Definition: Complementary medicine is the term for any non-traditional treatment approach that is used in conjunction with regularly prescribed treatments or medications. It differs from alternative medicine in that it is not used in lieu of a traditional chronic pain regime.
Some commonly used complementary treatments are acupuncture, massage, guided imagery, dietary supplements and yoga.
Also Known As: non-traditional medicine, complimentary therapy, complimentary treatments, CAM
Examples: Adding a dietary supplement to your usual medication regime is an example of using complementary medicine.
