Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a common phrase to describe a group of medical approaches that are (partially) outside mainstream, conventional medicine. In recent years, several definitions of CAM have been suggested. The CAMbrella project recently defined CAM as follows:

CAM, as utilised by European citizens, represents a variety of different medical systems and therapies based on the knowledge, skills and practices derived from theories, philosophies and experiences used to maintain and improve health, as well as to prevent, diagnose, relieve or treat physical and mental illnesses. CAM therapiies are mainly used outside conventional health care, but in many countries some therapies are being adopted or adapted by conventional healthcare.