Overview
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is one name for healthcare practices that are not part of mainstream medicine, also called conventional Western medicine. As CAM practices prove to be safe and effective, healthcare professionals use them with conventional medicine.
The word "alternative" refers to practices used in place of mainstream medicine. The newer words "complementary and integrative medicine," "integrative medicine and health," and "integrative medicine" apply to treatments used with mainstream medicine, not in place of it.
Integrative medicine combines the most well-researched conventional medicine with the most well-researched, evidence-based complementary treatments to provide the right care for each person.
Why it's done
Integrative medicine can help people with cancer, ongoing pain, ongoing tiredness, fibromyalgia and many other conditions. Integrated medicine practices can help people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Anyone who wants to improve overall health and wellness can try these practices.
Examples of common practices include:
- Acupuncture.
- Animal-assisted therapy.
- Aromatherapy.
- Dietary and herbal supplements.
- Massage therapy.
- Meditation.
- Music therapy.
- Resilience training.
- Tai chi or yoga.
Risks
The treatments used in integrative medicine don't take the place of those used in mainstream medicine. Instead, healthcare professionals may use them with mainstream treatments.
Hundreds of integrative medicine practices and products exist. Not all of them do what they claim. The ones that do work may not work for everyone. And some of them may not be safe.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health has good information about complementary and integrative treatments. Talk with your healthcare professional before trying something new.
How you prepare
Learn all you can about any integrative practice that you want to try. Find studies that have information about how safe the practice is and how well it works. Use treatments for your condition only if they are safe.
Find out about possible side effects of any dietary supplement or herbal product you want to try. Make sure it won't get in the way of any medicines you take.
Talk with your healthcare professional about integrative practices you want to try. Your healthcare professional might be able to suggest practices for your condition and how to start the treatment.
What you can expect
What you can expect from any integrative medicine practice depends on the practice. For practices such as meditation or yoga, you need to learn how to do the practice. You can take a class, use an app or watch a video to learn.
For acupuncture or massage therapy, choose a skilled practitioner. Ask people you trust for suggestions.