The terms alternative medicine and complementary medicine are often mistakenly utilized as synonyms. In reality, the phrase alternative medicine refers to medicine systems like acupuncture or homeopathy , that are used to replace conventional medicine, while complementary medicine refersto those therapies like massage that are utilized in harmony with conventional, or allopathic medicine.

Both end up assumining the same purpose in several western countries, who are starting to perceive that these medicinal therapies are a crucial part of healing. That is why in popular jargon, alternative medicine is commonly referred to as complementary medicine.

Noteably, a significant aspect of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is that it centers on the individual as a whole. The treatment is based not only on the patient's physical symptoms, but also on the individual's lifestyle, surroundings, diet, mental and emotional health; sometimes even their spiritual well-being . Thus alternative medicine is called holistic medicine.

Most devotees recognize acupuncture, osteopathy, chiropractic, Ayurveda, homeopathy and herbal medicine as the most significant kinds of alternative and complementary medicine.

With the exception of homeopathy, most of the alternative and complementary medicine disciplines have their roots in ancient times in nations like Egypt, Tibet, Persia and the Far East. Some countries, notably India and China, are utilizing their knowledge of alternative and complementary medicine to foster what has come to be known as medical tourism. A substantial quantity of westerners are journeying to these Asian Nations to look for holistic cures. In the West too, a great amount of women are utilizing aromatherapy and massage, while men are leaning towards alternative and complementary medicine to feel better from sports injuries or back soreness.

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

This growing acceptance of alternative and complementary medicine is a healthy sign for the world, because the Collaborations that have been so created are helping to take on many incurable diseases. In the ultimate analysis, we should not forget that alternative and complementary medicine systems started 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