TREATMENTS
Complementary & Alternative
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) refers to a broad set of healthcare practices that are not part of a country's own tradition and are not integrated into the dominant healthcare system. They are used in an attempt to prevent, diagnose, improve or treat physical and mental illnesses.
CAM therapies are often based on tradition, belief systems, and knowledge that may not be rooted in modern scientific methods. They are typically broken down into two subgroups: complementary medicine and alternative medicine.
Complementary Medicine
This refers to treatments that are used alongside standard medical treatments but are not considered to be standard themselves. The goal is usually to supplement conventional care and mitigate side effects. For example, acupuncture might be used to help reduce some types of pain and side effects of cancer treatments.
Alternative Medicine
This refers to treatments that are used instead of standard medical treatments. An example of this might be a special diet used to treat cancer instead of undergoing surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy recommended by a medical doctor.
Complementary Medicine
This refers to treatments that are used alongside standard medical treatments but are not considered to be standard themselves. The goal is usually to supplement conventional care and mitigate side effects. For example, acupuncture might be used to help reduce some types of pain and side effects of cancer treatments.
Alternative Medicine
This refers to treatments that are used instead of standard medical treatments. An example of this might be a special diet used to treat cancer instead of undergoing surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy recommended by a medical doctor.
Types of CAM Treatments
- Natural Products
This includes herbs (also known as botanicals), vitamins and minerals, and probiotics. They're widely marketed, readily available to consumers, and often sold as dietary supplements.
- Mind and Body Practices
A diverse group of procedures or techniques administered by a trained practitioner, including yoga, chiropractic and osteopathic manipulation, meditation, massage therapy, acupuncture, relaxation techniques, and forms of healing touch.
- Other Health Approaches
This includes practices such as traditional healers, Ayurvedic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, and naturopathy.
