Alternative & Complementary Medicine

Complementary and Alternative Medicine, can be defined as a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine.

The list of what is considered to be CAAM changes continually, as those therapies that are proven to be safe and effective become adopted into conventional health care, and as new approaches to health care emerge.

CAAM therapies can be classified into five categories:

1. Alternative Medical Systems Alternative medical systems are built upon complete systems of theory and practice. Often, these systems have evolved apart from and earlier than the conventional medical approach. Examples of alternative medical systems that have developed in Western cultures include homeopathic medicine and naturopathic medicine. Examples of systems that have developed in non-Western cultures include traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda.

2. Mind-Body Interventions Mind-body medicine uses a variety of techniques designed to enhance the mind's capacity to affect bodily function and symptoms. Some techniques that were considered CAAM in the past have become mainstream (for example, patient support groups and cognitive-behavioral therapy). Other mind-body techniques are still considered CAAM, including meditation, prayer, mental healing, and therapies that use creative outlets such as art, music, or dance.

3. Biologically Based Therapies Biologically based therapies in CAAM use substances found in nature, such as herbs, foods, and vitamins. Some examples include dietary supplements and herbal products.

4. Manipulative and Body-Based Methods Manipulative and body-based methods in CAAM are based on manipulation and/or movement of one or more parts of the body. Some examples include chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation, and massage.

5. Energy Therapies Energy therapies involve the use of energy fields.
They are of two types:
Biofield therapies are intended to affect energy fields that purportedly surround and penetrate the human body. The existence of such fields has not yet been scientifically proven. Some forms of energy therapy manipulate biofields by applying pressure and/or manipulating the body by placing the hands in, or through, these fields. Examples include qi gong, Reiki, and Therapeutic Touch.
Bioelectromagnetic-based therapies involve the unconventional use of electromagnetic fields, such as pulsed fields, magnetic fields, or alternating-current or direct-current fields.