What Is Alternative Medicine?
Alternative medicine, also known as complementary or integrative medicine, encompasses a wide range of therapeutic practices and treatment approaches that exist outside the conventional realm of Western medicine. It involves diverse philosophies, techniques, and therapies aimed at preventing, diagnosing, and treating various health conditions. These methods often differ from those commonly taught in medical schools and utilized in conventional healthcare settings. The fundamental principle of alternative medicine revolves around treating the individual as a whole – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually – rather than just focusing on specific symptoms or diseases. Practitioners of alternative medicine emphasize the body's innate ability to heal itself and often use non-invasive, natural, or holistic approaches to restore and maintain health. Several modalities fall under the umbrella of alternative medicine, including: Herbal Medicine: This involves using plants ...
