or complementary medicine
Any of a broad range of healing approaches not used in conventional Western medicine.
Many are holistic (see holistic medicine ); many also emphasize prevention and education. Alternative therapies include acupuncture , aromatherapy , Ayurveda medicine, Chinese medicine , chiropractic , herbal medicine, homeopathy , massage , meditation , naturopathy, therapeutic touch, and Yoga . Though considered alternative in the West, such medicine is the main source of health care for up to 80% of people in less-developed countries. Some alternative-medicine practices are useless or harmful; others are effective and may offer treatments in areas where conventional approaches have not succeeded (e.g., chronic disorders).