alternative medicine

American  

1. healthcare and treatment practices, including traditional Chinese medicine, chiropractic, folk medicine, and naturopathy, that minimize or eschew the use of surgery and drugs.

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alternative medicine British  

noun

1. another name for complementary medicine See also holism

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alternative medicine Scientific  

/ ôl-tûr′nə-tĭv /

1. A variety of therapeutic or preventive health-care practices that are not typically taught or practiced in traditional medical communities and offer treatments that differ from standard medical practice. Homeopathy, herbal medicine, and acupuncture are types of alternative medicine.

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alternative medicine Cultural  

1. Medical practice or therapy that uses methods that have not been associated with the traditional, standard care most generally taught and executed by AMA-certified medical schools.

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Alternative medicine includes practices such as acupuncture, naturopathy, and chiropractic, as well as such therapies as chelation therapy, homeopathic remedies, and biofeedback. There has been an explosion of interest in alternative medicine in recent years.

Etymology

Origin of alternative medicine

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

By then, Mom had shifted away from nursing school and was opening her mind to alternative medicine and a more natural and organic way of life.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

At times, that emphasis on “wholesomeness” or living “naturally” includes skepticism about mainstream health care, as well as touting “naturopathic” or alternative medicine.

From Salon • Sep. 22, 2025

But Oz is a controversial figure in the medical world whose television appearances have drawn criticism from fellow physicians who say he backs questionable alternative medicine and unproven weight loss products.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 19, 2024

But the line between promotion and science on the show was not always clear, and Oz has recommended homeopathy, alternative medicine and other treatments that critics have called “pseudoscience”.

From BBC • Nov. 19, 2024

A growing interest in alternative medicine from Western markets also suggests demand will continue rising.

From National Geographic • Jan. 4, 2024