Reply to Candi In today’s society CAM has gotten very popular in regards to going a different route when it comes to medical treatment. This altrnative treatment has been on the rise in last couple of years. It has been incorporated with individuals culture, beliefs, and religion ( Favlo, 2011). CAM therapy represented one of the highly common form of prayer that was being used by well over 60 percent of the individuals involved in the survey. On this issue, it has also been pointed out that the use of complementary and alternative medicine has increased in a dramatic fashion over the past few years. It is also observed that “Several studies of CAM utilization reveal that reported use increases dramatically and may even double when prayer is included in the definition of CAM” (Ernst, 2015). Among the 60 percent of people who use the complementary and alternative medicine with prayer, the prayer has been categorized based on such aspects like yoga as well as the spiritual healingfor many individuals. Ernst, E. (2015). Complementary medicine: Common misconceptions. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 244-247. Falvo, D. (2011). Effective Patient Education: A Guide To Increased Adherence. Retrieved from Reply to Nicole According to a survey that included questions on various types of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), prayer specifically for health reasons was the most used CAM therapy. 43% uses prayer for their own health.24% uses prayer for others health and 10% participates in a prayer group for their own health. Most people who use CAM use it to treat themselves, as only about 12% sought care from a licensed CAM practitioner (CDC, 2009). In the United States, according to the government survey, 36% of adults are using some form of CAM (CDC, 2009). When megavitamin therapy and prayer specifically for health reasons are included in CAM, that number rises to 64% compared to 57% when prayers are excluded. It was also noted that overall, blacks and women had a significantly higher odds of using CAM with prayer (Robles et al., 2017). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009). NCHS Pressroom – 2004 News Release – Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/04news/adultsmedicine.htm. Robles, B., Upchurch, D. M., & Kuo, T. (2017, March 3). Comparing Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use with or without Including Prayer as a Modality in a Local and Diverse United States Jurisdiction. Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2017.00056/full.

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has grown significantly in recent years, with prayer being one of the most commonly used therapies within the CAM realm. Prayer as a form of CAM has become popular due to its incorporation into individuals’ culture, beliefs, and religion (Favlo, 2011). In fact, one study found that prayer was used by over 60% of the individuals surveyed (Favlo, 2011). When prayer is included in the definition of CAM, reported use of CAM increases dramatically, potentially even doubling (Ernst, 2015).

Examining the specific use of prayer within CAM, it is important to note that prayer can take various forms. For many individuals, prayer is categorized into aspects such as yoga and spiritual healing (Ernst, 2015). According to a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), prayer for health reasons was found to be the most widely used CAM therapy. Specifically, 43% of individuals used prayer for their own health, 24% used prayer for the health of others, and 10% participated in prayer groups for their own health (CDC, 2009).

In the United States, CAM usage is prevalent, with 36% of adults reporting use of some form of CAM (CDC, 2009). When including mega-vitamin therapy and prayer specifically for health reasons in the definition of CAM, the percentage of adults using CAM rises to 64% (CDC, 2009). It is worth noting that women and black individuals have been found to have significantly higher odds of using CAM with prayer compared to other demographic groups (Robles et al., 2017).

The growing popularity of prayer as a form of CAM raises important questions and considerations. While prayer may provide comfort, support, and spiritual well-being for individuals, it is essential to critically examine its efficacy and potential risks. In the field of CAM, misconceptions and misunderstandings are common (Ernst, 2015). It is crucial to approach the use of prayer in the context of CAM with scientific rigor, recognizing the need for empirical evidence and proper evaluation.

Moreover, the integration of prayer into healthcare settings raises ethical considerations. Healthcare providers must strike a balance between respecting patients’ religious beliefs and providing evidence-based care. It is important to ensure that patients receive appropriate information about the potential benefits and limitations of prayer as a form of CAM, as well as the availability of other evidence-based treatment options.

In summary, the use of prayer as a form of CAM has gained popularity in recent years. Incorporating spiritual and religious beliefs into healthcare is a significant aspect of many individuals’ lives. However, it is crucial to approach the use of prayer in the context of CAM with critical thinking and scientific inquiry. Research and evaluation are necessary to determine the efficacy, safety, and limitations of prayer as a therapeutic intervention. Healthcare providers must navigate the ethical complexities of integrating prayer into patient care while ensuring the provision of evidence-based practices. By acknowledging the growing popularity of prayer as a form of CAM and addressing the associated challenges, healthcare professionals can provide informed and patient-centered care.