Rising healthcare costs, distrust of pharmaceutical companies, and the “fix-it when illness develops” approach not working, is leading many Americans to look for more natural ways to maintain good health – not only their physical health, but mental and spiritual as well. A holistic health (a.k.a. complimentary and alternative medicine, integrated medicine) strategy is the choice many people are making for themselves and family. 4 in 10 U.S. adults have used a holistic health therapy in the past year. Women choose holistic therapies more often than men 43% women vs 33% men People living in the western United States choose holistic therapies most often.
- Northeast 38%
- Midwest 41%
- South 33%
- West 45%
People with higher levels of education make greater use of holistic therapies.
- Less than high school 21%
- High School Graduate or GED 31%
- Some College-no degree 45%
- Associate of Arts Degree 47%
- Bachelor or Arts or Science Degree 50%
- Masters, Doctorate, Professional Degree 55%
Holistic Health use by Age.
- 18-29 years 36%
- 30-39 years 40%
- 40-49 years 40%
- 50-59 years 44%
- 60-69 years 41%
1 in 9 children used some type of holistic therapy. Children with a parent who uses holistic health therapies are twice as likely to do so as well. Therapies most commonly used.
- Natural Products 18%
- Deep Breathing Exercises 13%
- Meditation 9%
- Chiropractic / Osteopathic Manipulation 9%
- Massage 8%
- Yoga 6%
Therapies most commonly used among children.
- Natural Products 4%
- Chiropractic / Osteopathic Manipulation 3%
- Deep Breathing Exercises 2%
- Yoga 2%
- Homeopathy 1%
- Massage 1%
Diseases / Conditions for which holistic therapies are most commonly used.
- Back pain 17%
- Neck pain 6%
- Joint pain or stiffness 5%
- Arthritis 4%
- Anxiety 3%
- Cholesterol 2%
- Head or chest cold 2%
- Severe headache or migraine 2%
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping 1%
- Stress 1%
10 Most Common Natural Products Used Among Adults
- Fish oil / omega 3 37%
- Glucosamine 20%
- Echinacea 20%
- Flaxseed oil or pills 16%
- Ginseng 14%
- Combination herb pill 13%
- Ginkgo biloba 11%
- Chondroitin 11%
- Garlic supplements 11%
- Coenzyme Q-10 9%
* Adults 18 years of age and over in United States who used holistic health in the past 12 months
* Source: Complementary and alternative medicine use among adults and children: United States, 2007.
National health statistics reports; no 12. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2008.
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