Alternative Medicine Information Link
: Complete systems of theory and practice that evolved independently of Western medicine, such as Ayurveda , Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and homeopathy.
: Use of substances found in nature, such as herbs, vitamins, and dietary supplements. ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE INFORMATION
: Focus on the structures and systems of the body, primarily the bones, joints, and soft tissues (e.g., chiropractic manipulation and massage therapy ). : Complete systems of theory and practice that
Many people turn to alternative therapies to manage chronic pain, reduce stress, or improve overall quality of life when conventional methods are insufficient. However, choosing these treatments requires careful evaluation: Alternative Medicine - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - NIH Many people turn to alternative therapies to manage
: Techniques designed to enhance the mind's capacity to affect bodily functions, including meditation, yoga, and biofeedback .
Alternative medicine encompasses a vast array of health care practices and products that fall outside the scope of conventional Western medical treatment. While often used interchangeably with "complementary medicine," the distinction lies in their application: alternative medicine is used standard treatments, whereas complementary medicine is used alongside them . Key Categories of Alternative Medicine
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) typically classifies these approaches into five major domains: