Complementary and Alternative Medicine: FAQs
What is complementary and alternative medicine?
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be a part of conventional medicine. CAM includes naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, and homeopathy. People use CAM therapies in a variety of ways: CAM therapies used alone are often referred to as "alternative." When used in addition to conventional medicine, they are often referred to as "complementary." The list of what is considered to be CAM changes continually as those therapies that are proven to be safe and effective become adopted into conventional health care and as new approaches to health care emerge.
Are complementary medicine and alternative medicine different from each other?
Yes, they are different.
- 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.
What is integrative medicine?
Integrative medicine combines mainstream medical therapies and CAM therapies for which there is some high-quality scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness.
Are complementary therapies safe?
Yes, if you choose a properly qualified and experienced practitioner. There are very few known contraindications with complementary therapies. During your initial consultation, the practitioner will ask a series of questions that will enable an appropriate treatment program to be compiled for you. If you have any questions about the therapy, the practitioner will be happy to advise you. A large part of our current research focus at the Integrative Urological Center is to determine the safety and efficacy of a variety of complementary therapies taken in combination with conventional medications and chemotherapeutics.
Can I use complementary therapies while seeing my primary care physician?
Complementary therapies work well alongside conventional medical treatments if guided by a properly trained complementary practitioner. In fact, some primary care physicians are now referring their patients to complementary practitioners, and many hospitals now offer safe and effective natural therapies.
I am on medication. Will you tell me to stop taking it?
No. Our complementary care practitioners will rarely suggest that you stop taking or change the dosage of any medication that has been prescribed for you. We may recommend that you visit your primary care physician or specialist for review of your medications from time to time if they feel that your state of health has changed. Our practitioners will work alongside your other doctors to facilitate an improvement in your health and well being.
Do I need to get my primary care physician's permission before having a treatment?
Our focus is to get you better. We do not intend to replace your conventional medical doctor—our aim is to be part of your health care team. Some patients prefer to discuss embarking on a course of complementary therapies with their primary care physician first, which may be appropriate so that he/she can adequately monitor your progress as well.
How many treatments will I need?
This varies depending on your current state of health and the condition and therapy for which you are seeking treatment. Usually an initial consultation will enable the practitioner to determine an appropriate treatment plan. This can range anywhere from one treatment to multiple treatments.
Do I need to bring anything with me when I attend my first appointment?
If you are taking medication or supplements, it is sensible to bring a list of what you take, the dosage and how frequently you take them, or bring the products with you to the first treatment. Please see also our instructions for first-time patients and instructions for first-time phone consultations.
Why do you need to know about my diet and lifestyle?
Diet and exercise play a key role in healthcare. By knowing the big picture including your diet and lifestyle, the practitioner will be able to make suggestions to you which may help to reduce your presenting health condition.
After a treatment, will you tell my primary care physician about your findings?
Only with your consent. Usually there is no need for us to report to your primary care physician, but if there is a situation of concern, your complementary practitioner may feel it appropriate to speak to your primary care physician. In a serious situation, all practitioners have a duty of care to involve a doctor or person in authority. Practitioners abide by a strict code of conduct, which includes instruction on client confidentiality.
Information courtesy of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Lisa Brelsford.
