“Alternative medicine” is sometimes used as a synonym for “natural medicine.” Generally, “alternative medicine” is a term that is defined as the use of non-mainstream approaches in place of conventional medicine.
Any discussion of these therapies can get bogged down in terminology because many terms have sprung up that are used interchangeably for “natural” or “alternative” medicine.
These include “complementary medicine,” which is the use of non-mainstream therapy together with traditional, Western-style medicine and “integrative” medicine, which refers to conventional medicine that is integrated, or used in conjunction with alternative approaches.
Other terms used to refer to CAM therapies include “natural,” “holistic,” “home remedies,” or “Eastern medicine.” You can see how confusing it can get.As a cardiologist, I was trained in what is called conventional medicine — Western treatments that are evidence-based, and have been established through clinical research.
That said, I was also trained as an anthropologist, so I’ve been exposed to and have learned to appreciate healing practices used throughout the world.
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