Natural Medicine
Alternative Natural Medicine
Alternative (Natural) medicine is any practice that is put forward as having the healing effects of medicine,but does not originate from evidence gathered using the scientific method.
Unscientific Belief Systems
Alternative medical systems can be based on common belief systems that are not consistent with facts of science, such as in naturopathy or homeopathy.
Traditional Ethnic Systems
Alternative medical systems may be based on traditional medicine practices, such as traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda in India, or practices of other cultures around the World.
Definitions And Terminology
"Alternative medicine" is a loosely defined set of products, practices, and theories that are believed or perceived by their users to have the healing effects of medicine.
NCCIH Classification
A United States government agency, the National Center on Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), has created its own classification system for branches of complementary and alternative medicine.
Criticism
"CAM", meaning "complementary and alternative medicine", is not as well researched as conventional medicine which undergoes intense research before being released to the public.
Placebo Effect
A research methods expert and author of "Snake Oil Science", R. Barker Bausell, has stated that "it's become politically correct to investigate nonsense.
Use And Regulation
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been described as a broad domain of healing resources that encompasses all health systems.
Efficacy
Alternative therapies lack the requisite scientific validation, and their effectiveness is either unproved or disproved.
Conflicts Of Interest
Some commentators have said that special consideration must be given to the issue of conflicts of interest in alternative medicine.
Safety
Many of the claims regarding the safety and efficacy of alternative medicine are controversial. Some alternative treatments have been associated with unexpected side effects, which can be fatal.
Research Funding
Funding for research into effectiveness of alternative treatments comes from a variety of public and private sources.
Appeal
Physicians who practice complementary medicine usually discuss and advise patients as to available complementary therapies.