Abstract:
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) refers to a diverse range of healthcare practices, therapies, and products that are not typically considered part of conventional medicine.
CAM encompasses a variety of approaches, including herbal remedies, acupuncture, chiropractic care, meditation, and other mind-body practices.
The term "complementary" is used when these therapies are employed alongside conventional treatments, while "alternative" refers to their use in place of conventional medicine (April et al. (2016), Emmerton et al., (2012) ).
Description:
CAM is characterized by its holistic approach, includes consideration of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being (Barrett et al., 2003).
The use of CAM can be influenced by cultural beliefs, personal preferences, and the perceived effectiveness of these therapies in addressing health concerns (Emmerton et al., 2012).
For example, many patients seek CAM therapies due to dissatisfaction with conventional treatments, concerns about side effects, or a desire for more personalized care (Ng et al., 2003).
However, the lack of standardized definitions and classifications for CAM can complicate research and clinical practice, making it essential for healthcare providers to engage in open discussions with patients about their use of these therapies (Adams, 2003).
