Complementary medicine can be described as treatments that complement existing methods and treatments. Often, complementary medicine and alternative medicine are used interchangeably and come under the same umbrella. Collectively known as Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). The National CAM Center treats this type of medication as a range of products, treatments, methods, and processes that aid traditional medical procedures. It is not meant to be seen as a replacement for trusted and traditional solutions that have been scientifically proven to be beneficial although there has been evidence to suggest that alternative methods have been proven effective in several cases.

Many colleges nowadays offer courses in alternative medicine this popularizing the belief that people want to learn about and be treated by different techniques that of traditional medication that one is so used to, especially in the western world. Many universities are starting to offer such courses in the United States as well as in Europe and Asia.

In the UK, there exist no universities that offer such courses although one can take a course privately and learn alternative medicine as part of a curriculum. The teachings are mainly based on the theory of complementary and alternative medicine and its procedures. For one to practice, one must go to a licensed clinic that has been approved by the medical association. A big disbelief with alternative medicine is that it can be used in place of traditional medicines. This should not be the case, as it should simply be used as a complementary approach to help with the traditional medications given. You should always consult your doctor to tell him or her that you are thinking about or currently undertaking any form of alternative treatment.

Critics believe that some alternative medicines may interfere with more traditional methods as it can hinder the healing process or cause more damage than good. It is often the case that patients turn to this type of treatment only when they have exhausted all the traditional options. In any case, one should approach with caution and learn about the actual process involved. Complementary and alternative medication can work for some but may do nothing for others. It is dependent on the person, similarly what type of illness or condition one has. Remember that there is no scientific proof that this type of treatment has been effective against curing diseases and cannot be seen as a replacement.