CAM, which is sometimes known as natural medicine for its eschewal of chemical and invasive treatments, has numerous branches. In fact, it encompasses virtually every type of medicine outside conventional Western medicine, including:
Alternative medical systems
Chinese medicine (Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion, traditional therapeutic massage, qigong, etc.)
Indian medicine (Ayurveda, literally "life science"): Holds that human beings and the environment are inseparable, and that when the two get out of balance, the body has difficulty functioning. Its principal methods of treatment include diet, herbal remedies, meditation, and yoga
Traditional Middle-Eastern medicine (Unani)
Homeopathic medicine: Homeopathic medicine is based on a "hair of the dog" principle and holds that symptoms, such as swelling and pain, are not illnesses in themselves and should not be suppressed. Homeopathy's approach is to use very mild preparations to induce identical symptoms in an effort to trigger the body's own healing mechanisms.
Naturopathic medicine: Includes organic diets, fasting, nutritional supplements, massage, hydrotherapy, physical medicine, and lifestyle consultation.
Mind-body Interventions:
Includesmeditation,prayer,hypnotism,relaxationtherapy,aromatherapy, art therapy, visualization, biofeedback, and patient support groups.
Biological-based Therapy:
Includes herbal remedies, specialized diets, health foods, and vitamin supplements.
Manipulative and Body-based Methods:
Includes chiropractic, osteopathy, and massage.
Energy Therapy:
Includes qigong, aikido, and therapeutic touch.
source: Based on information from the US's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and from a webpage by Dr. Huang Ying-hsiang on National Cheng Kung University Medical College's website.
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