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Complementary and alternative medicine in Brazil: one concept, different meanings
Nelson Filice de Barros1, Everardo Duarte Nunes
1Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brasil. nelfel@uol.com.br
Cadernos De Saude Publica
|September 5, 2006
Summary
This study explores the diverse meanings of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in Brazil. It clarifies the distinct concepts of Alternative Medicine and Complementary Medicine within the Brazilian context.
Area of Science:
- Sociology of Medicine
- Epistemology
- Medical Anthropology
Background:
- Research on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in Brazil has limited roots in social sciences and epistemology.
- The study addresses the varied interpretations of CAM within the Brazilian healthcare landscape.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the different meanings attributed to Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in Brazil.
- To differentiate between the concepts of Alternative Medicine and Complementary Medicine based on literature review.
Main Methods:
- Literature review to identify concepts related to CAM.
- Elaboration of a table categorizing the identified meanings.
- Analysis of the terms "Alternative Medicine" and "Complementary Medicine".
Main Results:
- The terms "Alternative Medicine" and "Complementary Medicine" appear in multiple categories.
- "Alternative Medicine" is defined by social, political, economic influences, and a binary logic of scientific production.
- "Complementary Medicine" emerged in the 1980s, representing a new epistemological form between official and alternative medicine, and is sometimes confused with diagnostic tests.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights the nuanced and sometimes ambiguous meanings of CAM in Brazil.
- Distinguishing between Alternative and Complementary Medicine is crucial for understanding their roles and epistemological underpinnings.
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