What is alternative medicine?
About the author
Catherine Doyle is the founder of natural bloom. Catherine uses complementary therapies regularly, and has been interested in an holistic approach to health for many years.
She is a qualified meditation facilitator and Bowen therapist working on Sydney's Northern Beaches.
www.soothed.com.au
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.
