CAM Culture

The importance of cultural awareness in CAM

Cultural awareness is simply the ability of a person to be aware of the differences in culture around them and to understand the importance that culture has to each person (Berg, 2003). 

The importance of cultural awareness in CAM becomes especially important based upon the vast array of CAM types.  The myriad of cultures that many CAM types come from also legitimize the importance for any CAM practitioner to be well versed in cultural issues. 

The following are some examples of CAM interventions and their cultural roots (Freeman, 2009):

• Biofeedback - United States
• Hypnosis - traces back to Egypt and Greece but was also seen in many part of the world
• Chiropractic - originated in multiple areas but largely seen in Indian cultures.  Later seen more prominently in Greek culture.
•  Acupuncture - from Chinese medicine
• Massage - can be traced to ancient cultures in the middle east, Greece as well as Chinese medicine
• Aroma therapy - all over the globe--many middle east nations used as well as European and South America
• Herbal medicine - all cultures but currently European nations such as Germany have a succinct system to test the safety of herbs used as medicine
• Reiki and Therapeutic Touch - has roots in Japanese medicine
• QiJong - Chinese medicine
• Yoga - India

Certainly it is important to understand some history of CAM interventions but it is also important to know the individual patient's cultural desires.  For example, if a patient desires a more natural approach which has been a part of their culture and heritage, this needs to be assessed in the beginning.  This type of patient will not want the more traditional American medicine techniques such as medications.  Instead they may be desiring help in finding the right herbal supplements to help.  They may also be open to natural ways of dealing with stress (e.g. exercise, yoga). 

Prior to working with patients or clients and trying to assess their cultural desires, it is imperative that you as a practitioner assess your own feelings regarding different cultures.  Are you open to other people's views? Are you open to learning about various cultures? If you cannot say yes to either question, you may struggle to be a culturally competent practitioner. 

For more information on cultural competence and assessing yourself see the following website to help guide you http://nccc.georgetown.edu/index.html 

References

Berg, D. (2003). Culture, Faith Traditions, and Health. Center for Spirituality and Healing. Retrieved from http://www.csh.umn.edu/Integrativehealingpractices/culture/comp/cp01.html

National Center for Cultural Competence. (2011). Retrieved from http://nccc.georgetown.edu/index.html