| If you are thinking of using alternative | | | | On the other hand, alternative medicine |
| medicine to address some of your health | | | | completely replaces conventional medicine. |
| concerns, read on to find out more. | | | | Many practices and procedures are included in |
| | | | this broad category. An example of this is |
| Alternative and complementary medicine is | | | | making use of a special dietary procedure |
| defined as varied health care and medical | | | | rather than going through surgery or |
| systems, products and practices that are not | | | | chemotherapy radiation in treating cancer. |
| categorized as part of conventional medicine. | | | | Most insurance companies do not provide |
| Although there is scientific evidence that | | | | coverage for these kinds of practices. |
| supports complementary alternative medicines | | | | |
| (CAM), a lot of practices still lack | | | | Integrative Medicine |
| credibility. Concerns on safety and | | | | |
| effectiveness remain an open issue. | | | | You can also make use of what is known as |
| | | | integrative medicine, which mixes |
| Some forms of alternative medicine have | | | | conventional medical treatments with |
| already been proven effective and safe and | | | | complementary alternative medicine methods. |
| are accepted by traditional health care | | | | |
| systems. | | | | Integrative medicine is known as a complete |
| | | | approach to patient care and involves body, |
| Complementary vis-Ã -vis alternative | | | | mind and spirit. An example of this is the |
| medicine | | | | use of relaxation techniques to minimize |
| | | | stress during chemotherapy sessions. |
| What is the difference between complementary | | | | |
| and alternative medicine? | | | | Take your pick from these types of medical |
| | | | treatments for your particular concern. You |
| Complementary medicine is utilized with | | | | can choose from a variety of medical |
| traditional medicine. An example of this is | | | | practices, whether conventional, |
| making use of aromatherapy to make patients | | | | complementary, alternative or integrative |
| be at ease after surgery. Another example is | | | | medicine, to suit your health needs. You |
| the use of acupuncture to minimize side | | | | should research thoroughly before doing |
| effects of cancer treatments in patients. | | | | anything. |
| | | | |