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Differences between complementary medicine, alternative, traditional and integrative

* Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine. An example of complementary therapy is using aromatherapy to help relieve patient’s discomfort after surgery.
* Alternative medicine is used instead of conventional medicine. An example of an alternative therapy is the use of a special diet to treat cancer instead of surgery, radiation or chemotherapy recommended by a conventional doctor.
* Traditional medicine encompasses a variety of therapies and practices that differ greatly from one country to another and from one region to another WHA56.31 (2003). According to the NCCAM, is medicine as practiced by holders of MD (Medical doctor) or D.O. (Doctor of osteopathy) and other health professionals such as physiotherapists, psychologists, occupational therapists, paramedics, podiatrists, speech therapists and nurses. Another term for conventional medicine, mainly or strictly medical drug is allopathic or allopathic medicine, too, Western medicine, formal, orthodox, ordinary and biomedicine.
* Integrative medicine, as defined by NCCAM, combines formal medical therapies and CAM therapies and CAM for which there are high-quality scientific data on its safety and effectiveness.

[Edit] Major types of complementary and alternative medicine, traditional and integrative

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) of the United States therapies classifies CAM into five categories or domains:

1. Alternative medical systems
2. Focus on the mind and body
3. Biological Therapies
4. Methods of handling and body-based
5. Therapies based on energy

[Edit] Alternative medical systems

Alternative medical systems are built upon complete systems of theory and practice. Often, these systems have evolved apart from and above the conventional medical approach. Examples of alternative medical systems Westerners are homeopathy and naturopathy. Examples of other systems are non-western and traditional Chinese medicine Aiur Veda.
[Edit] Focus on the mind and body

The medicine of the mind and the body uses a variety of techniques designed to enhance the capacity of the mind to affect bodily function and symptoms. Some techniques that were considered CAM past have become mainstream (for example, patient support groups and cognitive-behavioral therapy). Other techniques for the mind and body are still considered CAM, including meditation, prayer, mental healing and therapies that use creative outlets like art, music or dance.