WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Feb. 27 (UPI) -- A survey of older adults in rural North Carolina shows wide use of complementary medicine therapies, mostly folk or home remedies.
"What most people think about as complementary medicine -- acupuncture, homeopathy and massage therapy -- they aren't using at all," said Thomas Arcury, lead researcher from Wake Forest University School of Medicine. "Their use is largely limited to home remedies, vitamins and minerals."
The goal of the study was to learn more about what complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM, therapies older adults are using and why.
Researchers found the majority of participants don't use CAM therapies to treat diabetes or other chronic diseases. "They are using CAM for prevention or for treating symptoms (a headache, a sore throat, a cut) but not for treating a chronic condition," wrote the authors.
Added Arcury: "I've talked to older adults who'll tell you should take two tablespoons of vinegar every day in a glass of warm water because it's good for you. They aren't treating anything in particular."
The study is reported in the March issue of Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences.
