Complementary and alternative medicine definition

CAM) a large and diverse set of systems of diagnosis, treatment , and prevention based on philosophies and techniques other than those used in conventional Western medicine , often derived from traditions of medical practice used in other (non-Western) cultures. In additional to complementary and alternative , you may also hear the term “functional medicine. This term sometimes refers to a concept similar to integrative health (described below), but it may also refer to an approach that more closely resembles naturopathy (a medical system that has evolved from a combination of traditional practices and health care approaches popular in Europe during the 19th century).

Alternative medicine is a term that describes medical treatments that are used instead of traditional (mainstream) therapies. Complementary and alternative medicine , or CAM, is a category of medicine that includes a variety of treatment approaches that fall outside the realm of conventional medicine. In many cases, as evidence of efficacy and safety grows, these therapies are being combined with conventional medicine.

Complementary medicine: A group of diagnostic and therapeutic disciplines that are used together with conventional medicine. Examples of alternative practices include homeopathy, traditional medicine , chiropractic, and acupuncture. Traditional Complementary Integrative Medicine , Service Delivery and Safety Department, World Health Organization Headquarters. But complementary medicine is when these therapies are used along with traditional Western medicine.

Standard medical care is medicine that is practiced by health professionals who hold an M. Research has shown that only approximately – of cancer patients use CAM as an alternative to conventional care. The terms holistic medicine , alternative medicine and complementary medicine have often been used interchangeably. In fact, alternative medicine and complementary medicine are different and holistic medicine is a term which tends to embrace the larger definition of a system of treatment and practitioners who do not work within the system of conventional medicine.

Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has increased worldwide, especially, in the last few decades. Other sections address general aspects of complementary and alternative medicine ,. These medicines and treatments range from acupuncture and homeopathy, to aromatherapy, meditation and colonic irrigation. There is no universally agreed definition of CAMs. Standard care is what medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, and allied health professionals, such as nurses and physical therapists, practice. This report reviews global progress in TCM over the past two decades and is based on contributions from 1WHO Member States.

Other examples of non-mainstream medicine include yoga, chiropractic medicine , meditation, and massage therapy. Examples of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) include use of herbal medicines, acupuncture, and massage therapy. Many different areas make up the practice of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). In addition, many parts of one field may overlap with the parts of another field.

For example, acupuncture is also used in conventional medicine. You may hear them used to refer to methods to help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life during cancer treatment. When health care providers and facilities offer both types of care, it is called integrative medicine. An example is using acupuncture to help with side effects of cancer treatment. Understanding Differences Between Holistic, Alternative , and Complementary Medicine.

To view other topics, please sign in or purchase a subscription. The various approaches of CAM typically are used in a manner that is complementary to standard medical practices or are used in place of standard medicine.

A variety of therapeutic or preventive health-care practices that are not typically taught or practiced in traditional medical communities and offer treatments that differ from standard medical practice. Homeopathy, herbal medicine, and acupuncture are types of alternative medicine. They suggest that the term “traditional, complementary and alternative medicine” (TCAM) is a more appropriate term to describe such traditional therapies globally. Health care can broadly be divided into modern (conventional, orthodox, Western or allopathic) and traditional (indigenous, complementary, alternative or integrative). Perhaps the most neutral terms are “practiques paralleles” (parallel practices), unconventional, or complementary medicine.

The term complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses a wide array of health care practices, products, and therapies that are distinct from practices, products, and therapies used in. The definition of complementary and alternative medicine has been much debated in recent years as this type of therapy has increasingly become a focus of public and academic attention. Complementary therapies are often based on traditional knowledge.

Complementary or Alternative Medicine (CAM) is the TM that is used outside the indigenous community by the other populations (2). Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) CAM refers to forms of health care that are used in addition ( complementary ) or instead of. These methods are used in place of ( alternative to), or in addition to ( complementary to), conventional medical treatments.

The terms are primarily used in the western worl and include several traditional medicine techniques practiced throughout the world. Within CAM, some examples of mind-body medicine practices are meditation, hypnosis, tai chi, and yoga.