We already know the definition of conventional healthcare. Anything that falls outside the realm of conventional care is considered to be complementary or alternative care. You may also see the term integrative health. Read about the differences here – https://nccih.nih.gov/health/integrative-health.
There are several types of complementary or CAM approaches.
Natural products includes various products like herbs, dietary supplements, probiotics and so on. These tend to be the most common CAM practices that people try.
Mind and body practices include things like yoga, meditation, massage, chiropractic practices and so on.
Some CAM practices can be considered their own medical system. Examples include Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, homeopathy and others. These systems have their own philosophies about what causes health and disease, often incorporating a belief in some kind of vital force like qi, and will likely contain a large number of different types of treatments. These systems are often considered holistic, because they think of the person as inextricable linked to a vital force that connects them to the environment, and because the body, mind and spirit are closely connected.
Traditional Chinese Medicine includes practices like acupuncture, massage, herbal remedies, and several other components.
Ayurvedic medicine is one of the oldest systems of medicine still practiced in the world. It came from India and contains several practices like yoga, meditation, herbal and natural products, diet and so on.
Homeopathy is a holistic system which was developed in Germany about 200 years ago. Treatments mainly consist of highly diluted remedies.
Before you decide to use any of these practices, consider whether they are safe for you to use and whether they are effective – https://nccih.nih.gov/health/safety and https://nccih.nih.gov/health/decisions/consideringcam.htm.
