Components of Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine is not one type of medicine, but encompasses everything aside 
from regular medical intervention. This might include using herbs and essential oils, 
getting acupuncture, meditation and mindfulness, and so much more. Here are some of 
the different components of alternative medicine.


Alternative Medicine as Preventative Measures

The first area of alternative medicine is used as preventative medicine. It does not 
replace conventional western medicine, but instead helps you to reduce how often you 
need to see a doctor. It is a great way to take care of mild health issues and general 
health and wellness, to hopefully avoid how much you need medical treatment.

This type of alternative medicine might include eating a healthy diet, taking the right 
vitamins and supplements, using herbs or essential oils for things like chronic pain or 
inflammation in the body, exercising, and using herbal remedies.


Alternative Medicine for the Body

There is some alternative medicine that is better for your body, though keep in mind it 
has some mental benefits as well. Alternative medicine that is good for the body 
includes exercise, massage, and movement. For example, if you have chronic pain, 
maybe you will see a chiropractor to get an adjustment. Someone who has pain or 
stress-related physical issues might get a massage or seek help from an osteopathic 
physician. 

This also includes gentle forms of exercise like yoga, tai chi, and stretching exercises.


Alternative Medicine for the Mind

There is also alternative medicine meant more for your mind, including behavioral and 
mental health. This might include meditation, visualization, cognitive behavioral therapy, 
mindfulness, and journaling. Think of this as alternative medicine for your mental health 
and emotional health. What do you struggle with? It might be stress, anxiety, 
depression, lack of energy or brain fog, and many other issues.

While it is not meant to replace mental illness care from a licensed therapist or 
counselor, it can help to ease some of your symptoms in between therapy sessions or 
when you have high amounts of stress, unhealthy coping mechanisms, or just for 
general mental health improvements.

The important thing to remember here is that alternative medicine is not meant to 
replace physicians, specialists, surgeons, or therapists. It is used in conjunction with 
other methods of treating your mental and physical ailments. It can work together with 
conventional treatments to get you the best care possible, especially when you want to 
live a more holistic lifestyle.
