Exploring Alternative Therapy for Holistic Health

Alternative therapy includes non-conventional, holistic approaches to healing and wellness, often used as complementary to traditional medicine.
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Holistic Healing | Complementary Medicine | Holistic Health
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Alternative Therapy FAQ


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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."

What are complementary and alternative therapies?

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health classifies complementary and alternative therapies into: Nutritional approach: This includes any diets, dietary supplements, probiotics and herbs used in alternative and complementary therapies.

Can alternative therapies be used instead of conventional medicine?

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).

Are alternative therapies safe?

Some alternative therapies like meditation, yoga, and acupuncture have been used for years and are considered safe and beneficial. Even though your doctor is more likely to suggest conventional medicine for you, it doesn’t hurt to get their opinion on an alternative therapy you want to try, before you do so.

What is a complementary & alternative therapy?

'Alternative' describes approaches that replace the treatments offered by your doctor. One person might use a certain therapy as complementary alongside things like medication, while another person might use the same therapy as an alternative to medication. There are some misconceptions about complementary and alternative therapies.

Are complementary and alternative therapies safe?

Most complementary and alternative therapies are considered safe when provided by a trained and experienced practitioner. However, there may be times when a certain therapy may carry higher risks for you, and would not be recommended. For example, if: you are receiving any other treatments that could interfere with the therapy

What are complementary and alternative therapies for mental health problems?

Complementary and alternative therapies can be used as a treatment for both physical and mental health problems. Different therapies are used for different mental health problems. In general, there is more research on these therapies for sleep problems, depression and anxiety.

Alternative Therapy References

If you want to know more about Alternative Therapy, consider exploring links below:

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