Holistic Health in America [infographic]

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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