An alternative approach to mental health care is one that emphasizes the interrelationship between mind, body, and spirit. Although some alternative approaches have a long history, many remain controversial.
A treatment used instead of a conventional treatment.
Any (glandular) non-traditional cancer treatment used instead of, or in addition to western medical treatment.
A group of therapies (such as acupuncture, chiropractic, physical therapy, herb logy, naturopathy) that help maintain the horse's health and performance but without using medication
Use of an unproven treatment instead of standard (proven) treatment. Some alternative therapies have dangerous or even life- threatening side effects. With others, the main danger is that the patient may lose the opportunity to benefit from standard therapy.
The treatment of disease by means other than conventional medical, pharmacological, and surgical techniques.
a variety of treatments, outside the scope of conventional medical practice, and used instead of standard treatments -- eg. nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, massage, acupuncture, energy work, etc.
Non-conventional treatment that may not be medically proven. Some alternative therapies may have dangerous or even life-threatening side effects. With others, the main danger is that you may lose the opportunity to benefit from conventional therapy. It is recommended that you discuss the use of alternative therapies with your health care team. See also complementary therapy .
therapy that is not considered standard practice in most Western countries, e.g., Traditional Chinese Medicine, homeopathy.
Complementary medicinal disciplines that typically use natural, rather than chemical, approaches.
use of an unproven therapy instead of standard (proven) therapy.
Any non-traditional cancer treatment used instead of a traditional medical cancer treatment.
Refers to treatments that are promoted as cancer cures often by nonmedical people. They are unproven because they have not been scientifically tested, or were tested and found to be ineffective. It can be harmful to the patient if used instead of standard treatment.
These many and varied (sometimes related) systems of medicines say that in most cases, modern drugs are as much part of the problem as the solution to human and animal health. They espouse different techniques such as healing herbs remedies or weight loss programs often but not necessarily with a spiritual dimension included, for the promotion of well being. Nearly all of these alternative therapies are copied or derived from traditional medicines and beliefs formed in ancient cultures around the world. Results in some cases can be astonishing in their effectiveness, and literally hundreds of millions of people strongly believe in at least some of them, though most are constantly under attack from established medical authorities in supposedly `developed' countries.
Therapies that are not accepted by "traditional" medicine. This would include acupuncture, herbal remedies, meditation, etc. Most physicians recognize at least some alternative therapies as being valid.
Treatment used in lieu of standard medical therapies.
an unproven therapy that is recommended instead of standard (proven) therapy. Some alternative therapies have dangerous or even life-threatening side effects. With others, the main danger is that the patient may lose the chance to benefit from standard therapy. The American Cancer Society recommends that patients thinking about the use of any alternative or complementary therapy discuss this with their health care team. See also, complementary therapy.