What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine?

• CAM is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices and products that are not presently considered part of conventional medicine.

• Complementary medicine is used together with conventional therapies: for example, aromatherapy following surgery to lessen discomfort.

• Alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine.

• Many theories of alternative medicine attempt to provide a single explanation for most illnesses and attempt to correct the source of the problem.

• Relies on the potential for certain stimuli to enhance the bodies natural healing.