38% of U.S. Adults Use Alternative Treatments

Dr. David L. Katz, director of the Yale University School of Medicine Prevention Research Center, said people turn to CAM to enhance vitality, and to relieve pain, discomfort or fatigue.

"The continued popularity of CAM highlights the importance of physicians being knowledgeable, because it is here that patients most need expert guidance," he said. "Doctors and patients alike should approach the many offerings of CAM with open-minded skepticism, to take advantage of what is likely to help, and be on guard against what may cause harm."

More information

To learn more about CAM, visit the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

More From USNews.com

• Hospitals Embracing Alternative Care
• The Healing Power of Honey
• The March of Alternative Medicine
• Try Hypnosis and Counseling for IBS and Crohn's