“Conventional medicine” is medicine as practiced by people with MD degrees and “allied health professionals” such as nurses and physical therapists. Conventional medicine is very powerful and effective, but it is not the only kind of medicine. 

Medical practices that are not conventional are called Complementary and Alternative Medicine or CAM. Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine, while Alternative medicine is used instead of conventional medicine. All kinds of CAM are used by some people as complementary and others as alternative.

CAM includes herbal medicine, dietary supplements, flower essences, aromatherapy, homeopathic remedies, and other therapies you can buy over the counter. It also includes skilled practices by professionals including:

• Chiropractors work on spinal alignments to treat disease and pain.
• Acupuncturists and other practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (which can include herbs and other treatments.)          
• Naturopaths use herbs, foods, and supplements and sometimes other methods.
• Massage therapists may use techniques including craniosacral therapy, Reiki, Shiatsu, and many other kinds of bodywork.

Want to know more about the Pros and Cons of CAM? Read more.