The role of social interaction in complementary alternative medicine orientation

The concept of disease, which people encounter at every moment of their lives and have to deal with, has a history as old as human history. Each society has developed various methods against this concept in accordance with its own belief system or values. For example, herbal treatments, magic, meditation, prayers and worship are some of the treatment methods used to treat diseases and relieve their symptoms. The cultural heritage and belief systems of societies have enabled these traditional methods to be transmitted and continued from generation to generation. However, this situation began to change from the 19th century onwards, as modernism took its place in our lives and gradually strengthened its role in science. Developing technology has brought with it modern medicine based on scientific foundations. However, later modern medicine was subjected to many criticisms. These criticisms of modern medicine, such as over-medicalization, unnecessary prescriptions, side effects of drugs, harsh attitudes of doctors, and the lack of adequate inclusion of individuals in the treatment processes, have led individuals to seek different treatments. Complementary Alternative Therapies (CAM), which offer treatment opportunities with natural resources and focus on the body's self-healing potential, are among the treatment methods used by individuals. One of the reasons for the increase in these CAM methods, which are becoming increasingly widespread in our country and all over the world, is social interactions. Social interaction is the process that includes all kinds of social environments in which individuals or groups communicate and interact and take part in society. These processes are circle of friends, relatives, neighbors and social media platforms. During these processes, individuals share information and experiences about CAM methods interactively with each other, causing people to learn more about these treatments more easily and increasing interest in CAM methods.