Definition of Alternative Medicine

The holistic care provided by alternative medicine has been incubating within the medical industry for decades. Although the concepts surrounding it still serve as an enigma to some, alternative medicine has etched its mark as a significant field with substantial potential in healthcare delivery.

Alternative medicine generally refers to health theories, remedies, or practices not embedded within traditional medical knowledge or systematic categories. It envelops a variety of healthcare approaches, therapies, and products, ranging from biologically plausible practices to those with no foundational basis in science (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2021). It is essential to comprehend that while many alternative medicine modalities are derived from nature, being natural does not inherently signify safety or effectiveness.

Alternative medicine falls under the wider umbrella of complementary and integrative health (CIH). However, the classifications within this scope carry nuanced differences. Complementary medicine refers to alternative therapies used alongside conventional medicine, whereas integrative medicine intertwines both conventional and alternative approaches in a coordinated manner. Despite the semantic diversity, the goal remains consistent – promoting health and wellness beyond the scope of standard medical practices.