What is alternative and complementary medicine?
Many terms have been used for this growing field of medicine. Natural therapies, holistic medicine, naturopathy, complementary medicine and alternative therapies are some of the terms which have been used to describe the broad range of modalities incorporated in this field, the more prominent of which are herbal medicine, nutrition, massage and homeopathy. Within each of these fields there are further different forms. For example with herbal medicine there is western herbal medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, each with its own particular philosophy and treatment regime. Forms of massage include reflexology, shiatsu, Reiki and the Bowen and Alexander techniques. Other forms of treatment include acupuncture, iridology, Bach flowers, aromatherapy and gem therapy. The term alternative and complementary medicine (ACM) has been picked up by some of the newer institutions, and is looked upon more favorably by the more conventional scientific and medical profession. Western He
