Motivations For Using Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Patients With Chronic Illnesses in Chennai

Abstract

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) constitutes a diverse spectrum of therapeutic practices that operate outside the domain of conventional biomedicine, including herbal medicine, yoga, acupuncture, homeopathy, and indigenous systems such as Ayurveda and Siddha. The increasing global burden of chronic non-communicable diseases—such as diabetes, hypertension, musculoskeletal disorders, and respiratory illnesses—has intensified the demand for long-term, patient-centered management strategies. In this context, CAM has emerged as a significant adjunct or alternative due to its perceived holistic orientation, cultural compatibility, and reduced adverse effects. In metropolitan settings such as Chennai, where traditional and modern healthcare systems coexist, understanding the determinants and motivations of CAM usage is essential for developing integrative healthcare frameworks.