Difference: complementary or alternative medicines (CAM)

Quotes:
“Complementary and alternative medicines or therapies (CAM) cover a variety of medical systems, products and practices that are usually not part of conventional health care. While grouped under the same definition, complementary and alternative medicines represent two different practices.” (European Parliament: Policy Department, 2017 “Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Patients Today and Tomorrow (ENVI Committee))”

Read the report.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/cmsdata/135562/ENVI%202017-10%20WS%20CAM%20%20PE%20614.180%20(Publication).pdf
“Complementary medicine refers to all treatments used alongside conventional medical treatments. For instance, acupuncture can support cancer treatment or yoga can reduce anxiety.”

“Alternative medicine, on the other hand, comprises treatments that are used instead of standard medical treatments. One example is using a special diet to treat cancer instead of undergoing surgery prescribed by an oncologist. “

“The European Commission estimates that consumers’ spending on CAM is almost EUR 100 million. The number of CAM-trained practitioners is also growing. In Europe, CAM is practiced by approximately 145.000 physicians (trained in both conventional medicine and CAM therapies), as well as more than 160.000 non-medical practitioners. These figures show that in Europe there are almost 65 CAM providers per 100.000 inhabitants.”

Unfortunately, in the CAM group, as well complementary as alternative medicine are represented and this situation is not correct because of the immense difference between the two.

We consider Osteopathy as a complementary therapy because we do not replace conventional medicine.

Conventional medicine treats disease and osteopathy improves health. Both go very well together!