Alternative and Complementary Medicine

Alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) refers to diverse health care practices that fall outside of mainstream Western medicine. According to the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), if a non-mainstream approach is used together with conventional medicine, it is called complementary medicine; if used instead of conventional medicine, it is considered alternative medicine. Globally, terms like traditional medicine are also used interchangeably with CAM in some countries. These approaches focus on holistic health, often emphasizing the body’s ability to heal itself and integrating physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

CAM includes more than 160 techniques and remedies ranging from herbalism, acupuncture, and chiropractic care to mind-body practices such as meditation, hypnosis, and yoga. For instance, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses herbs and acupuncture, Ayurvedic medicine emphasizes plant-based treatments with lifestyle modifications, and homeopathy employs highly diluted substances. These therapies may be used alone or alongside conventional medical treatments depending on patient preference and clinical context.

Integrative medicine is an evidence-based approach combining conventional medicine with complementary therapies in a coordinated way to treat the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. It aims to create more effective, patient-centered, and cost-efficient care. This model respects scientific validation while valuing traditional knowledge, often employing multimodal interventions to address complex health needs holistically.

While CAM therapies are popular worldwide, many lack the robust evidence required by conventional medicine. Nonetheless, since the 1990s there has been a significant increase in research focused on evaluating CAM’s safety and effectiveness through randomized controlled trials and systematic studies. The World Health Organization recommends integrating proven CAM practices to enhance healthcare safely. Patients using CAM should communicate openly with healthcare providers to avoid risks and ensure coordinated care.

Adults frequently turn to CAM for managing chronic pain, musculoskeletal problems, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and even cancer-related symptoms. Complementary therapies like acupuncture and meditation can help alleviate side effects such as nausea, pain, and fatigue in cancer care, improving quality of life. Many people use CAM to complement their conventional treatments, aiming to support healing, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.