Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses a diverse range of medical and healthcare systems, practices, and products not generally considered part of conventional medicine. This overview examines the current landscape of CAM, including evidence for various modalities, patterns of use, and integration within mainstream healthcare systems.

Major CAM categories include natural products such as herbal medicines and dietary supplements, mind-body practices including meditation, yoga, and acupuncture, and whole medical systems such as traditional Chinese medicine and naturopathy. Research has demonstrated varying levels of evidence supporting these approaches.

The integration of evidence-based CAM approaches into conventional healthcare settings represents a growing trend toward more comprehensive patient-centered care models that address the full spectrum of factors influencing health and healing.

Ongoing research continues to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and mechanisms of action of CAM modalities, contributing to informed clinical decision-making and policy development.