Health

Complimentary Alternative Medicines

Brandi L. King

October 20, 2014

Adam Krisan

SCI/201

Complimentary Alternative Medicines

Complimentary alternative medicines have long been the staple for many parts of the world. At the same time, they are used in addition to many of the current practices today. While the studies and research in some of the areas are still lacking. Society is continually progressing towards a better understanding of their effects on the body, how well they work, and the safety and overall use of them.

Alternative, Complimentary, and Integrative Medicine

The three largest terms used in medicine as far as types go, they would be alternative, complimentary, and integrative. Each of these has its own definition and its own aspects that compliment other medicine. (Mayo Clinic Staff, “Consumer health”, 2014)

Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine is any practice that is presented as having the healing effects of conventional medicine without the same practices. The knowledge involved in these practices, however true it may be, is not based on anything gained from using the scientific method.

Complimentary Medicine

Complimentary medicine is alternative medicine, used in conjunction with conventional medicine. This combination is used on the belief, not the scientific fact, that it will “complement” the conventional medicine that the patient is already receiving.

Integrative Medicine

Integrative medicine is a combination of alternative medicine, and conventional medicine that has been proven beneficial by science. It is known as integrative, because of its root word, integrate. It integrates one type of medicine into the other for a far better result.

Conventional Medicines Role in CAM.

Within CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) conventional medicine most often plays the primary role. Alternative and complementary medicine may, or may not assist, with the conventional medicine that the patient is currently...