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'''Alternative Medicine''' (for etymological meaning see: <ref>"alternative": etymological meaning. Adj. "1580s, "offering one or the other of two," from M.L. alternativus, from L. alternatus, pp. of alternare (see alternate). Sense of "the other of two which may be chosen" is recorded from 1838. Adj. use, "purporting to be a superior choice to what is in general use" was current by 1970 (earliest ref. is to the media); e.g. alternative energy (1975).", Source: Dictionary.com. Online Etymology Dictionary. Douglas Harper, Historian. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/alternative (accessed: June 03, 2011).</ref>) refers to methods and treatments that are not used by science based medicine (or ''evidence based medicine, EBM''). Especially it's supporters use also terms like ''complementary medicine'', ''experience based medicine'' and ''integrative medicine''. Complementary and alternative medicine are often called ''CAM''. Richard Dawkins has stated that "there is no alternative medicine. There is only medicine that works and medicine that doesn't work."<ref>Dawkins, Richard (2003). A Devil's Chaplain. United States: Houghton Mifflin. p. 58. ISBN 978-0-618-33540-4.</ref>, a view that is also shared by Tim Minchin in his animated poem "Storm"<ref>[http://www.timminchin.com/2011/04/08/storm/ Storm!!!!!!!!], by Tim Minchin, April 8, 2011, accessed June, 4 2011</ref>

'''Alternative Medicine''' (for etymological meaning see: <ref>"alternative": etymological meaning. Adj. "1580s, "offering one or the other of two," from M.L. alternativus, from L. alternatus, pp. of alternare (see alternate). Sense of "the other of two which may be chosen" is recorded from 1838. Adj. use, "purporting to be a superior choice to what is in general use" was current by 1970 (earliest ref. is to the media); e.g. alternative energy (1975).", Source: Dictionary.com. Online Etymology Dictionary. Douglas Harper, Historian. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/alternative (accessed: June 03, 2011).</ref>) refers to methods and treatments not used by science based medicine (or ''evidence based medicine, EBM''). Its supporters in particular also apply terms like ''complementary medicine'', ''experience based medicine'', and ''integrative medicine''. Complementary and alternative medicine are often abbreviateded as ''CAM''. Richard Dawkins stated that "there is no alternative medicine. There is only medicine that works and medicine that doesn't work."<ref>Dawkins, Richard (2003). A Devil's Chaplain. United States: Houghton Mifflin. p. 58. ISBN 978-0-618-33540-4.</ref>, a view that is also shared by Tim Minchin in his animated poem "Storm"<ref>[http://www.timminchin.com/2011/04/08/storm/ Storm!!!!!!!!], by Tim Minchin, April 8, 2011, accessed June, 4 2011</ref>

Edzard Ernst, Professor of Complementary Medicine at the University of Exeter, England, argues that the term "Complementary and Alternative Medicine" ("CAM") is an almost nonsensical umbrella term, and that distinctions between its modalities must be made. All treatments, whether "mainstream" or "alternative", ought to be held to standards of the scientific method. The evidence-based medicine is an ideal state which has not yet been achieved by either current mainstream or alternative medicine. Ernst characterizes the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative, but states that some evidence exists for about 20 treatments, particularly certain herbs and acupuncture – although this evidence does not mean these treatments are mainstream, especially not worldwide.<ref>[http://www.cosmolearning.com/topics/alternative-medicine/ Cosmo Learning: Alternative medicine], accessed June, 4 2011</ref><ref name="GWUP2">[http://www.scienceblogs.de/astrodicticum-simplex/2011/06/gwuptagung-in-wien-zweiter-tag-homoopathie-und-der-mozarteffekt.php GWUP-Tagung in Wien, zweiter Tag: Homöopathie und der Mozart-Effekt], Florian Freistetter, ScienceBlogs, accessed June, 4 2011</ref>

Edzard Ernst, retired Professor of Complementary Medicine at the University of Exeter, England, argues that the term "Complementary and Alternative Medicine" ("CAM") is an almost nonsensical umbrella term, and distinctions between its modalities must be made. All treatments, whether "mainstream" or "alternative", ought to be held to standards of the scientific method. The evidence-based medicine is an ideal state which has not yet been achieved by either current mainstream or alternative medicine. Ernst characterizes the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative, but states that some evidence exists for about 20 treatments, particularly certain herbs and acupuncture – although this evidence does not mean these treatments are mainstream, especially not worldwide.<ref>[http://www.cosmolearning.com/topics/alternative-medicine/ Cosmo Learning: Alternative medicine], accessed June, 4 2011</ref><ref name="GWUP2">[http://www.scienceblogs.de/astrodicticum-simplex/2011/06/gwuptagung-in-wien-zweiter-tag-homoopathie-und-der-mozarteffekt.php GWUP-Tagung in Wien, zweiter Tag: Homöopathie und der Mozart-Effekt], Florian Freistetter, ScienceBlogs, accessed June, 4 2011</ref>

A ''National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine NCCAM'' in USA defines complementary and alternative therapies as treatments which are used in place ("alternative") or together ("complementary") with conventional, established therapy.<ref>[http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam/ What Is Complementary and Alternative Medicine?], National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine NCCAM, accessed June 03, 2011</ref> A treatment is considered established, when it's clinical efficacy has been demonstrated in prospective, randomized trials or a biological rationale establishes the treatment as reasonable. An Anglo-Australian group of researchers demonstrated with a computional model in 2009 that for some odd reason the methods which have little or no effect at all show a tendency to spread quickly.<ref name="Tanaka">Tanaka MM, Kendal JR, Laland KN (2009) [http://www.plosone.org/article/fetchObjectAttachment.action?uri=info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0005192&representation=PDF From Traditional Medicine to Witchcraft: Why Medical Treatments Are Not Always Efficacious]. PLoS ONE 4(4): e5192. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0005192</ref><ref>[http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn17064-quack-remedies-spread-by-virtue-of-being-useless.html Quack remedies spread by virtue of being useless], New Scientist, May 01, 2009</ref>

A ''National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine NCCAM'' in USA defines complementary and alternative therapies as treatments which are used in place of ("alternative") or together ("complementary") with conventional, established therapy.<ref>[http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam/ What Is Complementary and Alternative Medicine?], National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine NCCAM, accessed June 03, 2011</ref> A treatment is considered established when its clinical efficacy has been demonstrated in prospective, randomized trials or a biological rationale establishes the treatment as reasonable. In 2009, an Anglo-Australian group of researchers demonstrated with a computional model that for some odd reason those methods with little or no effect at all show a tendency to spread quickly.<ref name="Tanaka">Tanaka MM, Kendal JR, Laland KN (2009) [http://www.plosone.org/article/fetchObjectAttachment.action?uri=info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0005192&representation=PDF From Traditional Medicine to Witchcraft: Why Medical Treatments Are Not Always Efficacious]. PLoS ONE 4(4): e5192. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0005192</ref><ref>[http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn17064-quack-remedies-spread-by-virtue-of-being-useless.html Quack remedies spread by virtue of being useless], New Scientist, May 01, 2009</ref>

The terms ''alternative medicine'' and ''complementary medicine'' are therefore euphemisms, as they do not offer a real alternative and are just ineffective or less effective pseudomedical methods. This also applies to the "experience based medicine" which tries to invoke anecdotal cures instead of solid proof as a positive quality.<ref>[http://www.skepdic.com/compmed.html complementary medicine] in the Skeptic Dictionary, accessed June, 4 2011</ref> Almost all alternative treatments belong into the realm of [[pseudomedicine]].

The terms ''alternative medicine'' and ''complementary medicine'' are therefore euphemisms, as they do not offer a real alternative and are just ineffective or less effective pseudomedical methods. This also applies to the "experience based medicine" which tries to invoke anecdotal cures instead of solid proof as a positive quality.<ref>[http://www.skepdic.com/compmed.html complementary medicine] in the Skeptic Dictionary, accessed June, 4 2011</ref> Almost all alternative treatments belong into the realm of [[pseudomedicine]].

The concepts of alternative and complementary medicine are usually based on an axiom(a self-evident truth that requires no proof).<ref>[http://www.uni-marburg.de/ivv/downloads/praesentationen/adhs081217trott

The concepts of alternative and complementary medicine are usually based on an axiom (a self-evident truth that requires no proof).<ref>[http://www.uni-marburg.de/ivv/downloads/praesentationen/adhs081217trott

So genannte „alternative“ Behandlungen der ADHS], Götz-Erik Trott, December 17, 2008 page 10</ref><ref>axiom. Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/axiom (accessed: June 03, 2011).</ref>

So genannte „alternative“ Behandlungen der ADHS], Götz-Erik Trott, December 17, 2008 page 10</ref><ref>axiom. Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/axiom (accessed: June 03, 2011).</ref>

CAM has turned into a big business, the worldwide turnover is estimated at more than 60&nbsp;billion U.S. dollar.<ref name="Tanaka" />

CAM has turned into a big business, the worldwide turnover is estimated at more than 60&nbsp;billion U.S. Dollars.<ref name="Tanaka" />

==The typical patient==

==The typical patient==

The typical patient or customer can, according to studies, be characterized by the following attributes:<ref name="Astin">Astin JA (May 1998). [http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/279/19/1548 "Why patients use alternative medicine: results of a national study"]. JAMA 279 (19): 1548–53.</ref>

The typical patient or customer, according to studies, can be characterized by the following attributes:<ref name="Astin">Astin JA (May 1998). [http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/279/19/1548 "Why patients use alternative medicine: results of a national study"]. JAMA 279 (19): 1548–53.</ref>

* young (30-50&nbsp;years)<ref>Richardson MA, Ramirez T, Palmer JL (2000): Complementary/alternative medicine use in a comprehensive cancer center and the implications for oncology. J Clin Oncol 18: 2505-2514</ref>

* young (30-50&nbsp;years)<ref>Richardson MA, Ramirez T, Palmer JL (2000): Complementary/alternative medicine use in a comprehensive cancer center and the implications for oncology. J Clin Oncol 18: 2505-2514</ref>

* higher education

* higher education

For the popularity of offers outside of science-based medicine a variety of factors were identified.  

For the popularity of offers outside of science-based medicine a variety of factors were identified.  

People seeking alternative treatments were found to have had had a transformational experience that changed the person's worldview and showed often commitment to environmentalism, commitment to feminism, and interest in spirituality and personal growth psychology. One study found that dissatisfaction with conventional medicine did not predict use of alternative medicine. Only 4.4% of those surveyed reported relying primarily on alternative therapies. It concluded, that people find these health care alternatives to be more congruent with their own values, beliefs, and philosophical orientations toward health and life.<ref name="Astin" /> Still, arguments like "[[healing practitioners]] commit more time to patients than doctors" are frequently heard.  

People seeking alternative treatments were found to have had had a transformational experience that changed the person's worldview and often showed commitment to environmentalism, commitment to feminism, and interest in spirituality and personal growth psychology. One study found that dissatisfaction with conventional medicine did not predict use of alternative medicine. Only 4.4% of those surveyed reported relying primarily on alternative therapies. It concluded that people find these health care alternatives to be more congruent with their own values, beliefs, and philosophical orientations towards health and life.<ref name="Astin" /> Still, arguments like "[[alternative practitioners]] devote more time to patients than doctors" are frequently heard.  

Other studies found that disappointments and distrust for conventional therapies play a role. Many patients and customers find pleasure in the more or less explicit criticism of [[mainstream medicine]]" or "the pharmaceutical industry" which is not uncommon in alternative medicine circles. Often, anti-scientific attitude is meshed with [[New Age]] mysticism.  Vigorous marketing and extravagant claims create false hope. When people become sick, any promise of a cure is beguiling.<ref>Beyerstein BL (March 2001). [http://dx.doi.org/10.1097%2F00001888-200103000-00009 "Alternative medicine and common errors of reasoning"]. Academic Medicine 76 (3): 230–7.</ref>

Other studies found that disappointments with and distrust of conventional therapies play a role. Many patients and clients find pleasure in the more or less explicit criticism of [[mainstream medicine]]" or "the pharmaceutical industry" which is not uncommon in alternative medicine circles. Often, an anti-scientific attitude is mixed with [[New Age]] mysticism.  Vigorous marketing and extravagant claims create false hope. When people become sick, any promise of a cure is appealing.<ref>Beyerstein BL (March 2001). [http://dx.doi.org/10.1097%2F00001888-200103000-00009 "Alternative medicine and common errors of reasoning"]. Academic Medicine 76 (3): 230–7.</ref>

An appeal may also result from the [[Pseudomedicine#Typical_Features|typical features of pseudomedical treatments]], such as simple, clear explanations for the alleged therapeutic effect or lack of side effects. Edzard Ernst showed in a study that this notion is wrong and side effects may indeed occur.<ref>[http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v381/n6581/pdf/381361a0.pdf Complimentary Medicine], N. C. Abbot, A. R. White & E. Ernst, Nature 381, 361 (30 May 1996), doi:10.1038/381361a0</ref>

An appeal may also result from the [[Pseudomedicine#Typical_Features|typical features of pseudomedical treatments]], such as simple, clear explanations for the alleged therapeutic effect or lack of side effects. In a study, Edzard Ernst showed this notion is wrong and side effects may indeed occur.<ref>[http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v381/n6581/pdf/381361a0.pdf Complimentary Medicine], N. C. Abbot, A. R. White & E. Ernst, Nature 381, 361 (30 May 1996), doi:10.1038/381361a0</ref>

In an interview with "The Independent" Ernst blames the providers, customers and the doctors whose neglect, he says, has created the opening into which alternative therapists have stepped:

In an interview with "The Independent", Ernst blames providers, clients, and the doctors whose neglect, he says, has created the opening into which alternative therapists have stepped:

:"People are told lies. There are 40 million websites and 39.9 million tell lies, sometimes outrageous lies. They mislead cancer patients, who are encouraged not only to pay their last penny but to be treated with something that shortens their lives. "At the same time, people are gullible. It needs gullibility for the industry to succeed. It doesn't make me popular with the public, but it's the truth."<ref>[http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/complementary-therapies-the-big-con-813248.html Complementary therapies: The big con?], The Independent, April 22, 2008, accessed June 4, 2011</ref>

:"People are told lies. There are 40 million websites and 39.9 million tell lies, sometimes outrageous lies. They mislead cancer patients, who are encouraged not only to pay their last penny but to be treated with something that shortens their lives. "At the same time, people are gullible. It needs gullibility for the industry to succeed. It doesn't make me popular with the public, but it's the truth."<ref>[http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/complementary-therapies-the-big-con-813248.html Complementary therapies: The big con?], The Independent, April 22, 2008, accessed June 4, 2011</ref>

==Business in Germany==

==Business in Germany==

The number of CAM providers is rising in Germany. From 1993 to 2000 the number of healing practitioners rose as the most important non-medical CAM-profession by &nbsp;90% (from 11/100.000 to 21/100.000&nbsp;persons). The CAM-offerings of doctors rose in the same period by 125% (from 19/100.000 to 43/100.000).<ref>Susanne Weinbrenner, MPH&nbsp;FG Management in health care, Technical University of Berlin Berlin</ref> 65% of population and nearly all cancer patients use the services provided by CAM at least once a year.<ref name="GWUP2" />

The number of CAM providers in Germany is rising. Between 1993 and 2000, the number of alternative practitioners as the most important non-medical CAM-profession increased by &nbsp;90% (from 11/100.000 to 21/100.000&nbsp;persons). During the same period, the CAM supply of doctors increased by 125% (from 19/100.000 to 43/100.000).<ref>Susanne Weinbrenner, MPH&nbsp;FG Management in health care, Technical University of Berlin Berlin</ref> 65% of population and nearly all cancer patients use the services provided by CAM at least once a year.<ref name="GWUP2" />

Every year herbal remedies for about two billion Euros are prescribed in Germany and about nine billion Euros are spent on complimentary and alternative medical procedures (2006).<ref>Anja Achenbach: Millionenmarkt Naturheilkunde. In: Financial Times, January 21, 2009</ref> Five billion Euros are paid by the patients themselves, four billions are refunded by health care. 40.000&nbsp;doctors offer respective treatments.<ref>http://www.aerzteblatt.de/v4/archiv/artikel.asp?src=heft&id=57593 Deutsches Ärzteblatt&nbsp;104, Issue&nbsp;46, November 16, 2007</ref>  

Every year herbal remedies for about two billion Euros are prescribed in Germany and about nine billion Euros are spent on complimentary and alternative medical procedures (2006).<ref>Anja Achenbach: Millionenmarkt Naturheilkunde. In: Financial Times, January 21, 2009</ref> Five billion Euros are paid by the patients themselves, four billions are refunded by health insurances. 40.000&nbsp;doctors offer respective treatments.<ref>http://www.aerzteblatt.de/v4/archiv/artikel.asp?src=heft&id=57593 Deutsches Ärzteblatt&nbsp;104, Issue&nbsp;46, November 16, 2007</ref>  

Another estimate valued the total turnover at about 20% of the whole [[Wellness]] industry in Germany, which has an annual volume of 50&nbsp;billion Euro.<ref>Horst Klinkmann, Third National Conference for Health Economics (Rostock), 2007</ref>  

Another estimate valued the total turnover at about 20% of the entire so-called [[Wellness]] industry in Germany, which has an annual volume of 50&nbsp;billion Euro.<ref>Horst Klinkmann, Third National Conference for Health Economics (Rostock), 2007</ref>  

==Business in USA==

==Business in USA==

A 2008 survey of US hospitals by Health Forum, a subsidiary of the American Hospital Association, found that more than 37 percent of responding hospitals indicated they offer one or more alternative medicine therapies, up from 26.5 percent in 2005. More than 70% of the hospitals offering CAM were in urban areas.<ref>[http://www.aha.org/aha/press-release/2008/080915-pr-cam.html Latest Survey Shows More Hospitals Offering Complementary and Alternative Medicine Services], Press Release, American Hospital Association, accessed June 4, 2011</ref>

A 2008 survey of US hospitals by Health Forum, a subsidiary of the American Hospital Association, found that more than 37% of responding hospitals indicated they offer one or more alternative medicine therapies, up from 26.5% in 2005. More than 70% of the hospitals offering CAM were in urban areas.<ref>[http://www.aha.org/aha/press-release/2008/080915-pr-cam.html Latest Survey Shows More Hospitals Offering Complementary and Alternative Medicine Services], Press Release, American Hospital Association, accessed June 4, 2011</ref>

The National Health Statistic Report states in an article from July 30, 2009 for 2007<ref> Richard L. Nahin, Patricia M. Barnes, Barbara J. Stussman, Barbara Bloom. NHSR, Number 18 n July 30, 2009. Costs of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and Frequency of Visits to CAM Practitioners: United States, 2007</ref> that U.S- patients have spent 33.9&nbsp;billion dollar for CAM services and products. Homoeopathy accounted for 3&nbsp;billions, [[Qigong]] for 4&nbsp;billions. Expenditure for food supplements like vitamins and minerals were not included in this sum.<ref>http://www.quackometer.net/blog/2009/07/what-would-34-billion-of-quack-money.html</ref> In 1997 between 36&nbsp;and 47&nbsp; billion U.S. dollars were spent on complementary medicine. Of these, 12&nbsp;to 20&nbsp;billion USD were paid out of the one's own pocket for complementary therapists.<ref>Eisenberg DM, Davis RB, Ettner SL, Appel S, Wilkey S, Van Rompay M, Kessler RC. Trends in alternative medicine use in the United States, 1990–1997: results of a follow-up national survey. JAMA 1998;280:1569–75</ref> This is half of the sum spent out of pocket for medical services.

The National Health Statistic Report in an article dated July 30, 2009<ref> Richard L. Nahin, Patricia M. Barnes, Barbara J. Stussman, Barbara Bloom. NHSR, Number 18 n July 30, 2009. Costs of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and Frequency of Visits to CAM Practitioners: United States, 2007</ref> states that U.S patients have spent 33.9&nbsp;billion Dollars on CAM services and products in 2007. Homoeopathy accounted for 3&nbsp;billions, [[Qigong]] for 4&nbsp;billions. Expenditure for food supplements like vitamins and minerals were not included in this amount.<ref>http://www.quackometer.net/blog/2009/07/what-would-34-billion-of-quack-money.html</ref> In 1997, between 36&nbsp;and 47&nbsp; billion U.S. Dollars were spent on complementary medicine. Of these, 12&nbsp;to 20&nbsp;billion USD were paid by patients for complementary therapists.<ref>Eisenberg DM, Davis RB, Ettner SL, Appel S, Wilkey S, Van Rompay M, Kessler RC. Trends in alternative medicine use in the United States, 1990–1997: results of a follow-up national survey. JAMA 1998;280:1569–75</ref> This is half of the amount spent by patients on medical services.

A study found that 27&nbsp;billion dollars were spent in 2002 for complementary and alternative medical treatments by the consumers.<ref>Curt G.A.: Introduction: Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Cancer Treatment. Sem Oncol 2002; 29: 529-530</ref> A further study found that four times as much money was spent in USA in 1987 on complementary medicine than for all cancer research.<ref>McGinnis L.S.: Alternative therapies, 1990. An overview. Cancer 1991; 67 (6 Suppl): 1788-1792</ref> In 1981 [[Amygdalin|Laetrile]], a then popular, ineffective, alternative cancer drug made from apricot kernels had a turnover of 2&nbsp;billion U.S. dollars. In the same period 0.2&nbsp;billion dollars were spent on chemotherapy.  

A study found that 27&nbsp;billion dollars were spent on complementary and alternative medical treatments by consumers in 2002.<ref>Curt G.A.: Introduction: Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Cancer Treatment. Sem Oncol 2002; 29: 529-530</ref> A further study found that, in 1987, four times as much money was spent in the USA on complementary medicine than on all cancer research.<ref>McGinnis L.S.: Alternative therapies, 1990. An overview. Cancer 1991; 67 (6 Suppl): 1788-1792</ref> In 1981 [[Amygdalin|Laetrile]], a then popular ineffective, alternative cancer drug made from apricot kernels had a turnover of 2&nbsp;billion U.S. dollars. In the same period 0.2&nbsp;billion dollars were spent on chemotherapy.  

==Research==

==Research==

Funding for research in the field of alternative medicine comes usually from private foundations in Germany, such as:

In Germany, funding for research in the field of alternative medicine usually comes from private foundations, such as:

* [[Karl und Veronica Carstens-Foundation]] (27&nbsp;million Euro). It sponsored 1.5&nbsp;million Euro in May 2008 for an endowed chair of alternative medicine at the Berlin [[Charité]].

* [[Karl und Veronica Carstens-Foundation]] (27&nbsp;million Euro). It sponsored 1.5&nbsp;million Euro in May 2008 for an endowed chair of alternative medicine at the Berlin [[Charité]].

* Krupp-Foundation

* Krupp Foundation

* Kneipp-Foundation

* Kneipp Foundation

* Gerhard Kienle Foundation

* Gerhard Kienle Foundation

* Erich Rothenfußer Foundation

* Erich Rothenfußer Foundation

The manufacturers of alternative medical products are also funding research in this field. German companies Bionorica and Schwabe have research budgets of 17&nbsp;and 25&nbsp;million Euro. While it is not possible to patent substances that occur in nature (such as plants), special techniques for preparation can be patented.

The manufacturers of alternative medical products are also funding research in this field. German companies Bionorica and Schwabe have research budgets of 17&nbsp;and 25&nbsp;million Euro. While it is not possible to patent substances that occur in nature (such as plants), special techniques for preparation can be patented.

Since 1999 the ''National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine'' (NCCAM) has funded research on alternative medicine with 2,5&nbsp;billion U.S. dollar.

Since 1999, the ''National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine'' (NCCAM) has funded research on alternative medicine with 2,5&nbsp;billion U.S. Dollars.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in USA has an annual budget of 122&nbsp;million dollars, financed by the state and has spent $2.5 billion on studies of CAM therapies.<ref>[http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2009/06/the_ap_shoots_and_scores_again.php The AP shoots and scores again], scienceblogs.com</ref><ref>[http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/ Research Results NCCAM]</ref>The NCCAM budget has been criticized because despite the duration and intensity of studies, there have been exactly zero effective CAM treatments supported by scientific evidence to date.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/16/AR2009031602139.html Scientists Speak Out Against Federal Funds for Research on Alternative Medicine], David Brown, Washington Post, March 17, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/nccam.html Why the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) Should Be Defunded], Wallace I. Sampson M.D., Quackwatch, December 2002</ref> R. Barker Bausell, a research methods expert and author of "Snake Oil Science" states that "it's become politically correct to investigate nonsense."<ref>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31190909/ $2.5 billion spent, no alternative cures found], msnbc.com</ref>

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in USA has an annual budget of 122&nbsp;million dollars, financed by the government, and spent $2.5 billion on studies of CAM therapies.<ref>[http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2009/06/the_ap_shoots_and_scores_again.php The AP shoots and scores again], scienceblogs.com</ref><ref>[http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/ Research Results NCCAM]</ref> The NCCAM budget has been criticized because despite the duration and intensity of studies, there have been exactly zero effective CAM treatments supported by scientific evidence to date.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/16/AR2009031602139.html Scientists Speak Out Against Federal Funds for Research on Alternative Medicine], David Brown, Washington Post, March 17, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/nccam.html Why the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) Should Be Defunded], Wallace I. Sampson M.D., Quackwatch, December 2002</ref> R. Barker Bausell, a research methods expert and author of "Snake Oil Science" states that "it's become politically correct to investigate nonsense."<ref>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31190909/ $2.5 billion spent, no alternative cures found], msnbc.com</ref>

Wallace Sampson, an editor of Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine and a Stanford University professor of medicine write that CAM is the "propagation of the absurd" based on the example that alternative and complementary have been substituted for quackery, dubious and implausible and concerns that CAM tolerates contradiction without through reason and experiment.

Wallace Sampson, an editor of Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine and a Stanford University professor of medicine, comments CAM is the "propagation of the absurd" based on the example that alternative and complementary have been substituted for quackery, dubious, and implausible and concerns that CAM tolerates contradiction without through reason and experiment.

Currently (2010), the "National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine" (NCCAM) and the "Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine" (OCCAM) spend together 240 million U.S. dollar of taxpayers money from the NIH (National Institute of Health).<ref>Salzberg S. Save taxpayer $$$: Eliminate alternative medicine research. Forbes.com, 18. Juni 2010 [http://blogs.forbes.com/sciencebiz/2010/06/save-taxpayer-eliminate-alternative-medicine-research/]</ref>

Currently (2010), the "National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine" (NCCAM) and the "Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine" (OCCAM) spend a combined 240 million U.S. Dollars of taxpayers' money from the NIH (National Institute of Health).<ref>Salzberg S. Save taxpayer $$$: Eliminate alternative medicine research. Forbes.com, 18. Juni 2010 [http://blogs.forbes.com/sciencebiz/2010/06/save-taxpayer-eliminate-alternative-medicine-research/]</ref>

==Criticism==

==Criticism==