What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine?

The art of healing has existed since the dawn of man. The earliest records of civilization include healing practices. Ancient healing systems were based in philosophies that included religion, witchcraft, superstition, folklore, and science. Each culture developed its independent system of theory and practice.

The most common healing methods are based on a philosophy of scientific experimentation, observation, and reasoning. The science of medicine plays a dominant role in much of the world, especially in the West. Medical science is referred to as conventional medicine. It includes the use of pharmaceuticals (chemical medicine), vaccination, and surgery. Modern technology includes imaging, computer mapping and modeling, implants, transplants, artificial organs, and genetic manipulation.

Some people view this reliance on science and technology as a weakness of conventional medicine. They often seek other healing methods.

The terms "alternative" and "complementary" are often used to describe healing practices that are not included in conventional medicine. Although alternative healing systems and therapies are not based on a philosophy of modern science, many patients find value in using them.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has created a center dedicated to the scientific study of complementary and alternative healing practices. It is known as the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM).

NCCAM has adopted the following definitions to facilitate their study:

• Conventional Medicine: 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.
• 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: Used together with conventional medicine.
• Alternative Medicine: Used in place of conventional medicine.
• Integrative Medicine: Combines mainstream medical therapies and CAM therapies for which there is some high-quality scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness.

NCCAM classifies CAM therapies into five categories:

• Alternative Medical Systems: A system of health and healing practices that is not part of conventional medicine; examples include:
• Homeopathic medicine
• Naturopathic medicine
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
• Ayurveda
• Mind-Body Interventions: Focuses on the effect that the mind has on the body. It uses the interaction that the brain, mind, and emotions have on health and behavior. Examples of mind-body interventions include relaxation, guided imagery, biofeedback, yoga, meditation, tai chi, prayer, group support, and creative therapies using such tools as art, music, or movement.
• Biologically Based Therapies:Biologically based therapies use natural substances to heal or maintain health. These therapies include the use of herbs, healthful diet, functional foods, and dietary supplements such as vitamins and minerals.
• Manipulative and Body-based Methods: Manipulative and body-based therapies use manipulation, adjustment, or movement of the body to influence or maintain health. Examples of these methods include chiropractic, osteopathic manipulation, and massage.
• Energy Therapies: Energy therapies are based on the belief that the body has an energy field in or around it that can be manipulated to affect health. Reiki, Qi gong, and healing touch are examples of therapies where a practitioner uses his or her own energy to manipulate, redirect or improve the patient's life-force energy. Other therapies are based on an external source of vibration energy, vital energy, or electromagnetic energy to affect a patient's energy field. Examples include the use of gem crystals, color, Bach flowers, magnets, acupuncture needles, homeopathic remedies, and laser light.

While a few CAM therapies have some scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness and safety, many do not. To some people, that doesn't matter. But most people want to know if the benefits of a health procedure or practice outweigh any risks. They want to know if the therapy really works or if it is a waste of money.

NCCAM is asking some of the same questions. One of NCCAM's objectives is to sponsor and conduct scientific research to study CAM practices. As more CAM therapies are subjected to rigorous scientific study, patients will be able to make decisions based on scientific evidence. CAM will become more widely accepted and integrated as it is examined and validated through scientific methods.

Credits

Primary Author: Shawn Baker, DC
Editor: Ann Flora
Clinical Reviewer: Justine Greene, MD
Final Review and Approval by Wendy Fluckiger-Brown, RN, LAc (03/02/07)

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