Regulatory standards for complementary and alternative medicine practices

CAM Regulatory Overview

Natural products: Herbs (botanicals)

Herbal supplements are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the same organization that regulates prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Herbs are subject to less stringent regulatory standards. Once it is on the market the FDA can 'pull' a product that has been demonstrated to be unsafe, as in the case of the weight loss herb ephedra. Although supplements are marketed with warning labels that the products are "not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease" it would seem to be in the public's interest to test new products to ensure that they are not actively harmful (Using dietary supplements wisely, 2009, NCCAM).

Manipulative and body based: Spinal manipulation

Spinal manipulation is not a specific, regulated technique; it is "performed by chiropractors and other health care professionals such as physical therapists" (Spinal manipulation, 2011, NIH). Practitioners are policed by different regulatory bodies within their own fields. Use and competency at the spinal manipulation may vary, depending on the individual's training. As the technique is not a specific method, with a clear history as a practice, uniform regulation could prove difficult.

Movement: Feldenkrais Method

The Feldenkrais Method® of somatic education considers itself to be an educationally-based therapy, as distinct from massage. According to the official website of the trademarked method, its use "is a distinct profession based on the principles spelled out in the International Feldenkrais® Standards of Practice" (FGNA position on regulation, 2011, Official Website). The Method is self-regulated, although regulating an educational practice, even one based in movement, could prove unwieldy given how many other movement-based therapies exist that are self-policed like yoga, Pilates, the Alexander technique.

Whole medical system: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Most states require national board certification for TCM practitioners if they are not licensed physicians. "Practitioners must complete at least three years full-time schooling" (Is TMC Regulated, 2011, University of Minnesota). Candidates "must complete at least 2,625 hours (about 4 years of full-time study) of didactic and clinic coursework in both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. In most states this level of education is considered equivalent to a master's level program" (Is TMC Regulated, 2011, University of Minnesota).