Introduction
There are many terms used to describe approaches to health care that are outside the realm of conventional medicineMedicine as practiced by holders of M.D. (medical doctor) or D.O. (doctor of osteopathy) degrees and by their allied health professionals such as physical therapists, psychologists, and registered nurses. as practiced in the United States. This fact sheet explains how the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), a component of the National Institutes of Health, defines some of the key terms used in the field of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)A group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine, and alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine.. Terms that are underlined in the text are defined at the end of this fact sheet.
What is CAM?
CAM is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Conventional medicine is medicine as practiced by holders of M.D. (medical doctor) or D.O. (doctor of osteopathy) degrees and by their allied health professionals, such as physical therapists, psychologists, and registered nurses. Some health care providers practice both CAM and conventional medicine. While some scientific evidence exists regarding some CAM therapies, for most there are key questions that are yet to be answered through well-designed scientific studies--questions such as whether these therapies are safe and whether they work for the diseases or medical conditions for which they are used.
The list of what is considered to be CAM 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.
Are complementary medicine and alternative medicine different from each other?
Yes, they are different.
- Complementary medicine is used together
with conventional medicine. An example of
a complementary therapy is using aromatherapyA
therapy in which the scent of essential oils
from flowers, herbs, and trees is inhaled to
promote health and well-being. to help
lessen a patient's discomfort following surgery.
- Alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine. An example of an alternative therapy is using a special diet to treat cancer instead of undergoing surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy that has been recommended by a conventional doctor.
What is integrative medicine?
Integrative medicine combines treatments from conventional medicine and CAM for which there is some high-quality evidence of safety and effectiveness. It is also called integrated medicineAn approach to medicine that combines treatments from conventional medicine and CAM for which there is some high-quality scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness..
What are the major types of complementary and alternative medicine?
NCCAM groups CAM practices into four domains, recognizing there can be some overlap. In addition, NCCAM studies CAM whole medical systems, which cut across all domains.
Whole Medical Systems
Whole 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 used in the United States. Examples of whole medical systems that have developed in Western cultures include homeopathic medicineA whole medical system that originated in Europe. Homeopathy seeks to stimulate the body's ability to heal itself by giving very small doses of highly diluted substances that in larger doses would produce illness or symptoms (an approach called "like cures like"). and naturopathic medicineA whole medical system that originated in Europe. Naturopathy aims to support the body's ability to heal itself through the use of dietary and lifestyle changes together with CAM therapies such as herbs, massage, and joint manipulation.. Examples of systems that have developed in non-Western cultures include traditional traditional Chinese medicineA whole medical system that originated in China. It is based on the concept that disease results from disruption in the flow of qi and imbalance in the forces of yin and yang. Practices such as herbs, meditation, massage, and acupuncture seek to aid healing by restoring the yin-yang balance and the flow of qi. and Ayurveda whole medical system that originated in India. It aims to integrate the body, mind, and spirit to prevent and treat disease. Therapies used include herbs, massage, and yoga..
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 CAM in the past have become mainstream (for example, patient support groups and cognitive-behavioral therapy). Other mind-body techniques are still considered CAM, including meditationA conscious mental process using certain techniques -- such as focusing attention or maintaining a specific posture -- to suspend the stream of thoughts and relax the body and mind., prayer, mental healing, and therapies that use creative outlets such as art, music, or dance.
Biologically Based Practices
Biologically based practices in CAM use substances found in nature, such as herbs, foods, and vitamins. Some examples include dietary supplements, herbal products, and the use of other so-called natural but as yet scientifically unproven therapies (for example, using shark cartilage to treat cancer).
Manipulative and Body-Based Practices
Manipulative and body-based practices in CAM are based on manipulationThe application of controlled force to a joint, moving it beyond the normal range of motion in an effort to aid in restoring health. Manipulation may be performed as a part of other therapies or whole medical systems, including chiropractic medicine, massage, and naturopathy. and/or movement of one or more parts of the body. Some examples include chiropractic or osteopathic manipulationA type of manipulation practiced by osteopathic physicians. It is combined with physical therapy and instruction in proper posture., and massagePressing, rubbing, and moving muscles and other soft tissues of the body, primarily by using the hands and fingers. The aim is to increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the massaged area..
Energy Medicine
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 gongA
component of traditional Chinese medicine that
combines movement, meditation, and controlled
breathing. The intent is to improve blood flow
and the flow of qi., Reiki therapy
in which practitioners seek to transmit a universal
energy to a person, either from a distance or
by placing their hands on or near that person.
The intent is to heal the spirit and thus the
body., and Therapeutic TouchA therapy
in which practitioners pass their hands over
another person's body with the intent to use
their own perceived healing energy to identify
energy imbalances and promote health..
- Bioelectromagnetic-based therapies involve the unconventional use of electromagnetic fields, such as pulsed fields, magnetic fields, or alternating-current or direct-current fields.
What is NCCAM's role in the field of CAM?
NCCAM is the Federal Government's lead agency for scientific research on CAM. . NCCAM's mission is to explore complementary and alternative healing practices in the context of rigorous science, train CAM researchers, and disseminate authoritative information to the public and professionals.
For More Information
Sources of NCCAM Information
NCCAM Clearinghouse
The NCCAM Clearinghouse provides information on
CAM and NCCAM, including publications and searches
of Federal databases of scientific and medical
literature. Examples of publications include "Selecting
a CAM Practitioner" and "Are You Considering Using
CAM?" The Clearinghouse does not provide medical
advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals
to practitioners.
Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226
TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615
Web site: nccam.nih.gov
E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov
Sources of Information on Dietary Supplements
Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), NIH
ODS seeks to strengthen knowledge and understanding
of dietary supplements by evaluating scientific
information, supporting research, sharing research
results, and educating the public. Its resources
include publications and the International Bibliographic
Information on Dietary Supplements database.
Web site: ods.od.nih.gov
E-mail: ods@nih.gov
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
Web site: cfsan.fda.gov
Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-723-3366
Information includes "Tips for the Savvy Supplement User: Making Informed Decisions and Evaluating Information" (cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/ds-savvy.html) and updated safety information on supplements (cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/ds-warn.html). If you have experienced an adverse effect from a supplement, you can report it to the FDA's MedWatch program, which collects and monitors such information (1-800-FDA-1088 or fda.gov/medwatch/).
This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged.
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NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM. |