When Conventional Medical Providers Recommend Unconventional Medicine: Results of a National Study

I n 2007, 38% of Americans used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Rates of CAM use have increased since 2002, with mind-body therapies (MBT) composing 75% of this rise. Evidence to support the therapeutic use of MBT (including yoga, tai chi, qi gong, meditation, guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, and deep-breathing exercises) is growing. Little is known about the use of MBT by patients as a result of conventional medical provider recommendation. Our study objective was to compare patients using MBT as a result of conventional medical provider referral with those who self-referred for MBT.