Alternative Medicine:
A broad category of treatment systems (e.g., chiropractic, herbal medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, naturopathy, and spiritual devotions) or culturally based healing traditions such as Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Christian Science. Alternative medicines share the common characteristic of non acceptance by the biomedical (i.e., mainstream Western) establishment. Alternative medicine is also referred to as "complementary medicine." The designation "alternative medicine" is not equivalent to holistic medicine, a narrower term. For more information, contact the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Clearinghouse (NCCAM). Internet address
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