complementary medicine

USAGE SUMMARY

'complementary medicine' is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used as an alternative name for alternative medicine, or to refer to non-conventional medical practices which are used in adjunct to conventional medical treatments. For example: "I took a course in complementary medicine to help manage my chronic pain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Complementary medicine, for instance.

The Guardian

Alternative and complementary medicine are mostly quackery.

The Economist

Users and practitioners of complementary medicine.

Nature

Yes Complementary medicine in the UK • The term 'complementary medicine' replaced 'alternative medicine' as complementary medicine was increasingly seen as complementary to orthodox medicine.

The Guardian

"Now, complementary medicine has colonised him because he is holisitic.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Edzard Ernst, professor of complementary medicine at Exeter University, disagrees.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

A Munich-based complementary-medicine research centre recruited people complaining of frequent headaches.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

• Seventy-five per cent of the public is in favour of complementary medicine being widely available on the NHS.

The Guardian

Cancer patients who turn to complementary medicine are more likely to die, according to new research.

The Times

Complementary Medicine / Catherine G. Blosser -- 44.

Princeton University

Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 4, 9 13 (1998).

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about healthcare, use "complementary medicine" to refer to non-conventional practices used alongside standard medical treatments, ensuring clarity and avoiding potential misinterpretations.

Common error

Don't assume all "complementary medicine" practices are equally effective or scientifically validated; always specify the particular therapy and cite evidence where possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complementary medicine" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a category of medical treatments used in conjunction with standard practices. Ludwig AI shows that this term is widely used in various contexts, emphasizing its role in healthcare discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science & Research

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complementary medicine" is a noun phrase referring to medical treatments used alongside standard practices. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and identifies it as a common term in healthcare discussions. As the analysis shows, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently appears in News & Media, Science, and Academia, indicating a neutral register. When writing about this topic, it's important to specify the therapy and cite evidence to avoid broad generalizations. Alternative phrases include "integrative medicine" and "alternative therapies", offering similar but nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adjunct therapies

Refers to therapies used in addition to conventional medical treatments.

integrative medicine

Focuses on integrating conventional and alternative therapies, highlighting a holistic approach.

integrative health care

Broader than just medicine, encompassing lifestyle and wellness aspects integrated with conventional care.

alternative therapies

A broader term encompassing a range of non-conventional medical treatments.

holistic medicine

Emphasizes treating the whole person, not just the symptoms, with potentially different modalities.

natural medicine

Focuses on remedies derived from natural sources, which is a more specific subset.

non-conventional treatments

Highlights the departure from standard medical practices.

functional medicine

A systems biology-based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease.

traditional medicine

Encompasses medical systems with long-standing cultural traditions.

mind-body therapies

Focuses on the interaction between the mind and body to promote health.

FAQs

What is the difference between "complementary medicine" and "alternative medicine"?

"Complementary medicine" is used together with standard medical treatments, while "alternative medicine" is used in place of standard medical treatments.

How can I use "complementary medicine" in a sentence?

You can say, "She uses "complementary medicine", such as acupuncture, to manage her chronic pain alongside conventional treatments."

What are some examples of "complementary medicine"?

Examples include acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal remedies, and chiropractic care, often used in conjunction with conventional medical treatments.

Is "complementary medicine" scientifically proven?

The scientific evidence for the effectiveness of "complementary medicine" varies depending on the specific therapy. Some practices have strong evidence, while others require more research.