How Can I Get Reliable Information About A CAM Therapy?

It is important to learn what scientific studies have discovered about the CAM therapy you are considering. Making a decision based on the facts is a better idea than using a therapy simply because of something you have seen in an advertisement or on a Web site or because someone has told you that it worked for them. (For tips on how to evaluate Web site information, see the NCCAM fact sheet Evaluating Web-Based Health Resources.)

Understanding a therapy's potential benefits, risks, and scientific evidence is critical to your health and safety. Scientific research on many CAM therapies is relatively new, so this kind of information may not be available for every therapy. However, many studies are under way, including those that NCCAM supports, and knowledge and understanding of CAM are increasing all the time. Here are some ways to find reliable information:

Talk with your doctor or other health care providers. Tell them about the therapy you are considering and ask any questions you may have about safety, effectiveness, or interactions with medications (prescription or nonprescription) or other dietary supplements. They may know about the therapy and be able to advise you on its safety and use.
Visit the NCCAM Web site (nccam.nih.gov). The Health Information page has information on specific CAM therapies, and links to other online sources of information. It also has contact information for the NCCAM Clearinghouse, where information specialists are available to assist you in searching the peer-reviewed literature and to suggest useful NCCAM publications.
Visit your local library or a medical library. Ask the reference librarian to help you find books and scientific journals with information on the therapy that interests you.