Complementary /alternative therapies, is a term used for a wide range of health care practices, that may be used alone or along with standard medical treatment, for improved health, well-being and quality of life.

Although people often use the terms interchangeably, there is a difference: Complementary therapies / medicine is a non-standard treatment that you use together with conventional medical treatment. Alternative therapies / medicine is a non-standard treatment that you use instead of conventional medical treatment