5 TYPES OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE THERAPY

Medically Reviewed and Updated by Dr. Sony Sherpa (MBBS) - September 05, 2024

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) are medical treatments that are considered unconventional compared to Western medicine. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, the percentage of Americans who reported using complementary health approaches rose from 19.2% in 2002 to 36.7% in 2022. CAM prioritizes not only the patient’s specific health issues but the entire body, mind, and well-being of the individual, including social factors.

People have their reasons for choosing alternative medicine over the conventional. Perhaps they are open to new things and want more options, or they no longer trust standard methodologies. Some could be following the footsteps of their ancestors and personal beliefs. Regardless of the reasons, CAM has its benefits, as well as the close attention of many in the scientific community who may question its basis. Therefore, individuals should thoroughly investigate any complementary or alternative healing methods they intend to incorporate.

Alternative Medicine Categories

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) has five main categories, each with unique approaches and methods:

1. Alternative Medical Systems

Alternative Medical Systems refer to comprehensive systems of theory and practice that have developed independently of conventional Western medicine. This category includes:

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

TCM, which originated in China many millennia ago, focuses on holistically balancing the body's vital energy (qi). Prominent treatments include acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage (tuina), and dietary therapy. TCM is used to treat a host of conditions, from chronic pain and digestive problems to mental health issues. While generally safe, TCM can have side effects and may interact with other medications. It is imperative to consult a qualified TCM practitioner and notify them of any existing medical conditions or medications. The regulatory status of TCM varies globally, with some countries incorporating certain components into mainstream healthcare systems.

Acupuncture

A well-entrenched traditional Chinese practice that involves inserting thin needles at specific sites on the body to balance energy flow. It is believed to stimulate the nervous system, release endorphins, and improve overall health. Acupuncturists believe there are over a thousand acupuncture locations/points on the body, each of which is part of a meridian. A meridian is an energy channel that is a part of the body’s qi. When there is a disturbance in the flow of energy, then health problems arise, and acupuncture is a treatment option to restore that flow. Conditions commonly treated include anxiety, migraines, and arthritis. Risks include potential infections at needle sites, and it should be avoided by those with bleeding disorders. Regulatory standards vary by region.

Ayurvedic Medicine (Ayurveda)

Originating from India, Ayurveda emphasizes balancing the body’s three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) to promote health and prevent disease. Ayurveda followers believe that everything in the Universe is connected and that every human is composed of space, water, fire, earth, and air. These elements form what is known as the three Doshas (life energies): Vata Dosha (space & air), Pitta dosha (fire & water), and Kapha dosha (water & earth). Ayurvedic treatment options include dietary changes, massage therapy, yoga practices, and modifications to daily habits. It is used for a range of conditions, from digestive issues to chronic illnesses. Risks include potential interactions with conventional medications. Regulatory oversight is limited, and practices can vary significantly.

Homeopathy

Developed in Germany, homeopathy operates on the tenets of "like cures like" and the "law of minimum dose”. Treatments involve highly diluted substances that aim to stimulate the body's natural healing responses. It is often used for conditions such as allergies and chronic fatigue. Risks include potential delays in receiving effective treatment and interactions with conventional medicines. Regulatory standards vary, and efficacy is a subject of debate.

Chiropractic

The chiropractic profession came into being in the United States in the 1890s. This approach emphasizes the connection between the spine and the nervous system. Chiropractic treatment includes spinal adjustments and manipulations to reduce pain and enhance overall function. It is often used for back pain, headaches, and joint issues. Risks include potential exacerbation of certain conditions and should be avoided by individuals with severe osteoporosis or spinal disorders. Regulatory practices are well-established in many countries.

Applied Kinesiology (AK)

Applied Kinesiology, or muscle testing, was invented in the United States in 1964 by George J. Goodheart, Jr., a chiropractor. AK diagnoses health issues based on muscle strength responses. For instance, a weak bicep would correlate to problems with the spleen. It is believed that every part of the body affects another in either a direct or indirect manner. AK aims to identify such imbalances in the body’s energy systems and often involves dietary changes and supplements. Conditions evaluated include digestive problems, allergies, and other structural, chemical, and mental health aspects. Risks involve the reliance on unverified diagnostic methods, and regulatory standards are limited.

Other Prominent Types of Alternative Medical Systems

• Naturopathy: A holistic approach that utilizes natural therapies to support the body’s inherent ability to heal itself, incorporating nutrition, herbal medicine, and lifestyle changes.
• Kampo Medicine: A traditional Japanese system of medicine based on Chinese herbal practices. It uses customized herbal remedies to treat a variety of conditions.

2. Mind-Body Techniques

These focus on the interactions between the mind and body to improve health and well-being, including practices like:

• Music Therapy: Using music to address physical, emotional, and cognitive needs.
• Meditation: Techniques to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state.
• Hypnotherapy: Utilizing hypnosis to address psychological and physical issues.
• Yoga: Integrating physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to promote overall health.
• Art Therapy: Using creative expression to address psychological and emotional needs.

3. Biologically Based Therapies

These therapies involve the use of natural substances to promote health:

• Diets: Specific eating plans to improve health or manage conditions.
• Dietary Supplements: Using vitamins, minerals, extracts, and other naturally occurring substances to support health.
• Herbals: Plant-based treatments for various conditions.
• Mega-vitamins: High doses of vitamins used to address health issues.

4. Energy Therapies

Energy therapies focus on manipulating the body’s energy fields:

• Qi Gong: A Chinese practice combining movement, meditation, and breathing to enhance energy flow.
• Reiki: A Japanese technique that uses hands-on healing to balance energy.
• Therapeutic Touch: An energy-based healing practice involving the hands to balance the body's energy.
• Prana: An Indian term for life energy, used in various practices to promote healing.

5. Manipulative and Body-Based Therapies

These involve physical manipulation of the body:

• Osteopathy: A holistic method that emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body's systems.

• Trager Approach: Gentle, rhythmic movements to enhance physical and mental relaxation.
• Massage Therapy: Applies focused manual pressure on the muscles and soft tissues to soothe tension and pain.

Differentiating Allopathy and Alternative Medicine

Allopathy refers to conventional Western medicine that uses drugs, surgery, and other modalities to treat symptoms and diseases. Alternative medicine comprises a range of therapies that differ from conventional practices, often emphasizing natural or holistic approaches. The primary difference lies in their methodologies, with allopathy focusing on symptom treatment and alternative medicine on holistic health and prevention.

Finding an Alternative Medicine Practitioner

Finding a suitable alternative medicine practitioner can be challenging. Here are some points to consider.

• Verifying credentials is a good idea for any healthcare provider. Check their education, training, licensing, certification, and other critical factors, which vary by country and discipline.
• Make sure that they are willing to coordinate care along with the regular healthcare service provider, as communication and cooperation will help administer holistic care and treatment.
• Since not every insurance company covers alternative medicine, you need to make sure to choose one that does. Furthermore, many coverage providers may cover your alternative medicine expenses but with specific terms and conditions.

To search for the best healthcare providers worldwide, please use the Mya Care search engine.

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