While on the one hand, the medical establish continues to denigrate alternative health care -- accusing it of being unsafe and untested -- on the other, it's rushing to introduce basic CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) courses into its college curriculum.

That's because, despite attempts during the past century to destroy other health care fields such as chiropractic, the public is increasingly turning away from medical doctors and the drugs and surgery they offer.

A study by Harvard Medical School, published in a recent issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine, examined trends in the use of 20 different CAMs, covering everything from acupuncture to yoga, among representative groups across the U.S.

"The findings really dispel two ideas, namely that complementary and alternative medicine is just a passing fad, and that it is used by one particular segment of society," said Ronald Kessler, Harvard Medical School professor of health care policy, who authored the study.

The study showed the use of alternative care was widespread and not exclusive to one gender, ethnic group, level of education, or geographic area.

Most of the 20 therapies have steadily increased in popularity since the 1960s, with the largest overall growth rate occurring during the transition from the 1960s to the 1970s.

As much as they've grown already, the data shows these approaches have a even brighter future, particularly since there was even more interest in them among the younger respondents.

By age 33, seven of ten post-baby boomers (born 1965-79) had used some type of CAM, compared with five out of ten baby boomers (born 1945-64), and three out of 10 pre-baby boomers (born before 1945).

However, in all age groups the use of CAMs has steadily increased since the 1950s.

Some individuals reported using alternative therapies for many years. Of those respondents who had tried an alternative therapy, almost 50% were still using it 11 to 20 years later.

This persistence is consistent with findings in a previous study that suggested most people recognize that these non-medical approaches can help in preventive and wellness care as well as therapy.

SOURCES: "Study indicates alternative medicine here to stay," Harvard Medical School, Aug. 20, 2001.

Annals of Internal Medicine, August 21, 2001.