An Overview of CAM: Components and Clinical Uses

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), more recently known as integrative health or integrative medicine, is a diverse field comprising numerous treatments and practitioners of various levels of training. This review defines several of the main CAM modalities and reviews some of the research relevant to their clinical application. The goal is to provide healthcare providers with a basic understanding of CAM to start the incorporation of proven treatments into their clinical practice as well as guide them to working with CAM providers;, ultimately, such knowledge is a fundamental part of a collaborative approach to optimal patient health and wellness. (Nutr Clin Pract. 2009;24:549-559)