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Alternative Medicine
Exploring Alternatives
Health Tips:
The CAM Approach
Non-conventional approaches to healing are considered complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM. Complementary medicine is used jointly with conventional treatment, and alternative medicine is used instead of it. CAM therapies are divided into five categories:
Alternative medical systems:
Built upon complete systems of theory and practice. Examples: Homeopathic, naturopathic, traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda.
Mind-body interventions:
Enhance the mind's capacity to affect the body's symptoms. Examples: Meditation, prayer, mental healing.
Biologically based therapies:
Use substances found in nature, such as herbs, foods and vitamins. Examples: Dietary supplements, herbal products.
Manipulative and body-based methods:
Based on manipulation and/or movement of parts of the body. Examples: Chiropractic, osteopathic manipulation, massage.
Energy therapies:
Work with energy fields inside or outside of the body. Examples: Qigong, Reiki, therapeutic touch.
