subject: The 5 Classifications Of Alternative Medicine [print this page] Alternative medicine is defined by the scientific community as any system dedicated to improving health that doesnt follow or subscribe to the tenets of traditional western medicine. In more recent times, practitioners of this branch of medicine prefer to be categorized under the label complimentary rather than alternative. The National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has codified a formal classification system for their field that has grown to be the most widely used and adopted methodology in the world.
Biologically Based Practices
Adherents to this philosophy base most of their beliefs on the supposed curative powers of various herbs, nuts, vitamins and other naturally occurring products. They take a plethora of dietary supplements which aims to improve, heal or otherwise modify specific injuries, conditions or ailments. What sets them apart from the traditional prescription based medication of conventional doctors is the supplements lack of laboratory tested results and published research. Oftentimes, the use of the substance is solely mitigated by anecdotal evidence.
Energy Medicine
Energy medicine practitioners believe that the body produces various individual fields of energy, the existence of which is divided between those supported by science and the others which are entirely based on uncertain claims. Through analysis of these fields, aberrations are used to diagnose the specific condition. Certain strategies would then be implemented in an effort to return your fields status to normalcy, which should, in turn correct the physical ailment its causing.
Whole Medical Systems
There are numerous alternative healing methodologies that developed separately but concurrently with western medicine. They have differing philosophies from the mainstream institutions and instead include two or more facets of the NCCAMs classification system. Two examples of complimentary whole medical systems are traditional Chinese medicine and Indian ayurveda.
Mind-Body Medicine
Mind-body systems take a more holistic approach to alternative healing. In this field, it is believed that the mind has direct and traceable connection to the bodys functions. For these practitioners, where the mind goes, the body follows. Through positive reinforcement, meditation, trances and other mental techniques, they seek to get an individual to think themselves healthy.
Manipulative Body-Based Practices
Methods that manipulate body parts for medical purposes that are not actively supported by western medicine are all classified as manipulative body-based alternative healing. Common examples are chiropractic treatments, Chinese acupuncture and various esoteric massages.
