Types of Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicines, by Western standards, encompass medical practices deemed non-traditional or conventional. Some doctors argue that some alternative medicines eschew scientific investigation and empirical evidence in favor of superstition. Regardless, alternative medicines can complement mainstream medicinal practices, and some types of alternative medicine include chiropractic, meditation, and aromatherapy.

Chiropractic is a type of alternative medicine that focuses on the spine and the musculoskeletal system as the keys to good health. By manually manipulating the spine and joints, some aggravated injuries can be fixed. It is most effective for conditions like back pain, but can be used for other types of pain as well. Scientific research is inconclusive when regarding this form of alternative medicine, and some criticize it for only temporarily relieving symptoms of more complex physiological injuries.

Meditation is another type of alternative medicine that is also frequently related to religions, particularly Eastern religions. Common forms of meditation can be broken down into two disparate forms. The first is mindfulness meditation, in which the meditator attempts to focus on the here and now in silent contemplation. The focus in mindfulness meditation is open, such that all things can be considered. Concentration meditation is the other type of common meditation, in which the meditator focuses singly on an object and removing all other things from his or her mind.

Aromatherapy, a type of alternative medicine that employs essential oils to improve health or mood, can be very calming and pleasing. Essential oils can be used in massages, candles, and aroma wraps (such as a lavender neck wrap). The scent of the oils supposedly influences the brain through the olfactory system. The country where aromatherapy is most popular is France, where it is combined with more conventional medicine.

Other types of alternative medicine include traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and biofeedback.