Definition: An acronym for complimentary and alternative medicine. CAM is the grouping of health and medical disciplines considered to be outside the realm of conventional medicine as practiced by licensed MDs and DOs. Examples include chiropractic, massage therapy, acupuncture and yoga.
Although the body of scientific research on CAM treatments is growing, there is significantly less research in this field than there is in conventional medicine. Consequently, many questions as to the safety and effectiveness of CAM remain unanswered.
Source:
What is Cam? CAM BASICS. National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine. Feb 2007
Also Known As: complimentary medicine, integrative medicine, alternative medicine, alternative health
Common Misspellings: complementary medicine
Examples: A chiropractor is a CAM practitioner.
