including acupuncture, breathing exercises, and herbs and other dietary supplements.

5. Message from the Director: It's Time To Talk

   We know that nearly 40 percent of Americans use some kind of complementary health practice. But we also know that most patients do not proactively disclose use of complementary health practices to their health care providers. Likewise, most providers don’t initiate the discussion with their patients. As a physician, I strongly believe that patients and their health care providers need to talk openly about all of their health care practices to ensure safe, coordinated care. Talking not only allows fully integrated care, but it also minimizes risks of interactions with a patient’s conventional treatments.

6. Time To Talk With Your Health Care Providers: 4 Tips To Start the Conversation

   When patients tell their providers about their use of complementary health practices, they can better stay in control and more effectively manage their health. When providers ask their patients, they can ensure that they are fully informed and can help patients make wise health care decisions.

   Here are 4 tips to help you and your health care providers start talking.