Alternative medicine also known as complementary medicine is the definition used for medications and medical practices that are not included in the standard of care according to Medline Plus, a website supported by the National Institutes of Health. Doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and medical practitioners all practice standard care. Any means of treatment that doesn’t involve standard care is classified under complementary and alternative medicine. There are several alternative therapies practiced all over the globe and these therapies include acupuncture, chiropractic, and herbal medicine. The efficacy, safety and usefulness of these therapies are not a 100% proven yet, further studies and investigation are constantly conducted to reassure patients receiving such therapies.

As mentioned, there are various types of alternative therapies. The first type is called mind and body medicine, as the word implies this therapy covers activities that involve prayers, tai chi, meditation and other healing practices that focus on the mind and its effect to the body. The second form of alternative therapy is termed as biologically based practices, this type of therapy includes herbs, dietary supplements and healthy food items that treat certain deficiencies and promote the body’s general well being. A manipulative and body-based practice is the third type of alternative therapy. This practice involves the manipulation of certain body parts and its movement to realign posture and minimize physical symptoms such as pain and muscle spasms on the bones and spine. Therapeutic touch and massage therapy are among the activities this alternative treatment modality practices. The fourth type of alternative therapy is called energy medicine, which is based on the theory that energy and magnetic fields surround and interact with the body and its structures. Alternative healing practices such as qi gong, bio-electromagnetics and reki are all included in energy medicine.

Alternative medicine also has quite a few drawbacks and some of its practices have risks involved. Herbal remedies might pose a threat to children because unlike prescription medications and over the counter drugs, these medicines are not strictly regulated by the food and drug association or FDA. Also the manufacturing of herbal drugs does not adhere to the quality standards of care. Most of the time, the products and materials used in alternative medicine are natural; these resources can sometimes cause allergies and hypersensitivity reactions to children. Despite being inexpensive, alternative medicine is usually not covered by medical insurance companies, and only a few mainstream hospitals offer this type of therapy.

Alternative medicine is a good option for children, provided that they’re used together with standard care. This medical practice is safe to use, inexpensive and doesn’t cause too many adverse drug interactions. Alternative medicine can promote healing, wellness, rest and relaxation without the use of chemicals and inorganic material. Alternative therapy can be coordinated and complemented with traditional medicine, provided the doctor or primary healthcare provider doesn’t contradict its practice. Parents need not choose either one of the therapies but instead can practice both of them for as long as it doesn’t have any adverse effects.