Alternative medicine is the term used for medical practices and therapies that are not part of standard care. Alternative medicine refers to a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not considered to be a part of conventional medicine. Alternative medicine is an approach used to replace conventional medicinal system and therapy. It includes applying organic substances, pursuing a special diet plan, or unique combination of methods that are not advised by a physician. These practices used for medical intervention, health promotion, or disease prevention.

Usually the terms Complementary and Alternative Systems of Medicine are used interchangeably. However a difference lies between the two. Alternative Medicines are practices applied in place of a traditional medical solution. On the other hand, complementary therapy is applied in combination with traditional treatments.

Alternative medicine exists in all cultures and terms such as traditional medicine, indigenous medicine or folk medicine etc. are used to describe such alternative medicine practices.

There are a variety of alternative medicines still in practice all over the world. Every country or region has its own traditional system of health care. For the Chinese it is acupuncture, for the French, it is magnetic healing; for the Germans, it is Heilpraxis; for the English, it is Herbalism; for India, it is Ayurveda and for Japan it is Shiatsu.

The most popular forms of alternative medicine are Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Yoga, Acupuncture, Acupressure, Magneto therapy, Shiatsu, Herbalism, Meditation, Aromatherapy, Chromo therapy, Diet therapy, Hydropathy and Reiki.

Features of Alternative Medicine

1. Alternative therapies are based on the body’s innate ability to heal it.

2. Alternative medicines rely on natural methods rather than on prescription drugs, surgery, and other conventional medical procedures.

3. Alternative medicine looks at the underlying cause of the problem and cures a person’s mind, body, emotions, spirit without just curing the symptoms.

4. The goal of alternative medicine is to maintain optimum health. It focuses on preventing diseases.