A variety of treatments, outside the scope of conventional medical practice, and used instead of standard treatments. Such as, nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, massage, acupuncture, energy work, etc.

In Western countries, alternative therapy refers to any type of medicine that supplements or is used in lieu of biomedicine (i.e., conventional medicine) or allopathic medicine. In other parts of the world, where traditional medicine predominates, the term may refer to biomedicine itself.

Approaches to medical diagnosis and therapy, that have not been developed by use of generally accepted methods of validating their effectiveness. Many such treatments (including acupuncture, yoga, holistic medicine, macrobiotics and homeopathy) have not been investigated and/or approved by any government or regulatory agency. Alternative therapies are often intended to be used in conjunction with professional medical care.

The use of an unproven therapy, instead of standard (proven) therapy. Some alternative therapies have dangerous or even life-threatening side effects. With others, the main danger is the loss of opportunity to benefit from standard therapy.

These treatments are not taught widely in medical schools, not generally used in hospitals and not usually reimbursed by medical insurance companies. The American Cancer Society recommends that patients considering the use of any alternative or complementary therapy discuss this with their health care team.

Some of the major branches of alternative medicine include:

Western Herbal Medicine: This approach utilizes herbs developed in Europe and North and South America. Considerable scientific evidence exists involving the potential benefits of many of these herbs for various conditions.

Chinese Herbal Medicine: This form of herbal medicine is integrated into the larger system of traditional Chinese medicine, and uses combination herbal therapies with the intention of “bringing the body into balance,” rather than to merely treat diseases. There has been relatively little scientific investigation of this approach

Nutritional Therapy (Vitamins and Other Supplements): A great many nutrients and other substances found in food are sold as dietary supplements. Many of these have undergone significant scientific evaluation, and may be beneficial for specific conditions.

Acupuncture: This ancient method involves inserting hair-like needles into the body, in positions chosen according to the complex principles of traditional Chinese medicine. Like Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture aims to “balance the body.” There is some evidence, however, that acupuncture is effective for specific diagnoses.

Acupressure: (a portmanteau of "acupuncture" and "pressure") is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique based on the same ideas as acupuncture. Acupressure involves placing physical pressure by hand, elbow, or with the aid of various devices on different acupuncture points on the surface of the body. Traditional Chinese Medicine does not usually operate within a scientific paradigm but some practioners make efforts to bring practices into an evidence-based medicine framework. There is no scientific consensus over whether or not evidence supports the efficacy of acupressure beyond a placebo. Reviews of existing clinical trials have been conducted by the Cochrane Collaboration and Bandolier according to the protocols of evidence-based medicine; for most conditions they have concluded a lack of effectiveness or lack of well-conducted clinical trials.

Chiropractic: Practiced by chiropractic physicians, chiropractic therapy focuses on “adjustments” of the spine, along with other techniques, with the intention of relieving pain and promoting health. There is relatively little scientific evidence as yet to support the effectiveness of chiropractic interventions.

Osteopathy: Osteopathic physicians use methods like those of chiropractors, along with other, generally gentler, techniques. Osteopathy aims at producing deep healing in the body, but there is little evidence as yet that it is effective for this purpose.

Naturopathy: Naturopathy, practiced by Naturopathic Physicians (NDs) as well as other alternative therapists, involves the use of herbs, supplements, diet, and lifestyle changes to promote health.

Homeopathy: Natural form of medicine that uses immeasurably small doses of medicines to stimulate the body's own defense and healing process. Homeopathy focuses on bringing the entire body back into homeostasis, or balance.

Massage: Massage involves hands-on work with the muscles of the body to reduce pain and tension. Relaxation Therapy and Guided Visualizations: These so-called “mind-body” therapies attempt to improve physical health by working with the mind. At the current state of inadequate knowledge, the choice of alternative therapy must be made more by preference and intuitive appeal rather than by rational decision.