Alternative medicine and complementary medicine are terms often used together, but they have different meanings. Both can refer to a wide range of therapies and practices outside conventional medical treatment, but the main difference is how they are used.
Understanding this distinction is important when considering different approaches to health and wellbeing, particularly when someone is already receiving conventional medical care.
What Is Alternative Medicine?
Alternative medicine generally refers to therapies or practices used instead of conventional medical treatment.
Examples can include homeopathy, certain traditional healing practices, herbal medicine and other approaches that are promoted as alternatives to conventional healthcare.
The evidence behind alternative therapies varies considerably. Some have been researched extensively, while others have limited evidence supporting their effectiveness.
Using an alternative therapy instead of necessary medical treatment can carry risks, particularly when dealing with serious or ongoing health conditions.
What Is Complementary Medicine?
Complementary medicine is generally used alongside conventional medical treatment rather than instead of it.
Examples may include acupuncture, massage, meditation, relaxation techniques and certain mind-body practices. Depending on the therapy and individual circumstances, these approaches may be used as part of a wider approach to health and wellbeing.
Complementary medicine does not necessarily mean that someone stops receiving conventional treatment. Instead, it may be considered alongside appropriate medical care.
What Is Integrative Medicine?
The term integrative medicine is sometimes used to describe an approach that combines conventional medical care with selected complementary therapies.
The focus is often on treating the individual as a whole, considering areas such as physical health, lifestyle and emotional wellbeing.
Integrative approaches can vary considerably, so it is important to understand exactly which therapies are being recommended and what evidence supports them.
Why Does the Difference Matter?
The distinction between alternative and complementary medicine is particularly important when considering serious health conditions.
Using a complementary therapy alongside appropriate medical care is different from replacing conventional treatment with an alternative therapy.
For example, someone may choose to use a relaxation practice alongside treatment recommended by their healthcare professional. This is different from stopping prescribed treatment and relying solely on an alternative therapy.
Anyone considering a complementary or alternative approach should understand how it fits into their existing healthcare.
Can Complementary Medicine Be Used With Prescription Medication?
Some complementary therapies can be used alongside prescription medicines, but this should not automatically be assumed to be safe.
Herbal medicines and supplements, in particular, can interact with certain medications. Other therapies may also be unsuitable depending on an individual’s health circumstances.
It is therefore important to tell your doctor, pharmacist or another appropriate healthcare professional about any complementary therapies, supplements or herbal products you are using.
This allows potential interactions and other safety concerns to be considered.
Is Complementary Medicine Supported by Evidence?
The level of evidence varies between different complementary therapies.
Some approaches have been studied in clinical research and may have evidence supporting particular uses. Other therapies may have limited evidence or research that does not support claims made about them.
It is important to consider the evidence for the specific therapy and the specific health concern rather than making general assumptions about complementary medicine.
A therapy being described as natural, traditional or complementary does not automatically mean that it is effective or safe.
What Should You Consider Before Using Alternative or Complementary Medicine?
Before trying a therapy, consider:
- What the treatment involves
- Why you are considering it
- What evidence supports its use
- Possible side effects and risks
- Potential interactions with medication
- The practitioner’s qualifications
- Whether the treatment could delay appropriate medical care
You should also be cautious about claims that a therapy can cure serious illnesses, replace prescribed treatment or provide guaranteed results.
Reliable information and professional advice can help you make a more informed decision.
When Should You Speak to a Healthcare Professional?
It is particularly important to seek appropriate medical advice when symptoms are severe, persistent, unexplained or getting worse.
You should also speak to a healthcare professional before introducing a new therapy if you have an existing health condition, are pregnant, are taking prescription medication or are considering stopping an established treatment.
Alternative or complementary approaches should not prevent you from receiving appropriate diagnosis or medical care.
Understanding the Difference
The simplest way to understand the difference is to consider how the therapy is being used.
Alternative medicine is generally used instead of conventional medical treatment.
Complementary medicine is generally used alongside conventional medical treatment.
Integrative medicine may combine conventional healthcare with selected complementary approaches as part of a broader healthcare strategy.
Understanding these distinctions can help people assess different therapies more carefully and consider how they fit within their overall approach to health and wellbeing.
Alternative and complementary medicine cover a wide range of therapies, and the terms should not be treated as interchangeable. The key distinction is whether an approach is being used instead of conventional healthcare or alongside it.
Whatever approach someone is considering, it is important to look at the evidence, potential risks and suitability for their individual circumstances. Complementary therapies should not be used as a reason to delay necessary medical care, while alternative treatments should be approached with particular caution when they involve replacing established treatment.