Complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products for diagnosis, treatment and/or prevention which are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Complementary means to improve the effect of something and suggests a treatment that complements mainstream, orthodox treatment, whilst alternative means instead of. However, the terms are often used interchangeably.
Yes, alternative medicine is effective
Alternative medicine has proven to be effective and reaches those who may not trust mainstream medicine.
Alternative medicine makes people feel better
Many people swear by alternative medicine for having helped to ease symptoms or even cure diseases.
Any benefits that one experiences from alternative medicine are simply a trick of the mind. Most diseases will come right eventually anyway unless they are chronic or terminal.
Alternative medicine prevents people from getting real medicine
People who believe strongly in alternative medicines sometimes avoid seeking traditional treatment because they believe alternative medicine will cure them.
Anyone can portray themselves as an alternative therapist
Unlike the years and years of intensive education, ongoing supervision and high levels of regulation that doctors, nurses and pharmacists undergo, anyone can set up shop as an alternative therapist or healer.
