Complementary and Alternative Medicine on the Rise

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), nearly 38 percent of adults and 12 percent of children in the United States use natural medicine.  Complementary and alternative activities include, but are not limited to, acupuncture, chiropractic, deep breathing, herbal remedies, massage therapy, meditation, hypnotherapy, supplements, and physical exercise such as yoga and tai chi.

The most popular supplements being taken today include:

• fish oil
• glucosamine and chondroitin
• echinacea
• flaxseed
• ginseng
• gingko
• garlic
• coQ10

As a clinical esthetician with an interest in balancing one’s inner and outer beauty, I am very pleased to see the growing acceptance of natural, complementary practices.