Complementary and alternative medicine

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is the popular term for health and wellness therapies that have typically not been part of conventional Western medicine. "Complementary" means treatments that are used along with conventional medicine. "Alternative" means treatments used in place of conventional medicine.

CAM focuses on the whole person, including physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. For example, CAM includes mind-body medicine (such as meditation, acupuncture and yoga), manipulative and body-based practices (such as massage therapy and spinal manipulation), and natural products (such as herbs and dietary supplements).

Most CAM studies in the U.S. show that few people forgo conventional medicine. So the term "integrative medicine" is increasingly preferred. Integrative medicine combines, or integrates, the best of conventional medical care with the best of evidence-based CAM.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for complementary and integrative medicine

• Specialized program. For more than 10 years, doctors at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota have been offering treatment in the Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program. This program helps address increased interest in wellness-promoting activities that have not typically been part of conventional medical care.
• Integrative approach. Mayo Clinic complementary and integrative medicine specialists work with other doctors to incorporate appropriate complementary therapies and wellness programs into the treatment plan. Mayo Clinic's program follows the principles of the Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine.
• Evidence-based approach. Mayo Clinic doctors are committed to providing evidence-based care and use only the complementary and integrative therapies that have been tested for effectiveness and safety. They can provide you with information about the risks and benefits of alternative medicine treatments. Mayo researchers conduct studies to improve complementary and integrative medicine treatments.

Mayo Clinic: Answers you can trust

At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care — and trusted answers — like they've never experienced.

Why Choose Mayo Clinic
What Sets Mayo Clinic Apart

Read more about complementary and alternative medicine.