The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) typically classifies these approaches into five major domains:
: Techniques designed to enhance the mind's capacity to affect bodily functions, including meditation, yoga, and biofeedback . ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE INFORMATION
: Focus on the structures and systems of the body, primarily the bones, joints, and soft tissues (e.g., chiropractic manipulation and massage therapy ). The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
Many people turn to alternative therapies to manage chronic pain, reduce stress, or improve overall quality of life when conventional methods are insufficient. However, choosing these treatments requires careful evaluation: Alternative Medicine - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - NIH such as Ayurveda
: Practices based on the concept of energy fields, such as Reiki and therapeutic touch. Benefits and Safety Considerations
: Complete systems of theory and practice that evolved independently of Western medicine, such as Ayurveda , Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and homeopathy.