Over the past year, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has carefully assessed how developments in science, medicine, and health care should shape the Center’s strategic approaches to addressing our congressional mandate. The process has included scientific workshops, symposia, think tanks, and extensive consultation with our highly diverse stakeholder community. The current
Pain is the most common reason for seeking medical care. Because chronic (long-term) pain can be resistant to many medical treatments and can cause serious problems, people who suffer from chronic pain often turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for relief. This fact sheet provides basic information on chronic pain and "what the science
Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids that are important for a number of functions in the body. They are found in foods such as fatty fish and vegetable oils and are also available as dietary supplements. People take omega-3 supplements to improve their health and prevent various diseases. This fact sheet
Massage therapy has a long history in cultures around the world. Today, people use many different types of massage therapy for a variety of health-related purposes. In the United States, massage therapy is often considered part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), although it does have some conventional uses. This fact sheet provides a general
This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb hoodia—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Hoodia is a flowering, cactus-like plant native to the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa. Its harvest is protected by conservation laws. How Hoodia Is Used Dried extracts of hoodia stems and roots are used to
This fact sheet provides basic information about hawthorn—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Hawthorn is a spiny, flowering shrub or small tree of the rose family. The species of hawthorn discussed here are native to northern European regions and grow throughout the world. What Hawthorn Is Used For Hawthorn fruit
Studies of the safety, effectiveness, and biological action of botanical products are major focuses for the five dietary supplement research centers selected to be jointly funded by the Office of Dietary Supplements and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, two components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH’s National Cancer Institute
Throughout the year-long strategic planning process, NCCAM is seeking input from its stakeholders through many different channels, including both in-person and Web-based meetings and workshops and through other online vehicles. We particularly encourage input from the public and will be offering several opportunities for people to contribute their thoughts and feedback. The draft Strategic Plan