Alternative Therapies

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) groups alternative therapies into broad areas including mind-body medicine, natural products, manipulative therapies, energy therapies, and whole medical systems.

Mind-body medicine focuses on the relationship between the mind, the physical body, and behavior. Hypnosis, meditation, biofeedback, spiritual healing, and prayer are examples of mind-body practices.

Natural products include herbs, botanicals, and food used for therapeutic purposes.

Manipulative therapies encompasses active modalities (yoga, Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais, Trager Therapy, and Pilates) as well as passive body-based approaches (chiropractic and massage).  

Whole medical systems encompass folk medicine, healing paradigms, and wisdoms that are grounded in cultural and scientific theories and practices. Traditional Chinese Medicine, Thai Medicine, Native American Healing, and ayurveda are examples of indigenous medicine. Homeopathy and naturopathy are other whole-systems approaches used in the United States.