Complementary medicines
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Complementary Medicine (sometimes also called Complementary and Alternative Medicine - CAM) cannot be defined in a single way. Sometimes it is regarded as a set of modalities and procedures that can either substitute for or add to more “orthodox” Western medical practices. Sometimes these modalities are based on ancient and traditional forms of medicines used by indigenous cultures over many centuries, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurvedic Medicine. Sometimes it may refer to very modern approaches to healthcare that are still not adopted as “standard treatments”. Sometimes it may refer to the use of vitamins, minerals, biologically derived substances and herbal therapies that may be used in a symptomatic, preventative or holistic way. Sometimes it may refer to physical manipulative, psycho-spiritual or other therapies that engage in harnessing the connections between mind and body.
Within context to the Australian non-prescription consumer healthcare industry, complementary medicines more often refers to those herbal, vitamin, mineral and other substances presented in a ‘pharmaceutical’ dose form – this may be a tablet, capsule, liquid, powder or other such forms.
Such complementary medicine may also be known as “traditional medicines”, “dietary supplements”, “nutraceuticals”, “phytopharmaceuticals”, “herbal drugs” and other such terms.
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