In Western culture, the term alternative medicine refers to any healing practice "that does not fall within the realm of conventional medicine". In practice, alternative medicine encompasses therapies with a historical or cultural, rather than a scientific, basis. Commonly cited examples include naturopathy, chiropractic, herbalism, traditional Chinese medicine, Unani, Ayurveda, meditation, yoga, biofeedback, hypnosis, homeopathy, acupuncture, and diet-based therapies, in addition to a range of other practices. It is frequently grouped with complementary medicine, which generally refers to the same interventions when used in conjunction with mainstream techniques, under the umbrella term complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM. Some significant researchers in alternative medicine oppose this grouping, preferring to emphasize differences of approach, but nevertheless use the term CAM, which has become standard.

Alternative medicine practices are as diverse in their foundations as in their methodologies. Practices may incorporate or base themselves on traditional medicine, folk knowledge, spiritual beliefs, or newly conceived approaches to healing. Jurisdictions where alternative medical practices are sufficiently widespread may license and regulate them. The claims made by alternative medicine practitioners are generally not accepted by the medical community because evidence-based assessment of safety and efficacy is either not available or has not been performed for many of these practices. If scientific investigation establishes the safety and effectiveness of an alternative medical practice, it may be adopted by conventional practitioners. Because alternative techniques tend to lack evidence, some have advocated defining it as non-evidence based medicine, or not medicine at all. Some researchers state that the evidence-based approach to defining CAM is problematic because some CAM is tested, and research suggests that many mainstream medical techniques lack solid evidence.

A 1998 systematic review of studies assessing its prevalence in 13 countries concluded that about 31% of cancer patients use some form of complementary and alternative medicine. Alternative medicine varies from country to country. Dr. Edzard Ernst believes that in Austria and Germany CAM is mainly in the hands of physicians, while some estimates suggest that at least half of American alternative practitioners are physicians. In Germany, herbs are tightly regulated, with half prescribed by doctors and covered by health insurance based on their Commission E legislation.

From Wikipedia under the GNU Free Documentation License
Thu Sep 3 20:43:43 2009

How can I found an alternative medicine doctor in Modesto, California?
Q. My grandma would like to work with a doctor that believes in alternative medicine - particularly nutrition. She has several health issues.
Asked by shyneenose - Mon Jun 2 08:56:31 2008 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Go to Dr. Siegried - he is a close personal friend of mine and a great alternative Doctor. Best.
Answered by bassdoc - Mon Jun 2 09:08:37 2008

How do I get into a career in alternative medicine?
Q. I would like to pursue a career in alternative medicine, something like acupuncture, aromatherapy or massage therapy, but I don't know where to start. What kind of degree or major would I need?
Asked by Chloe - Fri Feb 13 16:25:10 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. there are numerous schools that have such training, most however want you to have some college first. Most have an M.S. degree or offer what is known as a "first professional certificate", which one earns after a Bachelors degree. Most also offer an Associates degree, and for some specializations, a 'diploma'. In many cases, after graduation, you sit for some kind of 'licensing board exam' (ask every school about the pass rate of their grads - if they balk at giving that info, walk away) Very few schools in this sector are residential, so look for one local to you. CAVEAT: every state has different rules about licensing, and it is up to YOU to research that (the schools should be able to assist you though)
Answered by derdaktari - Fri Feb 13 16:41:16 2009

Does anyone know of a Homeopathic cure or alternative medicine for schizophrenia?
Q. I am drugged up on so much medicine that I can't live my life. Does anyone know of an alternative medication that I could take?
Asked by Persita26 - Tue Nov 18 16:35:02 2008 - - 9 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Schizophrenia or a Split Personality as it is commonly known is not very easy to treat. Homeopathy does offer solutions but it needs treatment and follow-up over a long period. Homeopathic science is an uprising in the treatment of all types of psychological illnesses including Schizophrenia. Homeopathy treats the person as a whole, which means that it focuses on the patient s body, mind, emotions and the pathological condition. Homeopathic treatment is the most curative, non-toxic, gentle and modern treatment. In view of the fact that it works with the person s own vital force towards equilibrium and healing, it will influence the brain chemistry and assist the patient in resuming psychological strength and symmetry. In conclusion, the… [cont.]
Answered by Extreme Dude - Wed Nov 19 04:27:54 2008

From Yahoo Answer Search: "Alternative Medicine"
Mon Sep 14 05:24:08 2009

See also:

  • Natural Animal HealthNatural Animal Health
    natural-animal-health.co.uk
    Chiropractic, homoeopathy, massage, herbs, acupuncture and other natural/alternative therapies for animals, how they work and who can do them. Practitioner search and animal health forum.
  • Connections Reiki: Animal Healing and WellnessConnections Reiki: Animal Healing and Wellness
    connectionsreiki.com
    Offers Reiki and other natural and holistic healing techniques for pets.
  • Complementary and Alternative Veterinary MedicineComplementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine
    workingdogs.com
    Working Dogs book review of veterinary reference/text book of the above title, by complementary/alternative veterinarians Allen Schoen and Susan Wynn.
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Wed Aug 19 19:45:24 2009
Why not alternative medicine? - Fredericksburg.com
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Why not alternative medicine ?

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Medical insurance companies routinely deny coverage for successful methods of treatment that have been recognized by the alternative medical community for ...



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Part of the difficulty in understanding why people seek alternative medicine lies in defining this term, said Dr. Lio. Broadly speaking, it encompasses ...
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The News-Gazette.com: Parkland expanding education on alternative ...
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The News-Gazette.com: Parkland expanding education on alternative ...

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Sun, 13 Sep 2009 13:26:06 GM

Want to learn more about holistic . medicine. and complementary and . alternative. health practices in the local area? Parkland College will offer a brown bag wellness lecture series on the second Tuesday of the month from noon to 1 p.m., ...

Compounds that Fight Alzheimer's Disease
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Compounds that Fight Alzheimer's Disease

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Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:14:45 GM

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of . Medicine. and Purdue University have uncovered that the polyphenols have an effect on the brain. But how do people maximize the potential that the polyphenols present in red wine have? ...

Americans Spend $34 Billion on Alternative Medicine
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Americans Spend $34 Billion on Alternative Medicine

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hu, 30 Jul 2009 22:54:27 GM

Americans spent $34 billion on complementary and . alternative. medicines in a single year, a newly released report shows.

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Thu Sep 24 15:35:21 2009