By Pure Matters 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