Complementary and integrative medicine

In 70's and 80's complementary and alternative medicines were mainly provided as an alternative to conventional health care. Many medical practitioners used to be against these disciplines. In the last decade the worldwide situation has changed and there has been a significant increase in the use of complementary and alternative medicine. In the developed world even a systematic approach to complementary medicine is noticeable. The aim of this paper is to give an overview of the developments in the field of complementary medicine, because in the "western" world complementary health care is perceived as an important adjunct to orthodox medicine, particularly in terms of its impact on everyday functioning and well-being.