What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine?

Complementary and alternative medicine is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. They are outside the realm of ordinary treatments given by medical Doctors or the medical profession.. Complementary medicine can be used in conjunction with conventional medicine with an example of Aromatherapy being used to ease a patient's pain and discomfort following surgery.

Alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine and the emphasis is built on complete systems of theory and practice. An example of alternative therapies is the use of a special diet or supplements (Essiac) to treat cancer instead of undergoing surgery, radiation or chemotherapy that has been recommended by a conventional doctor or hospital..

Examples of alternative medical systems that have developed in Western cultures indlude Homeopathic medicine and a example of the systems developed in non-Western cultures include traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. Definitions of complementary and Alternative medicine include:

Reiki: This is the Japanese word for representing Universal Life Energy. Reiki is based on the belief that when spiritual energy is channelled through a Reiki practitioner, the patient's spirit is healed, which in turn, leads to the physical body healing.

Aromatherapy: This involves the use of essential oils extracted from flowers, herbs and trees to promote health and well-being.

Homeopathic: Homeopathis medicine is an alternative medical system. In this form of treatment there is a belief that "like cures like". Small, highly diluted quantities of medicinal substances are given to cure symptons. If the same substance was given in a higher concentrated dose, this would actually create a full blown illness.

Ayurveda: This is an alternative system that has been practiced in India for 5,000 years. Ayurveda includes diet, herbal remedies and the main emphasis is the use of mind, body and spirit to prevent and cure illness.

Chiropractic: Chiropractors use manipulative therapy as their treatment. It is an alternative system and focuses on the relationship between bodily structure - mainly the human spine - and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health.

Dietry Supplements: A dietry suppplement is a product taken orally that contains ingredients intended to supplement your daily diet. Dietry supplements include, minerals, herbs, botanicals, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, and metabolites. Supplements come in many forms such as tablets, concentrates, liquids, powders or gel caps.

Therapeutic Touch: This is derived from an ancient technique callled "laying -on of hands". The healing force of the therapist affects the patient's recovery, healing is promoted when the body's energies are in balance, and by passing their hands over a patient, healers can identify energy imbalances.

Naturopathic: This is an alternative medical system which proposed that there is a healing power in the body that restores, maintains and establishes health. Practitions work with a patient by supporting through nutrition, counselling, dietry supplements, medicinal plants, exercise, lifestyle, homeopathy and treatments from Chinese Medicine.

Acupuncture: This method of healing was developed in China at least 2,000 years ago. Acupuncture involves the stimulation of anotomical points on the body by a variety of techniques. The most common form of Acupuncture treatments involves the penetration of the skin with shin, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands of the practitioner or by electrical stimulation.

If you would like to further investigate complementary or alternative healthcare here are a few places and suggestions:

Books:

www.amazon.com - Louise Hay - You can heal your life
www.amazon.com - Rochelle Moore- Aromatherapy & Herbalism-The complete home user's guide

Websites:

www.nccam.nih.gov
www.camaweb.org