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Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Complementary Alternative Therapies

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

This topic covers a range of non-conventional health practices, including acupuncture, chiropractic care, and herbal medicine, often referred to as complementary and integrative medicine.

Overview

Complementary and alternative therapies encompass various health practices that are not typically part of conventional medical care. These approaches are often grouped under the broader term Complementary and Integrative Medicine (also known as CAM or Alternative Medicine).

Types of Therapies

The following specific therapies and practices are included in this category:

  • Acupuncture
  • Cancer Alternative Therapies
  • Chiropractic
  • Complementary and Integrative Medicine
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Herbal Medicine
  • Non-Drug Pain Management

Related Terms and Synonyms

Several terms are used interchangeably or refer to specific subsets of these therapies:

  • Alternative Medicine, CAM, Homeopathy, and Integrative Medicine are all categorized under Complementary and Integrative Medicine.
  • Alternative Therapy for Cancer is categorized under Cancer Alternative Therapies.
  • Botanicals, Medicinal Herbs, Phytotherapy, Teas, Herbal, and Teas, Medicinal are all categorized under Herbal Medicine.
  • Trace Elements are categorized under Dietary Supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Be wary of supplements that make unsubstantiated health claims, such as "cures cancer" or "detoxifies the body," as the FDA does not approve dietary supplements for treating, curing, or preventing diseases. Check for a "Supplement Facts" label, which is required for legitimate products, and look for third-party testing seals from organizations like USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab, which verify that the product contains what it claims and is free from harmful contaminants. Avoid products that do not list all ingredients or that use proprietary blends where individual dosages are hidden. If a product is sold only through direct marketing or has no clear manufacturer information, it is likely not subject to standard quality controls. Always consult your healthcare provider before adding new supplements to your routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
To assess safety, you must perform a thorough interaction check before starting any herbal remedy. Start by consulting a pharmacist or your primary care provider with a complete list of your current prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements. Many herbs, such as ginkgo biloba, garlic, and feverfew, have blood-thinning properties that can increase bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulants like warfarin or aspirin. Others, like kava or valerian, can enhance the sedative effects of benzodiazepines or opioids. Additionally, some herbs affect liver enzymes (CYP450 system), which can alter the blood levels of many common medications. Never assume that "natural" means "safe," as potent bioactive compounds in herbs can have significant pharmacological effects.
If you have osteoporosis, a history of fractures, or bone metastases, you must inform your chiropractor before any adjustment is performed. Standard high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts can be dangerous for patients with compromised bone density, as they may cause vertebral fractures or worsen metastatic lesions. Ask your chiropractor if they use gentle, low-force techniques such as flexion-distraction or soft tissue mobilization, which are safer for patients with bone fragility. It is also essential to provide recent imaging results (X-rays or MRIs) to your chiropractor so they can identify specific areas to avoid. Never allow a chiropractor to perform spinal manipulation on a patient with known spinal cord compression or severe osteoporosis without explicit clearance from an oncologist or orthopedic specialist.
The distinction lies in whether the therapy is used alongside or instead of conventional medical care. Complementary medicine refers to using non-mainstream approaches in addition to standard medical treatments, such as using meditation to manage stress while undergoing chemotherapy. Alternative medicine refers to using non-mainstream approaches in place of standard medical care, such as using a special diet instead of chemotherapy for cancer treatment. Most healthcare professionals recommend the complementary approach, as it allows patients to benefit from evidence-based conventional treatments while using supportive therapies to improve quality of life. Using alternative methods to replace proven medical treatments can be dangerous, especially for serious conditions where timely intervention is critical.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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