What are the Different Types of Alternative Medicine?

The term “alternative medicine” is heard often when referring to healing practices.  But what is exactly is alternative medicine?  The term does not refer to one specific type of healing method or even to one genre of medicine.  In fact, by definition, alternative medicine is any sort of medicine or healing process that does not fall into the parameters of what is considered traditional medicine.  Alternative medicine can be used to refer to a number of different methods, and below, you will find a few of the most common types.

Chiropractic Therapy – Widely accepted across most of the United States, chiropractic care almost could be considered traditional treatment. However, the practice of chiropractics does fall into the realm of alternative medicine.  Chiropractors work to diagnose and work to repair problems and disorders of the skeletal and musculoskeletal system, specifically, the back and spine area. Chiropractic care usually involves physically manipulation or adjustment to the problem area, either through manual adjustment of use of therapy machines.

Traditional Chinese Medicine – Most of the western world considers this type of treatment to be alternative medicine.  Traditional Chinese Medicine (or TCM) involves the practices of acupuncture, herbal remedies, Shiatsu massage, and reverse pressure massage.  These therapies depend heavily on the Eastern understanding of the body and the belief in pressure points that affect the rest of the body and its systems.

Homeopathy – Although widely debated as to whether homeopathic remedies actually do any good, this alternative form of medicine is very popular among people who prefer not to partake in regular medicines.  Homeopathic remedies are treatments created with animal and plant matter, mixed specifically for various symptoms and then diluted.  Homeopathic remedies are mostly a historic method of healthcare, but in the late 20th century, these treatments to began to see a comeback.

Hypnosis – Probably one of the greatest debates in modern medicine is the actual helpfulness of hypnosis or hypnotherapy.  This method of coaxing a patient into a state of unconsciousness is used to help victims of psychological disorders by unlocking the mind and trying to find the root of the issue.

There are many other forms of healing that fall under the alternative medicine umbrella, like herbalism, Unani, meditation, Yoga, and more. No matter what the practice, many alternative medicines are either not recognized or criticized by the modern medical community.  However, many who utilize such methods would swear by the healing effects they have seen in their own lives.