The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), part of the National Institutes of Health, is responsible for exploring complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices. Additionally, NCCAM provides consumers and health professionals with information about CAM therapies that are safe and effective.
According to NCCAM, “Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine.
An example of a complementary therapy is using aromatherapy to help lessen a patient's discomfort following surgery. Alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine. An example of an alternative therapy is using a special diet to treat cancer instead of undergoing surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy that has been recommended by a conventional doctor.“
NCCAM provides the following Key Points on its website:
- Take charge of your health by being an informed consumer. Find out what scientific studies have been done on the safety and effectiveness of the CAM treatment in which you are interested.
- Decisions about medical care and treatment should be made in consultation with a health care provider and based on the condition and needs of each person. Discuss information on CAM with your health care provider before making any decisions about treatment or care.
- Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
- If you use a CAM therapy provided by a practitioner, such as acupuncture, choose the practitioner with care. Check with your insurer to see if the services will be covered.