Which of the following describes complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)?

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses a variety of health care practices, treatments, and philosophies that differ from conventional Western medicine. The defining characteristic of CAM is that it includes approaches and therapies that may not typically be included in mainstream medical practice. These can include practices such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, yoga, meditation, and other holistic approaches aimed at supporting healing and wellness.

The choice identified as the correct answer highlights the philosophical underpinnings of CAM, which often focus on treating the whole person and considering factors such as lifestyle and emotional well-being, in contrast to the more symptom-focused approach of conventional medicine.

While surgical methods are a component of conventional medicine, they do not fall under the category of CAM, which seeks to provide alternatives to such approaches. Generic pharmaceutical treatments are also part of conventional medicine, not CAM. Psychotherapy, while it can be complementary to traditional medical approaches, is not typically defined as complementary or alternative medicine in the wider context. Therefore, recognizing the distinct philosophy found in CAM practices is key to understanding its definition and purpose.