Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Outside the Western health care system is an entire world of medical treatment practices to which many Americans have little exposure. These therapies are lumped into a single category known as “complementary medicine and alternative medicine” (CAM). Though the effectiveness and usefulness of some treatments are questioned, not all remain outside the mainstream. Many are now widely available and encouraged in western health care, according to the National Institute of Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat Is Complementary and Alternative Medicine?
“Alternative medicine” and “complementary medicine” are terms for therapies that either replace or supplement conventional Western medical treatments. Generally, practices that aren’t taught in Western medical schools, or aren’t acknowledged by the conventional medical community, are considered complementary or alternative. Some CAM treatments include acupuncture, massage and herbal supplements to maintain wellness.
Dulcinea's Insight
- “Complementary and alternative medicine” is often abbreviated as CAM.
- One of the National Institutes of Health—the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)—is featured prominently in this guide. According to the agency’s site, it was established to “explore complementary and alternative healing practices in the context of rigorous science” and disseminate that information to the public. NCCAM’s site is full of extensively researched articles about all types of CAM. The site also provides advice and addresses other issues for those seeking treatment.
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For an overview …
NCCAM
provides a general overview of types of complementary and alternative medicine, and how they are classified.
MedicineNet.com
has overviews of complementary and alternative medicine, along with examples of each.
For kids …
KidsHealth
offers an explanation of alternative and complementary medicine for children and teens. This site provides an overview of the differences between complementary and alternative medicine, describes some of the specialties, explains why someone may want CAM and discusses their limitations.
For financial issues …
NCCAM
has an overview of financial issues related to CAM. It offers some questions patients should ask before seeing a CAM practitioner, such as the costs of initial and follow-up appointments, and how many appointments are typically required. This page also discusses methods for financing treatment, like insurance coverage for CAM, including what you can do if a claim has been denied.
For advice before you seek CAM …
MedicineNet.com
offers a list of questions you should ask your doctor when you’re considering CAM. Some patients, especially those undergoing cancer treatments, need to keep their doctors in the loop, because certain complementary treatments can interfere or interact with conventional treatment.
The American Cancer Society
has its own guide for what to do when you’re considering using CAM to treat cancer. It offers tips for discussing the subject with your doctor, and what questions to ask a CAM practitioner.
Types of CAM
The phrase “complementary and alternative medicine” encompasses a wide variety of ... read more »
Finding an Alternative Medicine Doctor
Because alternative and complementary medical practitioners aren’t always in the mainstream ... read more »
CAM News and Research
The Web has a number of databases that house alternative and complementary medicine research. As ... read more »
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