Course Syllabus

Introduction to Complementary and Alternative

Medicine (CAM)

Course Information
Instructor: Sonseeharay Tunis-Roberson
Email: sonseeharaytunis@student.purdueglobal.edu
Course Title: Introduction to Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
Course Length: 3 weeks (90 minute sessions once per week)

Course Description
This course is a free learning experience for anyone interested in exploring the concept of
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and it supplies methods that can be used to
incorporate it into one’s own approach to general health. It will examine how the use of CAM
modalities can be utilized to help support conventional health care practices used to improve
and/or maintain health. Topics throughout this course will include the importance of mindfulness
and how to achieve it, meditation, yoga, and the use of herbs. The strong focus will be on guided
meditation and herbalism.

Course Prerequisites
None

Course Grading Scale

This is an ungraded course.

Course Objectives
1. To understand the basics of CAM modalities that are available for use in conjunction
with conventional health care practices.
2. To provide instruction, demonstrations, and hands-on practice of some complementary
methods that can be used to potentially improve the quality of life.
3. To provide resources that can be used to further knowledge and be utilized as a reference
when incorporating the integrated health approach.
Required Materials
Pen and paper
Strongly Recommended Materials
Books
Gladstar, R. (2012). Medicinal Herbs A Beginner’s Guide. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing
Micozzi, M. (2011). Fundamentals of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 4th Edition. St.
Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier, Inc.
Stahl, B., & Goldstein, E. (2010). A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook. Oakland,
CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.
*Books will be used in class for different activities*

Lesson Overview
 Lesson One:
o What is CAM?
o What is the Integrative Health Approach
o Are CAM modalities safe?
o Distribution of handouts for the lesson
o Open Forum
 Introductions (including level of CAM experience), Q&A session
o One-minute guided meditation exercise

 Lesson Two
o Understanding the benefits of mindfulness
 A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook exercises
 Procedural demonstration, instructions, and hands-on practice
o Distribution of handouts for the lesson
o One-minute guided meditation exercise

 Lesson Three
o Understanding herbs
o Methods of herbal preparation
o How to incorporate herbal use in your life
 Uses for herbs
o Open Forum
 Previous knowledge of herbs and herbal use, Q&A session
o Distribution of handouts for the lesson
o Recap of course as a whole
o One-minute guided meditation exercise
 Lesson 1 Lecture

Lesson Summary: This lesson is to serve as in introduction to complementary and alternative

medicine (CAM) practices as well as the integrated health approach. The following questions
will be explored:

 What is CAM?
 What is the Integrated Health Approach?
 What is CAM used for and are CAM modalities safe?

There will be an open forum at the end of lecture which will include a Q&A session providing
everyone the opportunity to ask questions that they may have. Handouts for this lesson (which
will include addition information as well as resources for at-home use) will be passed out at the
end of lecture.

Lesson Content:

What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)?

According to Micozzi (2011), complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) consist of

systems that put emphasis on wellness. CAM systems (or modalities) focus on healing the
complete body (mind, body, and spirit) as well as treating the main source of the problem verses
simply treating the symptoms. There are quite a few CAM (Complementary and Alternative
Medicine) disciplines that date back to hundreds of years ago and some, such as chiropractic,
that are somewhat newer. There is a quite a wide variety of CAM practices that are available.
Some individuals may choose to use different CAM practices at the same time while others may
choose to focus on using one at a time.

Video Presentation:

 This is an animated 2 minute video that explains the concept of CAM.

o Rehealtify. (2014). Complementary and Alternative Medicine – What
You Need To Know. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZX_gpNwoJU
 This is an 11 minute video that provides an in-depth explanation of CAM.
 o Johnson, T. (2013). Complementary and Alternative Medicine:
Introduction and Overview. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ijw2vqURE70

Discussion of each video: Q&A session after each video

What is the Integrative Health Approach?

The Integrative Health Approach is the process of combining conventional medicine with
complementary medicine. It is becoming more common to find doctors who offer the integrative
approach to their patients, but sometimes patients will initiate the process on their own. An
example of this would be a patient who is being seen by a medical doctor back pain as well as
being seen by a chiropractor as well. Of course, whenever more than one practitioner/doctor is
involved it is important to disclose to each of them any and all treatment that is being performed
for the health issue.

Video Presentation:

 This is a 2 minute video that explains integrative medicine by a medical doctor

who practices it.
o Weil, A. (2010). What Is Integrative Medicine? Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pXsm3qaFIk
 This is a 3 minute video that provides the concepts of integrative medicine.
o Chiaramonte, D. (2015). Introduction to Integrative Medicine. Retrieved
from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhStVdP3Wl0

Discussion of each video: Q&A session after each video

What is CAM used for and are CAM modalities safe?

CAM is used for such a wide range of reasons. Some individuals turn to it because they feel it is
safer to use then conventional medicine, some may feel it is more effective, some can really see
results when combined with conventional medicine, and some are just simply curious to try it.
Some individuals eagerly research CAM on their own while others desire information from a
trusted health professional. CAM is used for issues that may be considered minor (such as
athletes foot) to issues that are considered major (such as cancer). If CAM is used, it is important
to get advice, guidance, and treatment from a professional in that particular field. The National
Center for Complementary and Integrative Health offers a plethora of information on CAM as
well as resources to finding Complementary Health Practitioners.

Distribute Handouts and Review with Class.

Open Forum/Q&A Session: Provide opportunity for individuals to give a quick introduction-
their name as well as their level of CAM experience.

1 Minute Guided Meditation

We will end this lecture with a 1 minute guided meditation that will help release stress and
anxiety.

Video Presentation

 Stephenson, J. (2016). 1 Minute Quick Breath Meditation Let Go of Stress & Anxiety
(Great for beginners). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTbrKHx-
dj8

Assigned Homework:

Identify one CAM modality that you are interested in trying and try it! Examples of this could be
getting a massage, taking a yoga class, seeing a chiropractor, etc.
 Lesson 1 Handout

Things To Know When Selecting a Complementary Health Practitioner

If you’re looking for a complementary health practitioner to help treat a medical problem, it is
important to be as careful and thorough in your search as you are when looking for conventional
care.

Here are some tips to help you in your search:

If you need names of practitioners in your area, first check with your doctor or other health care
provider. A nearby hospital or medical school, professional organizations, state regulatory
agencies or licensing boards, or even your health insurance provider may be helpful.
Unfortunately, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) cannot
refer you to practitioners.

Find out as much as you can about any potential practitioner, including education, training,
licensing, and certifications. The credentials required for complementary health practitioners
vary tremendously from state to state and from discipline to discipline.

Once you have found a possible practitioner, here are some tips about deciding whether he or she
is right for you:

Find out whether the practitioner is willing to work together with your conventional health care
providers. For safe, coordinated care, it’s important for all of the professionals involved in your
health to communicate and cooperate.

Explain all of your health conditions to the practitioner, and find out about the practitioner’s
training and experience in working with people who have your conditions. Choose a practitioner
who understands how to work with people with your specific needs, even if general well-being is
your goal. And, remember that health conditions can affect the safety of complementary
approaches; for example, if you have glaucoma, some yoga poses may not be safe for you.

Don’t assume that your health insurance will cover the practitioner’s services. Contact your
health insurance provider and ask. Insurance plans differ greatly in what complementary health
approaches they cover, and even if they cover a particular approach, restrictions may apply.
Tell all your health care providers about the complementary approaches you use and about all
practitioners who are treating you. Keeping your health care providers fully informed helps you
to stay in control and effectively manage.

Article was retrieved from:

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2017). 6 Things To Know When
Selecting a Complementary Health Practitioner. Retrieved from
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/selecting
 Lesson 2 Lecture

Lesson Summary: This lesson will delve into mindfulness, why it is beneficial, and how to
awaken it. The following question will be addressed:

 What is mindfulness?
 Can mindfulness be achieved in everyday activities? How?

There will be an open forum at the end of lecture which will include a Q&A session providing
everyone the opportunity to ask questions that they may have. Handouts for this lesson (which
will include addition information as well as resources for at-home use) will be passed out at the
end of lecture.

Lesson Content:

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is defined as being fully aware of the present moment without judgment (Stahl &
Goldstein, E, 2010). Creating a state of mindfulness can help the individual to identify if they are
suffering from things such as pain, anxiety, stress, etc. It can be easy to get carried away with the
daily routine- which these days always seem to be rushed- and individual can begin experiencing
the effects of stress and not even realize they are stressed. Take a moment now to think about a
time when you were not mindful. Can you think of one? Imagine these scenarios:

 You just finished your morning routine. You know you brushed your teeth because you
can still taste the toothpaste, but you do not actually remember the act of brushing your
teeth.
 Someone at work asks you how you are doing. You respond saying your feel great but
later realize you are actually not feeling well.
 You get home that evening and decide to bum in front of the television with a big bag of
chips. By the time your favorite TV show goes off you realize you ate the whole bag of
chips.

I am sure at least one person has experienced at least one of those scenarios. It is easy to allow
the brain to wonder off and think about other things besides the here and now.
Video Presentation:

 This is a 10 minute video that goes into detail as to what mindfulness is.
o Kawakami, T. (2015). How mindfulness can help you to live in the present.
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDMOc_WCTW0
 This video is an 8 minute discussion on mindfulness and how to achieve it.
o Boissiere, P. (2017). 30 seconds to mindfulness. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ad7HqXEc2Sc

Discussion of each video: Q&A session after each video

Activity

A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook pg. 11-12

Discussion of activity

Can mindfulness be achieved in everyday activities? How?

Ultimately mindfulness gives individuals the ability to connect with themselves. The phrase
“stop and smell the roses” is a common phrase and those individuals who choose to put the
phrase into action are giving themselves an opportunity to be mindful.

Video Presentation:

 This is a 13 minute presentation that explores mindfulness and how to practice it in daily
activities.
o Kabat-Zinn, J. & Winfrey, O. (2017). Mindfulness in Everyday Life. Retrieved
from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5r2sBQM31k
 This is a 3 minute video that demonstrates an eating mindfully exercise.
o Jones, C. (2016). Mindful Eating Exercise. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_IrfyjP88w

Discussion of each video: Q&A session after each video

Guided Activity:

A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook pg. 18-19

Discussion of Activity

Guided Activity:

A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook pg. 21

Discussion of Activity

Distribute Handouts and Review with Class.

Open Forum/Q&A Session: Participants can share their mindfulness experience and ask any
questions they may have.

1 Minute Guided Meditation

We will end this lecture with a 1 minute guided meditation that will help release stress and
anxiety.

 Video Presentation
 Stephenson, J. (2016). 1 Minute Quick Breath Meditation Let Go of Stress & Anxiety
(Great for beginners). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTbrKHx-
dj8

Assigned Homework:

Complete exercises on pgs. 57-64 of A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook.

 Lesson 2 Handout

Complete the Journal Assignment entitled: “How Stressed Are You?” Directions are

found on pages 11 and 12 of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook. List the

situation on the left. Use a rating scale of 1 through 10 for the start, midway, and end. You will

use this Journal Assignment as a way of checking in with yourself and mapping your stress on a

schedule that you create for yourself. Keep it handy and refer back to it often.

Situation Start Midway End

 Lesson 3 Lecture

Lesson Summary: This lesson is to serve as in introduction to herbalism. The following

question will be addressed:

 What is herbalism and what are herbs?

 How scan herbs be used?
 How can herbs be incorporated into a daily routine?

There will be an open forum at the end of lecture which will include a Q&A session providing
everyone the opportunity to ask questions that they may have. Handouts for this lesson (which
will include addition information as well as resources for at-home use) will be passed out at the
end of lecture.

Lesson Content:

What is herbalism and what are herbs?

Simply put, herbalism is the use of herbs. Herbalism is the use of raw plant material such as
leaves, flowers, fruit, seed, stems, wood, bark, roots, rhizomes or other plant parts used as a
whole (the entire plant/plant part), fragmented or powdered. Some individuals may use herbs for
medicinal purposes and some may simply use them to add flavor to their food. According to the
World Health Organization (2008), traditional herbal medicines are derived from plants and are
naturally occurring substances with little to no industrial processing that have been used, and still
are being used, to treat illnesses. Traditional herbal medicines are steadily getting notable
attention globally. Botanical sales have significantly increased since the 1990s and have grown
to be about an $8 billion industry.

Video Presentation:

 This is a fun and educational 3 minute animation explaining the history of herbalism.
o Medical Herbalism. (2014). A History of Herbal Medicine. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8SHvgM1bMc
 This is a 2 minute video explaining herbalism.
o O’Keefe, T. (2012). What is Herbalism? Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxSjalA0OL8
Discussion of each video: Q&A session after each video

How can herbs be used?

Medicinal herbs refer to herbs that are used for health purposes, including the treatment and
prevention of disease. Savory herbs, such as garlic, rosemary, basil, etc., are used to season food.
Aromatic herbs are herbs, plant parts, or flowers that are used for their aroma. For example,
aromatic herbs can be used in perfumes, fragrances, incense, and aromatherapy. Herbs can also
be used in food preservation, for dying cloth, as a non-toxic pesticide, for decoration, and so
many other purposes. Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, instructed us to “Let food be
thy medicine, and medicine be thy food." Herbs can be used to make herbal teas, decoctions,
infusions, syrups, oils, salves, tinctures, herbal pills, poultices, compresses, and in baths. Herbs
are generally easy to grow and it is relatively easy to make herbal remedies.

Video Presentation:

 This is a 4 minute video that discusses cooking with herbs.

o Oliver, J. (2010). Jamie Oliver talks you through cooking with herbs.
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za1x92jq2L4
 This is a quick 30 second video that shows how easy it is to create a mixture that can
be used at home for aromatherapy purposes.
o Katie Brown Workshop. (2017). How to Make Easy Aromatherapy Oils a
DIY. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPpDRig32-U

Discussion of each video: Q&A session after each video

Activity Session:

Everyone is encouraged to walk around to the different display tables to examine some herbs in
different forms (fresh and dried) as well as explore different forms of herbal remedies that are on
display (herbal tea bags, infusions, infused oils, essential oils, and syrup). *Be sure to use
mindfulness in this activity- use your eyes to explore, use your nose to smell the aromas, and feel
the various textures.

Activity Discussion and Q&A

Activity Session:
Browse through Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs A Beginner’s Guide and explore the
various recipes that she offers.

Activity Discussion and Q&A

Activity Session:

It may take some effort at first, but herbs can easily be incorporated into one’s daily routine.
Identify and write down ways herbs can be incorporated into your daily routine.

Activity Discussion

Distribute Handouts and Review with Class.

Recap of Course and Open Forum/Q&A: Participants can share previous knowledge of herbs
and herbal use and how they will use the information obtained in this course. This is also the
time for any questions to be asked.

1 Minute Guided Meditation

We will end this lecture with a 1 minute guided meditation that will help release stress and
anxiety.

 Video Presentation
 Stephenson, J. (2016). 1 Minute Quick Breath Meditation Let Go of Stress & Anxiety
(Great for beginners). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTbrKHx-
dj8
 Lesson 3 Handout

TAKING YOUR HERBS

HERBALISTA STYLE
The act of making and taking your herbal preparations plays an important role
in your healing. Appreciate this moment of attention to your own self-care. Let
the steam off your cup of tea envelope your senses. Explore the layers of flavor
in your bitters. Be present.

TEA
Medicinal strength teas are often brewed stronger than beverage tea.
Pre-bagged: 2 bags per cup.
Loose: 2 tablespoons per cup or ½ cup of herbs per quart.

Warm/Standard Infusion:
Boil water, pour over herb in cup or pot. Cover and let steep for at least 15
minutes. Strain and enjoy. You may prepare your tea in a stainless steel pot on
the stove (no aluminum please) or try an easy to use French Press.
Cold Infusion: Pour cold water over herb, cover and let stand overnight. In
morning, strain and enjoy. Drink cold or reheat as desired or directed.

TINCTURES
A liquid extract made from alcohol, apple cider vinegar, or glycerine. The
instructions to take your tincture can vary from a drop dosage all the way to a
teaspoon. Often a dosage is written as: Take 3 squirts, 3 x’s per day.
What is a SQUIRT??? A squirt is the amount of liquid which fills the tube
after one squeeze of the rubber ball. The tube usually looks about ½ full.
Take amount as directed in a splash of water or straight. If taking straight, try
not to touch dropper to mouth.

BITTERS
Bitters work best when incorporated into your mealtime routine. The bitter
taste stimulates and harmonizes your digestion. Enjoy as a pre or post meal
“aperitif.” Use 2-3 droppers or a dash in a small amount of water to sip on.
Use a fancy glass. Enjoy!

STORAGE
Please store all herbal preparations in a cool, dry, and dark place. Try to avoid
storing in your car to avoid them baking.

POWDERS
There are several ways to take your herbal powders. Here are some ideas to
get you started. Feel free to branch out from these suggestions and get
creative with your medicine!
1. Put the dosage of powder in a cup and pour in boiling water. Let steep
for a couple minutes, mix and drink warm. If any powder is left at the
bottom of the cup, pour in a bit more water and drink the rest down.
2. Mix dosage of powder into a small amount of honey.
3. Mix dosage of powder into a small amount of yogurt.
4. Place dosage of powder on your tongue and wash down with a bit of
water.
5. Mix powder with honey and nut butter to create Bliss Balls. See Basic
Bliss Ball Recipe below.

BLISS BALLS
Makes enough for about two weeks.
1 ½ cup Nut Butter (sunflower seed, almond, tahini, etc.)
1- 1 ½ cup raw honey (or try molasses)
2.5 ounces powder blend
Unsweetened shredded coconut (to roll balls in)
Jazz it up with spices and fruits Cardamom, Cinnamon, Cacao, Clove, Carob,
Licorice, Garam Masala, Nutmeg... Bilberry, Blueberry, Goji, Fig, Raisin,
Cranberry, Dates, Mulberry...

1. Mix butter, honey and powder until smooth. Make sure the paste is thick
enough that it will hold its form, but not so dry that it cracks or is mealy.
Add more oils or powders to correct. (Tip: Kneed with you hands like
dough.)
2. Add extra love with spices & fruits.
3. Roll the dough into 30 balls. You can then roll them in shredded coconut
or a powdered spice to keep from being sticky.
4. Store the balls in a sealed container in the fridge.
Eat two bliss balls a day!

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