What is Alternative Medicine?

Alternative medicine involves the use of non-traditional medical therapies that are not supported by scientific research and are not considered a part of conventional medical practice in the United States. Typically, alternative medicine uses a holistic approach to treatment, often emphasizing the mind-body connection. An example of alternative medical treatment is the use of herbal remedies or a special diet to treat cancer instead of using medications, radiation, and chemotherapy. When these types of therapies are used instead of conventional treatments, they are referred to as alternative medicine. This is different than complementary medicine, which involves the use of both alternative and conventional medical therapies.

Many alternative medical treatments such as acupuncture, ayurvedic medicine, and balneotherapy (the use of mineral waters for therapeutic purposes) are considered standard medical practices in Asia, India, and Europe respectively. Other types of alternative medicine include chiropractic medicine, osteopathy, massage therapy, diet and vitamin therapy, herbal medicine, and folk remedies. Hypnosis and aromatherapy are considered complementary therapies.

Many people find it surprising that chiropractic medicine and osteopathy are considered part of alternative medicine. They have become so mainstream that most people don’t give it a second thought. Chiropractic medicine is based on the relationship between the spine and the body. Practitioners manipulate the bone structure to properly align the body. Osteopathy involves the manipulation of the musculoskeletal system to treat disease.