Complementary and alternative medicine

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a different way of taking care of yourself when you're feeling sick or just want to feel better.

Usually, when we feel sick, we go to the doctor and take medicine to make us feel better. That medicine is called conventional medicine. But sometimes, conventional medicine doesn't always work or we don't like the side effects it can have. That's when someone might look into CAM as an alternative way to feel better.

Complementary medicine means using CAM along with conventional medicine to help you feel better. Alternative medicine means using CAM instead of conventional medicine.

There are many different types of CAM, such as acupuncture, yoga, meditation, massage therapy, herbal medicine, chiropractic care, and more.

CAM is different from conventional medicine in some ways. For example, CAM often looks at the whole person and tries to find the root of the problem rather than just treating symptoms. CAM also often uses natural remedies instead of drugs.

It's important to remember that just because something is called CAM doesn't mean it's always safe or effective. Make sure to talk with your doctor before trying any type of CAM to make sure it's right for you.