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What is complementary medicine?

By Lisa Fayed, About.com

Created: August 03, 2005

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Question: What is complementary medicine?
Answer: Complementary medicine is often used to relieve side effects of treatment. It is sometimes called complementary treatment or therapy, also.

Complementary medicine is always used in conjunction with a traditional therapy like chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.

For example, a patient may have acupuncture performed on them to aid in lessening the nausea caused by chemotherapy. Other examples include aromatherapy, reflexology, massage, and acupressure.
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