What does complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompass?

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses a broad range of practices and therapies that fall outside the realm of conventional medicine. This includes a diverse array of modalities such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic care, yoga, meditation, and many other non-traditional approaches to healing and wellness. The essence of CAM is its integrative nature, where these practices can be used alongside conventional treatments to enhance patient care and well-being.

By defining CAM in this wider context, it facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of health and healing, recognizing the value of different approaches that patients may choose. This contrasts with the more restricted interpretations of CAM found in the other options, which limit the scope to specific types of therapies or practitioners rather than acknowledging the full array of holistic health practices.