The term complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is usually used to describe a medical product or practice that is not standard medical care. When this is used together with conventional medicine, it's considered complementary and when it is used instead of conventional medicine, it's considered alternative. Alternative medicine is used instead of mainstream medical care. The claims that non-mainstream practitioners make can sound promising. Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Complementary and alternative medicine includes practices such as massage, acupuncture, tai chi, and drinking green tea. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is the term for medical products and practices that are not part of standard medical care. Alternative health approaches such as traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, and naturopathy.Mind and body practices like acupuncture, massage therapy, and tai chi. Natural health products like herbs, dietary supplements, and probiotics. Complementary medicines are non-prescription medicines available from health food shops, supermarkets and pharmacies. Complementary medicine is a therapeutic approach that is used together with conventional medicine. Complementary and alternative medicine” is a broad term that refers to treatments that are not generally part of traditional Western medicine.