The term
alternative medicine covers a broad range of healing philosophies, approaches and therapies. It generally describes
those treatments and health care practices that are outside mainstream Western health care. This paper examines the history of
alternative medicine, its risks and values. The paper discusses the different streams which make up alternative medicine such as accupuncture, mind-body healing, yoga and chiropractic therapy. Also discussed is craniosacral therapy, massage therapy, herbal medicine and aromatherapy.