---
title: "What’s the Difference Between Complementary and Alternative Therapies?"
url: https://alsuprun.com/blog/alternative-therapy/whats-the-difference-between-complementary-and-alternative-therapies/
author: "Editorial"
date: 2026-10-03T00:51:02+00:00
categories: ["alternative therapy"]
tags: []
---

# What’s the Difference Between Complementary and Alternative Therapies?

The use of CAM therapies is growing and patients are seeking more control over their health care. With the annual out-of-pocket expenditure on CAM therapies approaching $30 billion, how can health care regulators ensure that regulated health professionals provide effective therapy without adding unnecessary risk? Shenda kicked off the discussion.

 

## Traditional medicine

 Traditional medicine is a term that describes therapies developed over centuries within a culture. It often centers around a spiritual belief system and is based on principles of healing that promote good health and wellness.

 It may include acupuncture, acupressure, yoga, tai chi and herbal medicine. It also includes dietary supplements, biofeedback, meditation, hypnosis and music therapy. In contrast, alternative medicine is a treatment that is used in place of mainstream medical care and does not have scientific evidence to support it.

 [![Rejuvenate your whole body & balance your health without medications - now remotely!](https://alsuprun.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/BioresonanceTopAd.png)](https://www.bioresonance.rent) While a growing number of people are using traditional and [alternative therapies](https://alsuprun.com/), not all practitioners are the same. Look for those who have a formal education and training, including licenses or certifications. You should also keep your doctor informed about any complementary and [alternative therapies](https://alsuprun.com/) you use. Some may interfere with your conventional medical treatments, and others might have side effects.

 The most popular complementary and [alternative therapies](https://alsuprun.com/) are acupressure, acupuncture, herbal medicine and energy healing, such as reiki. Many of these treatments are considered safe and are generally endorsed by the medical community, although a few have shown potential for harm.

 Some researchers are investigating the role that [alternative therapies](https://alsuprun.com/) can play in healthcare. They’re looking at ways to improve the integration of complementary and alternative medicines with standard treatment practices. They’re also evaluating whether these approaches can help with chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

 [![](https://alsuprun.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/ForeverYoungYouWannaBe.png)](https://alsuprun.com/services.html#Contact) Despite the growing interest in complementary and [alternative therapies](https://alsuprun.com/), research on these practices is relatively limited. However, some studies are showing promise. For example, a study published in The Gerontologist found that people with multiple sclerosis who received acupuncture experienced less pain and improved function than those without it.

 The use of traditional and complementary therapies is widespread in some countries, such as China, India and Tibet, but it’s not yet widely available in the United States. As the demand for this type of medicine grows, it’s important to develop more rigorous clinical trials and cost-effectiveness studies. This will allow us to better understand the benefits and risks of these treatments, as well as the best way to incorporate them into modern healthcare.

 

## Complementary medicine

 Complementary medicine describes treatments or therapies that are used in addition to traditional medical approaches. These include acupuncture, yoga, massage therapy, dietary supplements and tai chi. These are often called alternative medicine, but they work to complement conventional treatment, not replace it.

 Acupuncture is a form of complementary medicine that uses thin needles to influence energy flow (called qi or chi) to reduce pain and promote healing. Some of the bodywork and manual therapies that are considered complementary medicine include the Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais Method, Rolfing and therapeutic touch. Massage is rubbing the soft tissues of the body, such as the muscles, to help relax and relieve pain. It is sometimes part of a combination of therapies, such as yoga and meditation, to manage stress.

 Some herbal remedies, such as butterbur and ginseng, are also complementary medicines. They are taken to treat certain illnesses and may help prevent or alleviate the symptoms of other diseases. However, these herbs have not been rigorously tested in people. They may interact with some conventional medications, such as blood thinners, like warfarin (Coumadin) and heparin.

 It’s important to talk to your health care provider about complementary and [alternative therapies](https://alsuprun.com/) before you use them. Your doctor can tell you if the therapies are safe and effective, and how they might affect your cancer treatment. They can also help you find scientific evidence about the therapies.

 [![](https://alsuprun.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/RadionicMerch.png)](https://alsuprun.com/merch.html) Some insurance companies and flexible health care spending accounts may cover some complementary and [alternative therapies](https://alsuprun.com/). Others might not cover them. It’s a good idea to try to find a complementary or alternative therapist who works closely with your health care team.

 Most health care providers support complementary therapies for their potential to ease physical symptoms of cancer and its treatment. Some are reluctant to recommend them, though, because many of these therapies have not been rigorously tested in people with cancer. The therapies should not be seen as a cure, but rather a way to make you feel better and cope with your cancer and its side effects.

 

## Alternative medicine

 Although the terms alternative medicine and complementary therapy are often used interchangeably, there is a difference. Generally speaking, [alternative therapies](https://alsuprun.com/) are treatments that aren’t part of conventional medical treatment, such as acupuncture, yoga or meditation.

 Alternative medicines may also include dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals, as well as herbs. Many of these practices have not been studied with the same rigor as conventional medicine. This makes it difficult to determine whether they are safe or effective. They may cause harmful side effects or interact with traditional treatments, such as causing them to be less effective.

 In contrast, complementary therapies are designed to support and enhance the work of conventional medical treatments. They may be used alone or in combination with mainstream medical practices, such as acupuncture and massage therapy. They are usually much cheaper than prescription medications. According to the 2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), more than half of all Americans used some form of CAM. This included popular options such as yoga, tai chi and meditation.

 Some people use CAM to help with specific ailments, such as reducing pain from arthritis or headaches, or to manage stress and depression. Others use it to help cope with the side effects of conventional cancer treatment. For example, acupuncture can help reduce nausea and fatigue from chemotherapy. It can also reduce anxiety and lower blood pressure and heart rate.

 Talk to your doctor before trying any complementary therapy. They can give you insight into the safety of a particular practice and recommend a qualified practitioner. They can also check that a complementary therapy won’t interfere with any medications you are taking for a specific condition.

 It’s important to keep all of your healthcare providers — traditional and complementary — up-to-date on any products or practices you are using to manage your health. This way, they can all work together to provide the best care for you. Be sure to ask your practitioner if they have experience treating patients with your specific health condition(s). If not, consider finding someone who has.

 

## Integrative medicine

 Many people use complementary therapies in conjunction with traditional medicine. However, some health professionals are hesitant to recommend them because they haven’t been scientifically proven to work or be safe. Some of these practices may also cause side effects such as nausea or fatigue. While these side effects are usually minor, they can be serious for some patients. It’s important to talk to your doctor before trying any complementary therapy or product. They can help you find a practitioner that is experienced and trustworthy. They can also provide you with scientific sources on the therapy that you’re considering.

 Integrative medicine combines conventional and alternative treatments to promote overall health and wellness. It may include dietary changes, exercise, meditation, acupuncture, mind-body exercises and other therapies. The goal is to balance all aspects of a person’s life, including physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

 Integrated medicine can help relieve symptoms that are caused by cancer or its treatment. Symptoms such as fatigue, nausea and pain can be very difficult to manage. Complementary therapies, such as meditation and yoga, can help with these issues. These techniques have been shown to reduce stress, which can help patients feel better. In some cases, complementary therapy can even be used in place of drugs for pain management.

 The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has a Clearinghouse that provides information on complementary and integrative health approaches. This site conducts searches of Federal databases and other resources to provide the public with access to scientific and medical literature. It does not give medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is not intended to replace the services of your health care provider(s).

 There are hundreds of complementary medicines on the market. While some have been studied, most of them have not. Many are not as effective or safe as traditional medicines, and some may be dangerous. Some practitioners of complementary therapies claim that their treatments can cure cancer. However, this is not true and can be misleading. A number of these therapies are not regulated by the FDA, and there is little evidence that they are effective in treating cancer.

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