When we compare complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) with conventional medicine, the most striking difference is that CAM is characterised by a broad cultural diversity, whereas conventional medicine is far more unified because of its scientific base. In former times the adverse attitude of conventional medicine towards CAM was much stronger than it is nowadays. The reason for this change is thet teh powerful position of the medical profession came to an end in our more liberal era.But this does not mean that the borderline between CAM and the medical profession may be wiped out. It seems ethically questionable when a professional physian turns to CAM practices, as it also unethical when a CAM practian appears as a physician. CAM should be given freedom as long as it causes no harm to patients.