NCCAM (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine) describes the following five types of CAM:

1. Whole Medical Systems are built upon complete systems of theory and practice. Often, these systems have evolved apart from and earlier than the conventional U.S. medical approach. Examples of whole medical systems that have developed in Western cultures include homeopathic medicine and naturopathic medicine. Examples of systems that have developed in non-Western cultures include traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda.
2. Mind-Body Medicine uses a variety of techniques to enhance the mind’s capacity to affect bodily functions and symptoms. Some techniques previously considered CAM are now mainstream treatments (for example, patient support groups and cognitive-behavioral therapy). Other mind-body techniques still considered CAM include meditation, prayer, mental healing, and therapies that use creative outlets such as art, music, or dance.
3. Biologically-Based Practices use substances found in nature, such as herbs, foods, and vitamins. These practices include dietary supplements, herbal products, and other so-called natural but scientifically unproven therapies (for example, using shark cartilage to treat cancer).
4. Manipulative and Body-Based Practices use manipulation and movement of one or more parts of the body. Some examples include chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation, and massage.
5. Energy Medicine involves the use of energy fields. There are two types. Providers use biofield therapies to affect energy fields that purportedly surround and penetrate the human body. Scientists have yet to prove such fields exist. Some forms of energy therapy manipulate biofields by applying pressure to and manipulating the body by placing the hands in or through these fields. Examples include Qigong, Reiki, and therapeutic touch. Bioelectromagnetic-based therapies involve the unconventional use of electromagnetic fields, such as pulsed fields, magnetic fields, or alternating-current or direct-current fields.