What is alternative medicine?

The term alternative medicine is commonly used to refer to all types on non-mainstream medicine. Other terms commonly used in the same way are holistic medicine, natural medicine and integrated or integrative medicine.

However, strictly speaking alternative medicine is an alternative to mainstream medicine. Alternative therapies include

* osteopathy, and
* chiropractic.

Complementary medicine complements mainstream medicine. It includes a wide range of disciplines including

* acupuncture,
* Alexander technique,
* aromatherapy,
* reiki,
* herbal medicine,
* homeopathy,
* hypnotherapy,
* massage therapies,
* naturopathy and nutrition,
* reflexology, and many more.

Together complementary and alternative medicine are known as CAM. The CAM disciplines tend to treat the patient as a whole, rather than treating a specific ailment, recognising the link between mind and body in maintaining health. This is where the terms holistic medicine and integrative medicine originate. Additionally many of the therapies use natural substances and non-invasive techniques, leading to the term natural medicine.

Although complementary medicine and alternative medicine by their definition fall outside of orthodox medicine, some GP's, nurses and other traditionally trained health professionals may also train in and practise in a complementary discipline. Additionally there are many therapists who are qualified to practise one or many of the CAM therapies.
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