There are a large number of different Complementary and Alternative Medicines (e.g. Holistic Health Medicine, traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), massage/body work, osteopathy, homeopathy, naturopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture, herbalism, mega-vitamin therapy, diet-based therapy, hypnotherapy, low level laser, yoga, meditation, deep-breathing exercises, guided imagery, visualization, aroma therapy, progressive relaxation, stress therapy,  qi gong/tai chi, spiritual healing, etc.).

 

CAM techniques and methods are typically defined by countries, regions, cultures, and beliefs.  CAM techniques and methods for one person or region may not be considered CAM for another. Some CAM techniques and methods are becoming a larger part of mainstream medicine and often taught in Medical Schools, practiced in Hospitals, and being covered by traditional medical insurance. Individual use of CAM is also increasing including with nutrition, diet, and lifestyle changes.

 

At the lowest level, the System supports CAM through Information Services and Personal Services Features. This allows individuals to learn about and schedule in-home or outside services that are associated with CAM. It also provides protections based on reviews/ratings of providers, reviewed information content, and 2^nd tier approval capabilities for services and payment.

 

At a higher level, some CAM techniques and methods can be integrated into a person’s profile, with CAM data collected, stored, analyzed, alerted, and reported as any other monitoring, examinations, and treatments would be. Selected CAM and "conventional" or "mainstream" medical and health Information could also be shared between practitioners based on the same setting capabilities already built into the system between different groups.

 

Since the System supports Localization and Internationalization for the Intelligent Examination and Treatment Decision Trees <Read more about Intelligent Examination and Treatment Decision Trees>, the System could use Regional Factors (as well as the patient’s personal beliefs) to help aid in the examination, treatments, covered procedures, and referrals and discussions for the individual.

 

The System has links to insurance that a person has, and provides further insights for Health Practitioners and Providers to things that might be covered, that the Individual should consider as part of their Whole Healthcare.

 

As a possible additional side benefit, the System provides many capabilities for the collection and analysis of data associated with CAM techniques and methods could help measure effectiveness and get some CAM treatments approved for general use. It can include baseline data prior to the start, other treatments at the same time, as well as the person’s openness and beliefs in the specific CAM techniques and methods they receive (which can also be a factor).