List of forms of alternative medicine

Overview of various alternative medicine practices

The list of forms of alternative medicine encompasses a wide range of practices that are not typically part of conventional medical training or practice. These methods are often derived from traditional knowledge systems or are newly developed approaches that differ from mainstream medical practices. While some forms of alternative medicine have gained popularity and acceptance, others remain controversial due to a lack of scientific evidence supporting their efficacy.

Overview

Alternative medicine refers to a diverse set of practices and therapies that are used in place of or alongside conventional medical treatments. These practices often emphasize holistic approaches, focusing on the integration of mind, body, and spirit. Many alternative medicine practices are rooted in historical or cultural traditions, while others are more modern innovations.

Categories of Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine can be broadly categorized into several types, each encompassing various practices and philosophies.

Traditional Medicine

Traditional medicine includes systems of medicine that have been practiced for centuries in various cultures around the world. These include:

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): A comprehensive medical system that includes practices such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and qigong.
• Ayurveda: An ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes balance in bodily systems using diet, herbal treatment, and yogic breathing.
• Unani medicine: A system of medicine practiced in parts of South Asia, based on the teachings of Greek physicians like Hippocrates and Galen.

Mind-Body Interventions

These practices focus on the interactions between the brain, mind, body, and behavior, with the intent to use the mind to affect physical functioning and promote health.

• Meditation: A practice where an individual uses techniques such as mindfulness or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state.
• Yoga: A group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India.
• Tai chi: A form of martial arts known for its defense techniques and health benefits.

Biologically Based Practices

These involve the use of substances found in nature, such as herbs, foods, and vitamins.

• Herbalism: The study and use of medicinal properties of plants.
• Dietary supplements: Products taken orally that contain dietary ingredients intended to supplement the diet.

Manipulative and Body-Based Practices

These practices involve manipulation or movement of one or more parts of the body.

• Chiropractic: A form of alternative medicine that focuses on diagnosis and treatment of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine.
• Osteopathy: A type of alternative medicine that emphasizes physical manipulation of the body's muscle tissue and bones.
• Massage therapy: The practice of kneading or manipulating a person's muscles and other soft-tissue to improve their well-being or health.

Energy Therapies

These therapies involve the use of energy fields. They are based on the belief that energy fields surround and penetrate the human body.

• Reiki: A form of alternative therapy commonly referred to as energy healing.
• Therapeutic touch: A practice based on the belief that the practitioner can facilitate healing by using their hands to direct energy.

Related Pages

• Complementary and alternative medicine
• Integrative medicine
• Holistic health
• Functional medicine