Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Dr. Jeffrey White of the National Cancer Institute explains the different types of complementary and alternative medicine in this short video.
Complementary and alternative medicine are medicines and health practices that are not usually used by doctors to treat cancer.
- Complementary medicine is used in addition to standard treatments.
- Alternative medicine is used instead of standard treatments.
Examples of complementary and alternative medicine include—
- Acupuncture.
- Tai chi, yoga, and other mind-body therapies.
- Vitamins, herbs, and other nutritional therapies.
- American Indian and Alaska Native traditional healing practices.
Talk to your doctor before you start any kind of complementary or alternative medicine, even for managing side effects from standard treatment. Complementary and alternative medicines may make standard cancer treatments not work as well.
More Information
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Patients (National Cancer Institute)
- Talking about Complementary and Alternative Medicine with Health Care Providers: A Workbook and Tips (National Cancer Institute)
- Complementary and Integrative Medicine (American Cancer Society)
- Using Traditional Healing with Western Medicine [PDF-2.9MB] (American Indian Cancer Foundation)