What is complementary medicine? Author: Zollman C//Andrew V Conference/Journal: British Medical Journal Date published: 1999 Other: Volume ID: 319 , Issue ID: 7211 , Pages: 693 , Word Count: 100 Complementary medicine, once called 'alternative medicine' consists of various methods of approaching healing from disciplines other than the allopathic medicine we call conventional. It is termed complementary because it is often used together with conventional medicine. Most tend to have a holistic approach, with disease the result of physical, psychological, social, and spiritual disturbnace. A list of such forms would include: acupressure, acupuncture, Alexander technique, applied kinesiology, anthroposophic medicine, aromatherapy, autogenic training, Ayurveda, chiropractic, cranial osteopathy, environmental medicine, healing, herbal medicine, homoeopathy, hypnosis, massage, meditation, naturopathy, nutritional therapy, osteopathy, reflexology, Reiki, relaxation and visualisation, Shiatsu, therapeutic touch, yoga and others.