The use of complementary health approaches is quite common. There are a number of terms used to describe the use of non-mainstream, or non-allopathic, forms of medicine. Perhaps you have heard of the terms “complementary medicine”, “alternative medicine”, “integrative medicine” and may be confused regarding their current use and meaning. In this lesson, we review the terminology of TCAM and cover some major categories of TCAM practices.
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This is a mini-lesson for the Botanical Medicine and Health course developed and taught by Dr. Cassandra Quave at Emory University in the Center for the Study of Human Health. Subscribe to the “Teach Ethnobotany Channel” to access updated educational materials on people, plants and health.
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DISCLAIMER: Content provided in this video and the TeachEthnobotany YouTube Channel is for educational purposes only and should not be construed to be medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment, and may not be used for such purposes. The information about herbal medicines and drugs in this video and the TeachEthnobotany site is general in nature. It does not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions of the medicines mentioned, nor is the information intended as medical advice for individual problems or for making an evaluation as to the risks and benefits of taking a particular drug or botanical/herbal medicine. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical question or condition.

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Dr. Maxine Barish-Wrenden of Sutter Medical Group, Sacramento talks about traditional eastern medicine such as accupuncture, to treat chronic conditions such as headaches.
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Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is the term for medical products and practices that are not part of standard care. Standard care is what medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, and allied health professionals, such as nurses and physical therapists, practice.

Complementary medicine is used together with standard medical care. An example is using acupuncture to help with side effects of cancer treatment.

Alternative medicine is used in place of standard medical care. An example is treating heart disease with chelation therapy (which seeks to remove excess metals from the blood) instead of using a standard approach.

The claims that CAM treatment providers make can sound promising. However, researchers do not know how safe many CAM treatments are or how well they work. Studies are underway to determine the safety and usefulness of many CAM practices.

To minimize the health risks of a CAM treatment

Discuss it with your doctor. It might have side effects or interact with other medicines
Find out what the research says about it
Choose CAM practitioners carefully
Tell all of your doctors and practitioners which CAM and standard treatments you use

NIH: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
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