Complementary Alternative Medicine: A Culturally Centered Approach to Managing Chronic Pain from One American Indian Community

Abstract: This evaluation explored the benefits of Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) within a reservation-based, State-certified outpatient treatment provider. The three CAM strategies provided were massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic therapies. The evaluation team worked with a peer recovery support specialist and tribal evaluation intern to co-create a one-page, eight-question, fixed-response instrument based on previous work in the community. Surveys were collected by the peer support specialist post-session with individuals receiving CAM therapies. Surveys assessed self-reported impacts, reasons for attending CAM sessions, and mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health before and after CAM sessions. Paired t-tests were used to examine significant differences in mean scores before and after CAM sessions. A total of 40 participants completed the survey between March 2021 and March 2022. The evaluation found a significant increase in the mean scores for all measured self-reported health ratings: physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental. The greatest increase observed was for physical health (M = 5.32, SD = 2.53) and physical health after (M = 8.38, SD = 1.60) based on self-report data; t(78) = 6.46, p = .0001. CAM sessions positively influenced participants; 83% (n = 33) reported being more hopeful about their overall health and wellness. The holistic approach demonstrated promising results and potential benefits of CAM on overall wellness and belonging. Further research is needed to explore how CAM may be implemented as a culturally centered approach to managing chronic pain often associated with opioid use disorder.

Link to Resource

Overdose Prevention Hub for Tribes and Native Communities

© All Rights Reserved Seven Directions
Website by TDG Agency

Who We Are

The initiative for establishing an online one-stop native overdose prevention resource hub came about as one component of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s Opioid Overdose Prevention in Tribes. Learn More

Acknowledging Urban and Rural Native Communities

The TA Opioid Hub aims to provide culturally inclusive and tailored resources regarding Opioid Prevention for Indigenous communities, both urban and rural. Seven Directions recognizes the strengths and unique needs of Indigenous communities on both traditional lands and in urban areas. Learn More

Data Sovereignty Statement

As Indigenous scholars and allies, one of our main priorities is privacy and data sovereignty for those who visit our website. All the information on the Overdose Hub can be viewed without revealing or sharing personal information. Learn More