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Alternative Medicine

    Is Alternative Medicine for You?

    Alternative medicines, also known as complementary and alternative therapies, or CAM, include natural and herbal remedies, mind-body therapies (such as tai chi, meditation, yoga, hypnotherapy, acupuncture and progressive relaxation), massage therapy, and other types of bodywork.

    How It Can Help

    Acupuncture for Pain, Sleep Problems, and More

    Discover the health benefits of this ancient form of medicine.

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    Healthy Herbs and Spices

    From cinnamon to garlic, spices can taste amazing and fight disease. Alternative medicine pioneer Andrew Weil, MD, shows Dr. Oz how some spices fight inflammation.

    Watch the video

    Can a Massage Lower Blood Pressure?

    Find out why experts think massage is part of a healthy life.

    Get the facts

    More Healing Therapies

    Get Healthy-Living Support!

    Get information and answers on the health topics that matter most to you. 

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    Find Online Inspiration

    Can alternative therapies reduce stress and anxiety?

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    Natural remedies for sleep     		38%
    The percentage of U.S. adults who use alternative therapies
    National Institutes of Health/NCCAM
    View all 36 alternative medicine experts

    Alternative Medicine Q&As

    Dr. Robin Miller
    Dr. Robin Miller
    Integrative Medicine
    		 Q

    Can alternative medicine help me reduce stress?
    A

    There are several alternative treatments that can help in dealing with stress. Yoga, meditation, exercise, acupuncture, massage and tai chi can all help. One of my favorite recommendations to patients who are stressed is theanine, an amino acid that can be found in a spray . . .


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    Q How can alternative medicine help me reduce stress? Q What are the benefits of integrative medicine?
    Q Can herbs help me get over the flu? Q Can cumin prevent Alzheimer's disease?
    Q What should I know before I try Qi gong? Q What are some food-based home remedies that work?
    Q What is a home remedy for headaches? Q Do home remedies work?
    Q Is acupuncture effective? Q What is homeopathy?
    See all alternative medicine Q&As

    Action Plans

    Use alternative therapies to ease a range of health conditions, including pain, stress, and sleep problems. 


    The Keys to a Healthier Lifestyle
    Beat Stress with Music and Massage
    6 Self-Help Remedies for Insomnia
    Is Your Alternative Medicine Safe?
    7-Step Chronic Pain Relief Plan

    Connect with an Expert

    Andrew Weil, MD
    Andrew Weil, MD
    Complementary and Alternative Medicine
    Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine
    Mark Moyad, MD, MPH
    Mark Moyad, MD, MPH
    Urology, Complementary and Alternative Medicine
    University of Michigan Medical Center

    Find alternative medicine practitioners in your area. 

     

    What's Your RealAge?

    Find out how alternative medicine can impact your RealAge and receive a custom action plan to grow younger.


    Take the RealAge Test

    Take the RealAge Test
    What Pain Relief Is Best for You?
    A Stress-Zapping Mineral

    Alternative Medicine Videos

    See more alternative medicine videos

    Must-Know Facts

    Must-Know Facts

    Rules for Buying Herbal Supplements

    Many substances labeled as "natural" can also be strong medicines. See expert advice on what you should consider before you buy.


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    Smart Tips

    Smart Tips

    Ways to Boost Your Immunity -- Naturally

    There's no shortage of natural ways to help your immune system work better, say our experts. Read on to see their top picks.


    Try this

    Blog

    Back Pain Facts and Statistics
    By American Chiropractic Association

    Although doctors of chiropractic care for more than just back pain, many patients visit chiropractors looking for relief from this pervasive condition. In fact, 31 million Americans experience low-back pain at any given time. A few interesting facts about back pain: One half of all working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year. . .


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    Related Topics

    • Acupuncture • Chiropractic Treatment
    • Homeopathy • Home Remedies
    • Integrative Medicine • Naturopathy
    • Massage Therapy • Musculoskeletal Manipulations
    • Yoga • Traditional Medicine

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