Frequently Asked Questions

What is complementary medicine?
Complementary medicine is the use of unconventional therapies alongside current standard-of-care medical treatments.

What is alternative medicine?
“Alternative medicine” is an old term for therapies that were used as a replacement for conventional medical treatments; today doctors usually combine complementary medicine and standard treatments together.

What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)?
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is a term used by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)  to describe medical treatments and approaches that are not part of standard medical treatment.

What is integrative medicine?
Integrative medicine combines treatments from conventional medicine, and complementary and alternative medicine therapies which have been proven to be both effective and safe.

What is holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine takes into account the many levels of human functioning -- physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual – in planning a course of treatment. A holistic practitioner does not need to be a CAM doctor; any physician who pays attention to “all of you” may be considered a holistic doctor.

Who is using Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)?
Studies show that over 40 percent of non-hospitalized populations use some type of CAM.
     
Can I combine conventional with complementary therapies?   
In most cases, CAM and conventional therapies work well together.  It is advisable to talk to your doctor about any CAM therapies you are thinking of using.

What about herb-drug interactions?
Significant interactions can occur between an herbal medicine and a pharmaceutical medication, just as between two pharmaceutical medications. It is important to talk to your doctor about any herbal therapies you are thinking of using.

Will insurance pay for my treatments?
Some insurance companies pay for CAM therapies. Please call for details.