Alternative Medicine BIPH 3222A

Course description:

This course provides an overview of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The course explores the role of selected complementary and alternative health practices and promotions in the healthcare arena, such as herbal medicine, traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage therapy, are an integral part of the course. The history and development of selected CAM practices and systems, how they work, and their relationship to traditional Western medicine are discussed. The concept of “wellness” versus disease treatment, and the mind-body connection are explored.

Course Aims:

This course aims to improve health professions' knowledge in CAM practices and their place in client care and health system; their ability to communicate advice and guide clients about these therapies and their knowledge of the practicalities, such as credentials, legal and regularity issues. 

Course outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:  
  • Distinguish between complementary and alternative health practices and promotions.
  • Assess the individual as an open system which is influenced by biopsychosocial, multicultural, spiritual, and environmental factors
  • Describe the extent to which complementary and alternative health practices and promotions are encouraged and utilized by cultures and societies
  •  Create a creative complementary and alternative medicine health information, health maintenance, or health promotion semester project in any media/format.
  • Utilize critical thinking in the application of ethics to standards of practice in the area of complementary and alternative medicine information, practices, and promotions.