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 and are named complementary or alternative medicine. In recent years, several definitions of CAM have been suggested. The CAMbrella project recently defined CAM (in Europe) 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 therapies are mainly used outside conventional health care, but in many countries some therapies are being adopted or adapted by conventional healthcare.

Somewhat later than the concept CAM the phrase integrative medicine was used more often. Combining integrative medicine with complementary medicine leads to the abbreviation CIM (complementary and integrative medicine).