INI

Alternative Medicine - INI

Alternative Medicine is a collective term referring to medical systems, practices, and products that differ from conventional Western medicine (biomedicine). WHO uses the term Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM), encompassing diverse approaches such as traditional medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, acupuncture, yoga, and homeopathy. These medical approaches emphasize prevention and holistic care, aiming to restore balance of mind and body. They are used in 170 countries worldwide and play a particularly important role in primary health care.

alternative medicine complementary medicine integrative health traditional medicine TCIM WHO NCCIH

[item.traditional-chinese-medicine]
code=01
slug=traditional-chinese-medicine
name=Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
description=A traditional medical system based on Yin-Yang and Five Elements theory.
category=Traditional Medical Systems

[item.ayurveda]
code=02
slug=ayurveda
name=Ayurvedic Medicine
description=A traditional holistic medical system originating from India.
category=Traditional Medical Systems

[item.acupuncture]
code=03
slug=acupuncture
name=Acupuncture
description=A traditional therapy using needles inserted at specific points on the body.
category=Mind-Body Practices

[item.chiropractic]
code=04
slug=chiropractic
name=Chiropractic
description=A manual therapy improving nervous system function through spinal adjustment.
category=Manipulative and Body-Based Practices

[item.homeopathy]
code=05
slug=homeopathy
name=Homeopathy
description=A system treating with minute amounts of natural substances based on the law of similars.
category=Alternative Medical Systems

[item.naturopathy]
code=06
slug=naturopathy
name=Naturopathy
description=A medical system promoting the body's natural healing using natural therapies.
category=Alternative Medical Systems

[item.herbal-medicine]
code=07
slug=herbal-medicine
name=Herbal Medicine
description=A natural therapy using medicinal plants to prevent and treat illness.
category=Natural Products

[item.yoga]
code=08
slug=yoga
name=Yoga
description=A practice combining physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation from India.
category=Mind-Body Practices

[item.meditation]
code=09
slug=meditation
name=Meditation and Mindfulness
description=Mental training focusing attention and promoting relaxation.
category=Mind-Body Practices

[item.massage-therapy]
code=10
slug=massage-therapy
name=Massage Therapy
description=A manual therapy manipulating tissues to promote relaxation and health.
category=Manipulative and Body-Based Practices

[item.aromatherapy]
code=11
slug=aromatherapy
name=Aromatherapy
description=A therapy using essential oils to promote physical and mental health.
category=Natural Products

[item.tai-chi-qigong]
code=12
slug=tai-chi-qigong
name=Tai Chi and Qigong
description=Chinese practices combining gentle movement and breathing exercises.
category=Mind-Body Practices

[item.energy-therapy]
code=13
slug=energy-therapy
name=Energy Therapies
description=Approaches treating by manipulating the body's energy fields.
category=Energy Therapies

[item.unani-medicine]
code=14
slug=unani-medicine
name=Unani Medicine
description=Arabic-Islamic traditional medicine of Greek origin.
category=Traditional Medical Systems

[item.osteopathy]
code=15
slug=osteopathy
name=Osteopathy
description=A medical approach promoting health through musculoskeletal manipulation.
category=Manipulative and Body-Based Practices