Approaches to medical treatment that are outside of mainstream medical training. Complementary medicine treatments used for pain include: acupuncture, low-level laser therapy, meditation, aroma therapy, Chinese medicine, dance therapy, music therapy, massage, herbalism, therapeutic touch, yoga, osteopathy, chiropractic treatments, naturopathy, and homeopathy.

Treatments for medical disorders that may be administered by a physician or by a practitioner of homeopathy, herbology, etc. These include herbal treatments, relaxation therapies, acupuncture, etc.

advocates of complementary therapies in medicine maintain that their therapies are not "alternative" but are a growing part of mainstream medicine.

Complementary medicine is defined as those techniques which are used while the patient is using conventional ones. These include methods such as chiropractic and osteopathy. Alternative medicine includes techniques which are used to the exclusion of conventional medicine.

Often used interchangeably with the term "alternative medicine," this system of treatment uses traditional allopathic methods as well as alternative approaches to form a complementary medical system.

the science of combining one or more conventional treatments with one or more alternative treatments to aid in the healing process. For example, treatment for insomnia might include a medication in combination with relaxation therapy.

Practices often used to enhance or complement standard treatments. They generally are not recognized by the medical community as standard or conventional medical approaches because they typically are not subjective to rigorous scientific studies before they are utilized. Complementary medicine may include dietary supplements, megadose vitamins, herbal preparations, special teas, acupuncture, massage therapy, magnet therapy, spiritual healing, and meditation.

Healing approaches and therapies used in addition to traditional treatments prescribed by a medical doctor. Some examples are vitamins and herbs, special diets, spiritual practices, and acupuncture.

any form of therapy used in combination with other alternative treatments or standard/conventional medicine.

Nonmainstream health care provided in addition or instead of standard medical practice. See also Alternative Medicine.

A group of approaches to healing not normally used in conventional (or allopathic) medicine, such as chiropractic, acupuncture, and herbs. Other terms include alternative and integrative medicine.

a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine.

Diagnosis, treatment and/or prevention which complements mainstream medicine by contributing to a common whole, by satisfying a demand not met by orthodoxy or by diversifying the conceptual frameworks of medicine.

Non-traditional forms of medical therapies used to treat a variety of illnesses/deficiencies; these include vitamins, herbs, aromatherapy, meditation, massage, etc.

Complementary, or alternative medicine is the best possible option chosen from all the healing arts, including both mainstream and alternative (or natural) therapies.

Practices that are meant to enhance or complement standard medical treatment for a particular disease.

Therapies that complement traditional western (or allopathic) medicine.

Additional therapy to support standard medicine.

Treatments and therapies used in conjunction with traditional medicine. Alternative medicine, in contrast, replaces traditional therapies.

A group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are used together with conventional medicine.

A health care method combining therapies and philosophies of conventional medicine with those of alternative and traditional medicines, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and biofeedback.

Usually used when an Alternative Medicine method is used in conjunction with generally accepted procedures.

Various practices such as meditation, homeopathy, massage, etc., that are not considered as part of traditional Western medicine. They are most often used in conjunction with conventional treatments such as surgery and drugs. This approach also focuses on developing a strong relationship of trust and care between patient and caregiver.

Complementary Medicine A method of health care that combines the therapies and philosophies of conventional medicine with those of alternative medicines, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and biofeedback. For example, treatment for insomnia might include a medication in combination with relaxation therapy.