CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) therapies are generally classified into 5 seperate categories or domains. Some of these domains have sub-domains but we will broadly go into them here.

Alternative Medical Systems are built onto entirely different systems of theory in regards to the body and have evolved in a completely different direction from the mainstream medical approach. A couple of examples of alternative medical systems developed in Western societies are homeopathic and naturopathic medicine. Some real world Eastern techniques include Ayurveda, acupuncture and numerous local systems.

Mind-Body Interventions uses a blend of techniques meant to enhance the minds capability of affecting the bodys condition, such as meditation, yoga, hypnosis and therapies that use creative techniques like art, music and dance, among others. Even something as routine as journal writing fits into this category.

Biologically Based Therapies like natural and biologically based interventions, practices and products mostly composed of herbs, nutrients such as antioxidants and vitamins also count in this particular category. Some also overlap with modern medicines use of dietary supplements such as antioxidants, which started out as CAM and is now obviously mainstream. Anything from the use of Tea Tree Oil to the Paleolithic diet can also fall under this CAM category.

Manipulative and Body-Based Methods are based on manipulating certain parts of the human body. This includes, but is not limited to: chiropractic manipulation, colonics and massage therapies.

Energy Therapies uses subtle and less than subtle manipulations of the energy field that are supposed to surround and inject themselves into the human body. Examples include biofield therapies like Reiki, Qigong, natural healing and bioelectromagnetic-based therapies which involves the use of electromagnetic fields.

This article appeared originally in The September 2004 issue of The ZoneNet newsletter.