Complementary and alternative medicine is defined as “diagnosis, treatment and/or prevention which complements mainstream medicine by contributing to a common whole, by satisfying a demand not met by orthodoxy or by diversifying the conceptual frameworks of medicine.”1 It comprises a confusingly large and heterogeneous …

When prayer is not included, biologically based practices (22%) are more popular than mind-body medicine (17%). In the United States, 36% of adults are using some form of CAM. When mega- vitamin therapy and prayer specifically for health reasons are included in the definition of CAM, that number rises to 62%.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is the term for medical products and practices that are not part of standard medical care. People with cancer may use CAM to: Help cope with the side effects of cancer treatments, such as nausea, pain, and fatigue.

They focus on the direct relationship between the nervous system and the spine to reduce pain in the lower back or neck. It also helps headaches, joint pain and high blood pressure. Alternative medicine has helped people for hundreds of years and will continue to help people for years to come.

Many complementary therapies concentrate on relaxation and reducing stress. They might help to calm your emotions, relieve anxiety, and increase your general sense of health and well being. Many doctors, cancer nurses and researchers are interested in the idea that positive emotions can improve your health.

Types of Complementary and Alternative Medicine

• Acupuncture.
• Ayurveda.
• Homeopathy.
• Naturopathy.
• Chinese or Oriental medicine.

The five domains are: (1) alternative medical systems, (2) mind-body interventions, (3) biologi- cally-based treatments, (4) manipulative and body-based methods, and (5) en- ergy therapies. The individual systems and treatments comprising these categories are too numerous to list in this document.

The NCCAM divides CAM into four major domains—Mind-Body Medicine, Manipulative and Body-Based Practices, Energy Medicine, and Biologically-Based Practices.

List of complementary and alternative therapies

• Acupuncture.
• Aromatherapy.
• Ayurvedic medicine.
• Bowen technique.
• Homeopathy.
• Hypnotherapy.
• Massage.
• Meditation.

Examples of complementary medicine include: Alternative health approaches such as traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, and naturopathy. Mind and body practices like acupuncture, massage therapy, and tai chi. Natural products like herbs, dietary supplements, and probiotics.

Alternative medicine is a term that describes medical treatments that are used instead of traditional (mainstream) therapies. Some people also refer to it as “integrative,” or “complementary” medicine.

Prayer is the therapy most commonly used among all the CAM therapies. Manipulative and body-based practices include methods that are based on manipulation and/or the movement of the body.

Complementary or alternative medicine can be classified into five major categories of practice: Whole medical systems. Mind-body techniques….Whole Medical Systems

• Ayurveda.
• Homeopathy.
• Naturopathy.
• Traditional Chinese medicine.

Alternative Medicine: Pros and Cons

• Whole body care. Alternative medicine is focused not just on your body, but also on your mind.
• Personal attention. Because of the focus on your whole body, alternative medicines for back pain are more personal and unique.
• Natural/healthy approach.
• Less expensive.

The terms alternative medicine, complementary medicine, integrative medicine, holistic medicine, natural medicine, unorthodox medicine, fringe medicine, unconventional medicine, and new age medicine are used interchangeably as having the same meaning and are almost synonymous in most contexts.

Many insurance companies are starting to cover some of the more widely accepted complementary methods of treatment. Many major insurers, including Blue Cross and Medicare, cover one or more complementary methods of treatment. Acupuncture and chiropractic therapy are most often covered.

Your plan may cover alternative care only if it’s prescribed by a doctor. Even if the practitioner isn’t a doctor, plans generally require that he or she be licensed. Your insurer may deny a claim for a treatment because they think it’s experimental or unproven.

Other holistic practitioners are not “real” medical doctors. They may be called “doctor” in their field, but they aren’t licensed to practice medicine. In general, holistic medicine isn’t meant to be used in place of traditional medical care. It’s typically recommended as a complement to regular treatments.

Most alternative care isn’t backed by science. The most insured alternative care is chiropractic and acupuncture. But coverage varies depending on your type of plan. Insurers require that you prove chiropractic care is necessary.

Naturopathic doctors are real doctors but their approach to medicine is slightly different than that of most medical doctors. NDs receive similar levels of training and share similar diagnostic and assessment skills but the foundational philosophy of their distinct system of medicine differs from conventional medicine.

Many insurance companies do cover naturopathic medicine! In the state of California, naturopathic doctors are licensed to practice medicine. Therefore, unless your insurance policy specifically excludes naturopaths, by law they must cover the services.