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 alternativeThe definition changes as doctors test and move more of them into the mainstream.This is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that uses needles to stimulate specific points around the body. The person who performs this therapy (an acupuncturist) sticks thin, sterile needles into yourskin. The goal is to help your body’s natural healing process kick in. Studies show that 

 can be effective in treating a number of conditions, like neck and back and more.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.Sometimes this health claim is more specific. Some say 8 glasses of water helps with weight loss. That wasn't true of 38 overweight and obese teens though, who were asked by researchers to drink more water for six months. Others claim that drinking extra water beyond what you're thirsty for helps hydrate or smooth skin, reduces headaches, or helps flush more toxins from kidneys. These claims were carefully reviewed and found untrue: "There is no clear evidence of benefit from drinking increased amounts of water," the researchers concluded. Instead, drinking when thirsty is good enough for most people.