Conventional vs Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM)

The linked post found at the bottom includes some examples of integrative wellness techniques we also call CAM, or complementary and alternative medicine. As wellness continues to become more and more popular, people are seeking to understand what WELLNESS means. get confused with all the definitions sometimes because let's face it, it's confusing! There are so many areas of self-care and medicine outside of the normal medical model of care. Here's a brief rundown of the terminology layman's terms.

Medical Model or Conventional Model)- a set of procedures in which all doctors are trained; considers mental illness a physical disorder that can be treated with medication; treats conditions based off of symptoms or treats symptoms; does NOT consider complementary practices.

Complementary Medicine - Assumptions are in line with the conventional/medical model but practice/treatment is not predominantly medical; i.e. medical model theories and beliefs with alternative methods to treat; supports medical treatment with methods that are used in addition to that treatment.

Integrative Medicine - Defined as ONE practitioner that uses BOTH conventional and complementary approaches, techniques, or treatments; puts the client/patient in the center of care by addressing the person as a whole; includes physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, and environmental issues and considers the specific needs of the person rather than general symptoms or disorders; Seeks to restore and maintain health and wellness across the person's lifespan and considers the person's unique circumstances; P.S. - this is what I do!

Integrated Medicine - Describes a practice of diverse practitioners; brings together conventional and complementary practices to work together to address the persons needs as a whole. This is what I am hoping for in the future of PMHW! Practitioners that offer integrative medicine but each specializing in different areas to offer the best care possible - integrated into one private practice.

Alternative Medicine - REPLACEMENT to the conventional/medical model; does NOT consider mainstream care; assumes alternative care is the ONLY practice necessary.

Traditional Medicine - based off of indigenous theory, beliefs, and experiences in different cultures that are used for health and wellness; think OLD SCHOOL medicine based off of the land like the Native Americans and Indians; can be spiritual or ritualistic.

Functional medicine - medicine based on the individual's BIOCHEMISTRY and ENVIRONMENT that promotes healthy well-being; yes, it seems similar to the medical model but is more based on our genetics and body-type.

And there you have it! Confusing is it not? Seems easy too but try to remember the differences off the top of your head. You get it but its difficult to define sometimes. You are welcome.