Area
Alternative therapies
Alternative and complementary therapies refer to non-mainstream approaches. When used together with conventional medical care, the more precise term is "complementary therapies."
About this specialty
Medical information
What alternative and complementary therapies mean
The terms are not equivalent: complementary approaches are used together with conventional medical care, while alternative approaches are used in place of it. Such approaches should not replace or delay necessary medical evaluation and treatment.
When a conversation about alternative therapies may be relevant
A conversation about complementary approaches may help when someone wants to understand how such approaches can be safely integrated alongside an existing medical care plan, without replacing the treating physician's recommendations.
What is important to keep in mind
The effectiveness of different complementary approaches varies, and not all are equally supported by scientific evidence. Any decision related to complementary therapies should be discussed beforehand with the treating physician, to avoid interactions or delays in necessary medical treatment.