Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Medicine

Abstract

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) refers to a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not considered to be part of conventional or allopathic medicine. Common CAM practices (e.g., acupuncture, meditation, and therapeutic massage) are gradually becoming incorporated into conventional care in response to patients looking to alternative sources for information and advice about health matters and increased understanding of various CAM methods through evidence-based testing. However, although the claims of some methods are supported with academic research, well-founded concerns remain in many popularized CAM practices regarding the lack of evidence and placebo effects. It is thus imperative for physicians to be comfortable in discussing CAM-related topics with patients and be able to appropriately and informatively guide them in a way that harnesses potential benefits and avoids potential harm. In this review, the major CAM therapies in the United States are examined, including the settings in which they are being used, evidence base status, and efficacy of some of the most commonly used modalities. This review contains 5 figures, 21 tables, and 123 references. Keywords: Alternative medicine, complementary medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, osteopathy, chiropractic, massage therapy, naturopathy