'Alternative medicine' is a perspective, looking from the viewpoint of what is

considered traditional western medical practice.

For many cultures, there is nothing alternative about them at all, and many of

the so-called 'alternative' disciplines form the basis of their therapies. Many of

them also have time on their side – they have been supporting health for

thousands of years longer than 'traditional' medicine has existed.

It is not too longer ago that anything outside the twin pillars of pharmacy and

surgery was dismissed as alternative. Now, many doctors acknowledge the

healing powers of some of these alternatives, such as massage, chiropractic

and others.

There are still plenty who rigidly reject anything that qualifies as alternative

medicine, but ongoing studies often prove the benefits of many of them. Plus,

there is a huge weight of anecdotal evidence from those who have been cured,

or had their symptoms better managed by these therapies when western

medicine failed them.

An added, huge, benefit is that almost always, the alternative option will be less

invasive and result in fewer undesired side effects.