What is alternative therapy? In some cases, physicians will
recommend, or patients may request, treatment alternatives that
are not considered conventional medicine. “Conventional” refers
to medicine typically practiced by persons who have M.D.
(medical doctor) or D.O. (doctor of osteopathy) degrees, and who
suggest treatments that have been scientifically tested, found
to be safe and effective, and approved by the US Food and Drug
Administration (FDA). Sometimes, however, these physicians may
also recommend some non-conventional therapies that may be used
to complement, or complete, a treatment plan. Complementary
medicine is any form of therapy used in combination with other
alternative treatments or standard/conventional medicine.
Complementary therapy usually serves to relieve symptoms and
improve quality of life. Alternative medicine is used alone,
without recommended standard treatment. When the term “CAM” is
used, that means that the treatment combines complementary and
alternative medicine. The Nation