Table 2. Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in the Past 12 Months: Baby Boomers versus the Silent Generation
CAM UseBaby BoomersSilent GenerationP Value
%SE%SE
Any CAM therapy43.050.8136.410.91<.001
Alternative medical systems4.540.282.160.23<.0001
    Acupuncture2.090.181.170.18.001
    Ayurveda0.070.05.68
    Homeopathy2.280.180.820.14<.001
    Naturopathy0.510.100.310.10.12
    Traditional healers*0.340.110.13.02
Biologically based23.300.6822.390.76.32
    Chelation therapy0.090.09.91
    Herbs20.670.6320.890.72.80
    Special diets4.380.292.720.29<.001
Manipulative and body based17.400.611.640.60<.001
    Chiropractic/osteopathic10.160.448.090.51.002
    Massage9.570.434.810.39<.001
    Movement based1.510.160.350.11<.001
Mind–body21.060.6913.730.58<.001
    Biofeedback0.230.070.08.10
    Meditation11.450.546.720.42<.001
    Guided imagery3.230.351.130.18<.001
    Progressive relaxation4.320.311.690.22<.001
    Deep breathing15.080.619.530.48<.001
    Hypnosis0.450.090.15.02
    Stress management1.170.150.310.07<.001
    Support groups2.370.211.090.17<.001
    Yoga5.900.332.200.28<.001
    Tai chi1.060.121.050.17.94
    Qi gong0.410.080.220.07.10
Energy healing/Reiki0.870.120.320.09.001
  • * Traditional healers include curandero, espiritista, hierbero, shaman, botanica, Native American healer, and sobador.

  • Special diets include vegetarian, macrobiotic, Atkins, Pritikin, Ornish, The Zone, and South Beach.

  • Movement-based therapies include Feldenkreis, Alexander technique, Pilates, and Trager.

  • SE, standard error.