The National Institutes of Health agency responsible for scientific research on the diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine has a new name–the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).

Formerly the NCCAM (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine), the NCCIH still offers the same level of quality health information in the field of complementary and alternative medical/health (CAM) practices. One of the NCCIH main focuses is on conducting research that encourages self-care methods that support healthier lifestyles and uncovers potential usefulness and safety issues of natural products. The practices and products studied by the NCCIH are prioritized by four guiding principles: scientific promise, amenability to be studied using the highest quality research methods, use by the American public, and the potential impact on public health.

For a list of other reliable CAM websites and databases, search the Library website‘s MSKSearch function with the word complementary. A list of relevant databases will appear under the DATABASES section on the next page.