There are literally hundreds of types of complementary and alternative therapies with new therapies or variations emerging continuously. This makes it a little overwhelming when you are first starting out!

Luckily, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), which is part of the National Institutes of Health, has grouped most of these therapies into 5 categories. Understanding the categories can help you identify the key characteristics of a particular therapy.

• Alternative Medical Systems are complete systems that developed outside of the Western biomedical approach. Examples are Traditional Chinese Medicine and Homeopathy.

• Mind-Body Interventions include behavioral, psychological, social, and spiritual approaches. Examples are cancer support groups and relaxation classes.

• Biologically-Based Therapies use plant or other biological materials. Examples include herbal medicines and aromatherapy.

• Manipulative and Body-Based Methods use manipulation, touch, or movement of the physical body.

• Energy Therapies involve some form of energy to heal, including electromagnetic, ultrasonic, thermal, or subtle energy. Examples include healing touch and Reiki.

Expert contributor: Mary Jo Kreitzer, Ph.D., R.N. [0]
Created: March 2006

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