Search results
For nearly 30 years, the American Institute of Alternative Medicine or aIAM (pronounced “I AM”) has trained and graduated compassionate experts in integrative health so they can share their health and healing talents within their communities. We’re transforming healthcare.
People also ask
What is alternative medicine?
What is the difference between integrative medicine and alternative medicine?
What are some examples of complementary and alternative medicine?
- Meditation
- Biofeedback
- Hypnosis
- Yoga
- Tai Chi
- GeneratedCaptionsTabForHeroSec
Meditation is an ancient practice that is prominent in religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism. Today, there are many forms of meditation people can try; some are religious in nature, and some not. Many studies have verified that meditation has health benefits. It can lower blood pressure and stress levels. Research suggestsTrusted Sourceit may als...
Biofeedback involves the use of machines that measure unconscious or involuntary bodily processes, such as heart rate or muscle contractions. The device then converts the information into audio, visual, or tactile signals. A therapist then helps someone learn to control these signals. Biofeedback can help people learn to relax painful muscles, alte...
Hypnosis involves someone going into a deep state of relaxation and focusing on suggestions a clinician makes while the person is in a hypnotic state. The aim is for the suggestions to help change a person’s mental state, resulting in health benefits. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), most clinicians agree hypnosis has bene...
Similar to meditation, yogais a mind-body exercise that originates in spiritual practices. It involves moving through sequences of poses and stretches while also focusing on breathing. Many people around the world practice yoga to promote mental and physical well-being. Some research suggests yoga may helpTrusted Source: 1. lower stress 2. improve ...
Tai chi is a martial art that originated in China. It involves a series of postures or slow movements combined with controlled breathing. Some research suggests tai chi may helpTrusted Source: 1. improve balance in older adults and people with Parkinson’s disease 2. reduce pain associated with knee osteoarthritis 3. reduce back pain 4. improve qual...
Learn what alternative medicine is, how it differs from conventional medicine, and what types of practices fall into this category. Find out the potential benefits and risks of alternative medicine and how to use it safely.
- Jennifer Huizen
Oct 27, 2023 · Two wellness and preventive medicine specialists explain why the terms “complementary medicine” and “alternative medicine” are becoming outdated and what’s replaced them.
- Acupressure. Acupressure is similar in practice to acupuncture (see below), only no needles are involved. Practitioners use their hands, elbows, or feet to apply pressure to specific points along the body’s “meridians.”
- Acupuncture. Though reading about this practice of traditional Chinese medicine may immediately bring sharp needles to mind, the term actually describes stimulating specific points on the body.
- Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy uses essential oils — highly concentrated extracts from the roots, leaves, seeds, or blossoms of plants — to promote healing.
- Ayurvedic medicine. Also known as Ayurveda, this modality originated in India and has been around for thousands of years. Practitioners use a variety of techniques, including herbs, massage, and specialized diets, with the intent of balancing the body, mind, and spirit to promote overall wellness.
- Acupuncture. This is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that uses needles to stimulate specific points around the body. The person who performs this therapy (an acupuncturist) sticks thin, sterile needles into your skin.
- Chiropractic Medicine. This practice focuses on the body’s structure -- mainly the spine --and how it functions. A trained professional called a chiropractor uses different techniques to adjust (“manipulate”) your spine or other parts of your body so that they’re in proper form, or alignment.
- Energy Therapies. These focus on the energy fields many people believe exist in and around the body. Included in this category are: Magnetic Field Therapy.
- Herbal Medicine. This alternative therapy uses parts of a plant -- its roots, leaves, berries, or flowers -- to heal the body. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 80% of people around the world use herbal medicine.
Learn about the different areas and examples of CAM, such as acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal medicine, and more. Find out how CAM can complement or replace conventional medicine for various health conditions.
We offer the best of both conventional and complementary medicine to promote optimal health, prevent and treat disease and meet each patient’s unique physical, emotional and spiritual health goals.
