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FAQs:

What is Alternative Health?

It is a range of practices and products. Rather than using drugs and surgery, most treatments are intended to help the body heal itself or improve well-being.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the practice of penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles which are then activated through gentle and specific movements of the practitioner's hands or with electrical stimulation. Acupuncture is part of the ancient practice of Traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways or meridians. These pathways create an energy flow (Qi, pronounced "chee") through the body that is responsible for overall health. Disruption of the energy flow can cause disease. By applying acupuncture to certain points, it is thought to improve the flow of Qi, thereby improving health. Studies have shown that acupuncture is effective for a variety of conditions. Acupuncture is not for everyone. If you choose to see an acupuncturist, discuss it with your doctor first and find a practitioner who is licensed and has proper training and credentials.

What is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a complementary or alternative medicine. This means that homeopathy is different from treatments that are part of conventional Western medicine in important ways. It's based on a series of ideas developed in the 1790s by a German doctor called Samuel Hahnemann. A central principle of the "treatment" is that "like cures like" – that a substance that causes certain symptoms can also help to remove those symptoms. A second central principle is based on a process of dilution and shaking called succussion. Practitioners believe that the more a substance is diluted in this way, the greater its power to treat symptoms. Many homeopathic remedies consist of substances that have been diluted many times in water until there's none, or almost none, of the original substance left. Homeopathy is used to "treat" an extremely wide range of conditions, including physical conditions such as asthma and psychological conditions such as depression.

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurvedic medicine (“Ayurveda” for short) is one of the world's oldest holistic (“whole-body”) healing systems. It was developed more than 3,000 years ago in India. It’s based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit. Its main goal is to promote good health, not fight disease. But treatments may be geared toward specific health problems. In the United States, it’s considered a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

What is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy is a distinct primary healthcare system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. It is based on the healing power of nature and it supports and stimulates the body’s ability to heal itself. Naturopathy is the art and science of disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention using natural therapies including dietetics, botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, fasting, naturopathic manipulation, traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture, exercise, lifestyle counseling, detoxification and chelation, environmental assessment and adjustment, spiritual healing, health promotion, and disease prevention.

What is Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is thousands of years old and has changed little over the centuries. Its basic concept is that a vital force of life, called Qi, surges through the body.  Any imbalance in Qi can cause disease and illness. This imbalance is most commonly thought to be caused by an alteration in the opposite and complementary forces that make up the Qi. These are called yin and yang. Ancient Chinese believed that humans are microcosms of the larger surrounding universe, and are interconnected with nature and subject to its forces. The balance between health and disease is a key concept. TCM treatment seeks to restore this balance through treatment specific to the individual. It is believed that to regain balance, you must achieve the balance between the internal body organs and the external elements of earth, fire, water, wood, and metal.

What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a form of alternative medicine concerned with diagnosing, treating, and preventing mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially of the spine. It has esoteric origins and is based on several pseudoscientific ideas. The primary chiropractic treatment technique involves manual therapy, especially manipulation of the spine, other joints, and soft tissues, but may also include exercises and health and lifestyle counseling.

What is Massage Therapy?

Performed by a licensed massage therapist, massage therapy involves using different pressures, movements, and techniques to manipulate muscles and other soft tissues in the body. With the goal of slowing down your nervous system, massage therapy can be used to release stress and tension, provide relief from symptoms, heal injuries, and support wellness.

What is Tai Chi?

A tai chi practice involves slow-motion flow — and with that comes a cadre of health benefits, too, including better balance, mobility, and coordination. Tai chi (also called tai chi chuan or tai ji quan) is a mind-body exercise that combines movements, meditation, and deep breathing, according to the American Tai Chi and Qigong Association (ATCQA).

The word “tai” means “supreme,” “chi” means “boundary,” and “chuan” means “fist” or “movement,” according to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, which runs a wheelchair and adaptive tai chi program. Put those definitions together, and tai chi chuan translates to a method of movement that cultivates inner peace, power, and awareness, and fosters overall wellness.

Though there are several different forms of tai chi, its movements include a series of postures that you flow through during a tai chi class with the guidance of an instructor.

What is Complementary Medicine?

Complementary medicine is a term used to describe the types of treatments you may receive along with traditional Western medicine. Examples of complementary medicine include massage, meditation, biofeedback, tai chi, reiki, music therapy, guided imagery, and dietary supplements.

What are Alternative Therapies?

Alternative therapies refer to any medical treatments that are not traditional medicine techniques. Alternative therapies could either be used alongside conventional medicine or instead of it. The term is often used interchangeably with "complementary medicine." In medical spaces, the practice is referred to as Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). The National Institutes of Health (NIH) does make a distinction between complementary and alternative medicine. According to them, when it's used alongside traditional medicine, it's complementary, but if it's used in place of conventional medicine, then it's considered an alternative. However, most people are likely to use these therapies alongside traditional medicine. When a licensed healthcare provider uses both alternative therapies and conventional medicine, then it's called integrative medicine. A doctor or healthcare provider who uses integrative medicine uses all therapeutic methods to ensure their patients are healthy. 

Alternative Health Services Categories

There are different categories of alternative health services. 

- Complementary” treatments are used with standard medical practices;

- Integrative” practices blend approaches together;

- Alternative” treatments are in place of conventional medicine.

Different Alternative Health Services

Western medical practice has accepted some alternative care approaches. Here are the different alternative health services:

1. Acupuncture (acupressure) uses needles (pressure) along energy paths in the body to balance the flow of energy, typically for the treatment of pain.

2. Biofeedback teaches relaxation techniques to control body functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension, to improve conditions such as high blood pressure, headaches, and chronic pain.

3. Chiropractic manipulation focuses on muscles, bones, and nervous systems. Typical treatment is an adjustment to injured areas to loosen muscles, resolve pain, and regain mobility.

4. Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments to ease tension and reduce pain.

5. Naturopathy typically involves a variety of treatment services including nutrition, behavioral changes, herbal medicine, homeopathy, and acupuncture. Naturopathic doctors have training in both conventional and alternative medicines.

6. Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plant roots, leaves, seeds, or blossoms to promote healing.

7. Ayurveda/Ayurvedic medicine uses a variety of approaches, including herbs, massage, and special diets to balance the body, mind, and spirit for overall wellness.

8. Homeopathy uses the body’s ability to heal itself, using diluted substances that are based on “like cures like” principles. 

9. Reflexology applies pressure to specific areas on the feet, hands, or ears for overall health.

10. Yoga therapy uses yoga techniques such as posture and breathing exercises, deep relaxation, and meditation to help manage conditions and reduce symptoms.

Benefits of Alternative Health

Each type of complementary medicine may target a specific aspect of your health. In general, complementary approaches may provide one or more of these health benefits:

1. Relieves pain.

2. Reduces anxiety and stress.

3. Reduces nausea.

4. Improves mood.

5. Increases relaxation.

6. Improves wound healing.

7. Encourages feelings of well-being, pleasure, positivity, and inner peace.

8. Relieves muscle tension.

9. Decreases tiredness.

10. Improves flexibility and circulation.

Different Alternative Health Practitioners

Alternative medicine is a broad field that covers a wide range of career options. Some popular choices include Chinese medicine practitioners, massage therapists, personal trainers, nutritionists, chiropractors, and aromatherapists. Learn more about some of these career options here.

Chinese Medicine Practitioner

Chinese alternative medicine includes acupuncture, oriental medicine, and herbology. As one of the healing arts, it deals with understanding and treating the body as a whole by identifying the body's energy points, which are known as meridians. The techniques seek to balance the body's Yin and Yang. Acupuncture involves the application of fine needles to the body's meridians to cure certain ailments, while herbology uses natural plant remedies as an alternative to prescription drugs.

Massage Therapist

A career in massage therapy could be another option. It incorporates different features of alternative medicine with modern science. Traditional massage therapists manipulate the muscles to ease pains. However, massage therapists who are interested in alternative medicine often include elements of Reiki, herbology, aromatherapy, reflexology, ayurveda, and other common forms of the healing practice.

Personal Trainer

Although personal training does not necessarily include elements of alternative medicine, some clients look for personal trainers who include both traditional and non-traditional techniques in their wellness regimens. Personal trainers may integrate life coaching, nutrition, and other holistic healing techniques into a routine of personal wellness.

Chiropractor

Chiropractic therapy, one of the most mainstream forms of alternative medicine, involves adjusting the spine to cure back pains. A chiropractor typically works with people who have suffered sports injuries, whiplash, and related ailments.

Aromatherapist

Aromatherapy uses fragrances of various essential oils and plant extracts to cure a variety of conditions and relax the body. This practice involves a mixture of different elements of herbology and therapeutic massage.

Other Career Options

Holistic healthcare treats the whole person, not just the symptoms. It takes into account one's spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health. Other career options might exist within the following branches of the healing and medicinal arts:

1. Ayurveda

2. Homeopathy

3. Naturopathic medicine

4. Energy healing

5. Kinesiology

6. Botanical medicine

7. Nutrition

How to Choose an Alternative Health Practitioner

If you are considering getting care from a complementary and alternative health practitioner, ask questions to get information to make informed decisions.

1. What education and training do you have?

 2. Are you licensed to perform any health care services? If so, what is the license and where is it from?

 3. Do you have any other credentials related to your practice?

 4. What are your fees?

 5. Will my insurance cover your fees?

 6. Do you have a supervisor? If yes, how are you supervised?

 7. What plan of care do you recommend for me?

8. What types of therapy will you use? How many sessions will I have?

 9. What outcome can I expect?

Sources:

Te Ara

Johns Hopkins Medicine

NHS

WebMD

GCRN

Wikipedia

Cleveland Clinic

Everyday Health

NH HealthCoast

Very Well Mind

Consumer Guide

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The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.