Alternative medicine and complementary alternative medicine are different kinds of medical and health practices and systems that aren't a part of conventional medicine. Alternative medicine has a bigger view of overall health than the typical healthcare system. It uses treatments that are non-evasive to take care of problems that caused the symptoms. Practitioners believe your body does the healing work through diet, exercise and your environment. Many people turn to alternative medicine if their health doesn't improve from regular medicine. People also use alternative medicine to prevent illness if they're healthy.

There are many different types of alternative medicine such as chiropractic, reflexology, kinesiology, homeopathy, osteopathy, massage, sound therapy and acupuncture and more. Biologically based therapies use herbs, foods and vitamins to heal the body. Methods such as acupressure, chiropractor, massage therapy, reflexology, osteopathy and reflexology use manipulation or movement of body parts for healing. Aromatherapy is another alternative medicine treatment and uses essential oils from plants. It's a very old therapy and is used to treat stress, anxiety, depression, pain and more. Many alternative medicine treatments have been proven to work.

Complementary alternative medicine is used with conventional medicine and doesn't replace it. The same kind of remedies as alternative medicine is used. Alternative treatments may use nutritional approaches. Eating a better diet can improve mental and physical health. Nutritional deficiencies often are the cause of certain illnesses so an alternative practitioner may check to see if you're lacking any important vitamins. Another type of complementary alternative medicine is art therapy. This type of therapy uses art and artistic expression to help with the healing process. It is based on the belief that the process in creating art is healing and enhances your physical, mental and emotional well being. Art, dance, music and drama are some of the creative therapies used. Art therapy can be used for children, teens, adults, older adults and families.

Homeopathic medicine is one of the complementary alternative medical systems. Specific symptoms are treated and anything that may make the symptoms worse. This could be sounds, smells, moods or temperature. Patients are given homeopathic remedies from substances diluted in either water or alcohol. This type of medicine isn't used for serious illnesses. Naturopathy focuses on the body's capacity to heal itself. It uses a holistic approach and natural remedies. Naturopathic doctors teach their patients to change their diet, exercise and lifestyle changes to prevent disease. Their treatment plans combine modern medical science and traditional natural medicine. Ask your doctor before you begin any alternative treatments if you have a serious illness.