How does the medical profession view alternative and complementary medicine?

The medical profession is generally very divided on its approach to CAM. On one end of the spectrum, particularly in the USA, CAM is practiced together with traditional Western Medicine as “integrative medicine” in some hospitals. On the other end of the spectrum, Western Medicine practitioners view CAM with strong reservations and scepticism about the purported benefits. Some of the main criticisms directed towards CAM include the general lack of convincing scientific evidence, the lack of regulation of CAM practices and herbal medicines which can lead to dangerous effects if used inappropriately.

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