Alternative medicine is a term that describes medical treatments that are used instead of traditional (mainstream) therapies. Some people also refer to it as “integrative,” or “complementary” medicine.

More than half of adults in the United States say they use some form of alternative medicine. But exactly what types of therapies are considered alternative? The definition changes as doctors test and move more of them into the mainstream.

This article examines some popular alternative medical treatments and their potential risks and benefits.

The goal of chiropractic medicine is to ease pain, improve body function, and help your body to heal itself naturally.

Much of the research around it has focused on low back painBut studies show chiropractic can also be helpful for a number of other ailments, like neck, joint problems in your upper and lower body, and disorders caused by skin These focus on the energy fields many people believe exist in and around the body. Included in this category Alternative medicine is the term for medical products and practices that are not part of standard care. Standard care is what medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, and allied health professionals, such as nurses and physical therapists, practice. Alternative medicine is used in place of standard medical care. An example is treating  with chelation therapy (which seeks to remove excess metals from the blood) instead of using a standard approach. Examples of alternative practices include , traditional medicine, chiropractic, and Complementary medicine is different from alternative medicine. Whereas complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine, alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine. See also complementary medicine, conventional medicine.

   

Last Updated on: Jul 06, 2024