Alternative Medicine, often referred to with commonly used terms as Complementary Medicine, Natural Medicine, Integrative Medicine or Wholistic Medicine, is a model of medicine that uses a variety of healing therapies and interventions, some of which are quite ancient with thousands of years of experience. Practitioners who practice this type of medicine look at the “whole person”, body, mind and spirit, to identify the root causes and imbalances of illness and disease.

The MD's at CHI integrate the most effective therapies from traditional medicine and holistic medicine. We have analyzed the data that is available on all methods of treatment and present our patients with the best of both worlds. While taking advantage of the latest data and innovations we insist on cautious and responsible practices that are backed up by published data. There will be dramatic gains in our knowledge of this field over the next decade.

Conventional medicine is medicine as practiced by holders of M.D. (medical doctor) or D.O. (doctor of osteopathy) degrees and by their allied health professionals such as nurses, physical therapists, and dietitians. CAM is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not currently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine is used along with conventional medicine. Alternative medicine is used instead of conventional medicine.

Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine. An example of a complementary therapy is using aromatherapyA therapy in which the scent of essential oils from flowers, herbs, and trees is inhaled to promote health and well-being. to help lessen a patient's discomfort following surgery. Alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine.

Alternative Medicine refers to a medical care approach that is outside of the realm of conventional medicine, as practiced in the U.S. Alternative medicine consists of a diverse group of medical and health care systems, practices and products that are not currently considered part of conventional medicine. Many questions about alternative medicine are not yet answered through well-designed scientific studies. The safety and efficacy of these therapies has not been proven.

Alternative medicine refers to treatments other than those which would be typically prescribed, including herbal medicine, non-medication therapies, homeopathy and nutrition treatments. ADHD treatments range from diet restrictions to herbal products; EEG to video games. Results vary, depending on the individual and the treatment being used.

NCCAM groups CAM practices into four domains, recognizing there can be some overlap. In addition, NCCAM studies CAM whole medical systems, which cut across all domains. Whole medical systems are built upon complete systems of theory and practice. Often, these systems have evolved apart from and earlier than the conventional medical approach used in the United States.

The phrase "alternative medicine" means any healing or preventive health practice that falls outside the mainstream of Western medicine -- and this includes homeopathy. But what sets it apart from some other alternative treatments is that it is based upon a complete system of beliefs and practices. Homeopathy relies on the tenet that "like treats like," meaning in order to cure something you have to expose the body to small but controlled amounts of the offending substance.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), a center within the National Institutes of Health (NIH), defines complementary and alternative medicine as "a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine." Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine.

Alternative medicine, as an adjunct to traditional therapy, may be helpful to some patients. Alternative therapies include relaxation therapy, biofeedback, acupuncture, homeopathic remedies, and vitamin therapy.

Some alternative and complementary therapies have been used and studied as IBS treatments, such as acupuncture, hypnotherapy, herbs and supplements and probiotics. Talk to your doctor to get input on alternative therapies.

Alternative medical approaches are usually defined as those not commonly accepted by the North American conventional medical monopoly of pharmaceutical prescribing, surgery, general practitioner routine, specialist technical testing and manipulation, and radiation destruction of cells. Some refer to this as the drug-cut-denial-burn approach.

I respect and appreciate other systems of viewing and working with the complex human self. But I am trained primarily in allopathic (traditional) medicine, and that is the expertise I offer. I would feel the need for much more training to offer other therapies. I do encourage all patients to let me know what other therapies they are using or considering.

Complementary and alternative medicine, as defined, is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine.

Expect to save up to 30% of reasonable and customary charges through one of the largest integrated networks of chiropractors and other top qualified alternative medicine providers in the nation.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a group of various medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Conventional medicine is medicine as practiced by holders of M.D. (medical doctor) or D.O. (doctor of osteopathy) degrees and by allied health professionals, such as physical therapists, psychologists, and registered nurses.