The terms alternative medicine and complementary medicine are often incorrectly used as synonyms. In truth, the phrase alternative medicine relates to medicine systems like acupuncture or Auyerveda, that are practiced to replace conventional medicine, while complementary medicine refersto those treatments like massage that are practiced in combination with conventional, or allopathic medicine.

Both end up assumining the same role in several western countries, who are starting to affirm that these medicinal treatments are an essential part of healing. That is why in popular parlance, alternative medicine is commonly referred to as complementary medicine.

Noteably, a significant facet of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is that it concentrates on the individual as a whole. The treatment is based not only on the patient's physical symptoms, but also on the person's lifestyle, environment, nutrition, mental and emotional well-being; occasionally even their spiritual health. For this reason alternative medicine is considered holistic medicine.

Most practitioners affirm acupuncture, osteopathy, chiropractic, Ayurveda, homeopathy and herbal medicine as the most essential types of alternative and complementary medicine.

With the exception of homeopathy, almost all of the alternative and complementary medicine disciplines have their roots in ancient eras in nations like Egypt, Tibet, Persia and the Far East. Some countries, notably India and China, are applying their knowledge of alternative and complementary medicine to encourage what has come to be known as medical tourism. A considerable amount of westerners are flocking to these Asian Nations to look for holistic remedies. In the West too, a large number of women are employing aromatherapy and massage, while men are resorting to alternative and complementary medicine to feel better from sports traumas or back trouble.

The other medical issue for which practitioners are turning to CAM are chronic illnesses like arthritis, cystitis, asthma or chronic fatigue. Even the World Health Organization(WHO) has accepted the value of holistic therapies. Among the diseases that WHO considers can be alleviated with these methods are asthma, eczema, digestive disorders and headaches.

This promising adoption of alternative and complementary medicine is a healthy sign for the world, because the Collaborations that have been so created are helping to tackle many incurable diseases. In the final analysis, we should not overlook that alternative and complementary medicine systems originated thousands of years ago, and have been successful in treating millions of people through the ages.

Copyright © 2005 Howard Tiano, has studied optimum health techniques for three decades, and came to alternative medicine through a family health crises. Alternative-Medicine-Resources.com was created to inform visitors of available treatments beyond standard medical solutions, and cut through the politics and hype! Know your options, and optimize your health! http://www.alternative-medicine-resource.com