Table 4 Commonest reasons given for using the 5 most popular CAMs
From: Patterns of complementary and alternative medicine use amongst outpatients in Tokyo, Japan
Type of CAM | Specific reasons stated for using CAM | % (n) | 95% C.I* |
|---|---|---|---|
Massage (n = 106) | Musculo-skeletal problems | 47% (50) | 37% to 57% |
| Â | Recommended by friend | 7% (7) | 3% to 13% |
| Â | Neurological problems | 5% (5) | 2% to 11% |
Vitamins (n = 85) | Musculo-skeletal problems | 19% (16) | 11% to 29% |
| Â | General wellbeing | 14% (12) | 8% to 23% |
| Â | To get better | 9% (8) | 4% to 18% |
Health food/dietary supplement (n = 56) | Musculo-skeletal problems | 21% (12) | 12% to 34% |
| Â | General wellbeing | 16% (9) | 8% to 28% |
| Â | To get better | 13% (7) | 5% to 24% |
Acupressure (n = 51) | Musculo-skeletal problems | 35% (18) | 22% to 50% |
| Â | Recommended by friend | 10% (5) | 3% to 21% |
| Â | General wellbeing | 6% (3) | 1% to 16% |
Kampo (n = 46) | Musculo-skeletal problems | 15% (7) | 6% to 29% |
| Â | Gynaecological problems | 13% (6) | 5% to 26% |
| Â | Lack of perceived side effects | 11% (5) | 4% to 24% |