Definition: Alternative medicine is the term for non-traditional treatments used to treat a condition instead of typical treatments or medications. Unlike complementary medicine, alternative medicine serves as the only treatment for the condition.
Some examples of alternative medicines are acupuncture, dietary supplements and chiropractic care.
Also Known As: non-traditional treatments, alternative therapies
Examples: Seeing an acupuncturist instead of using traditional pain-relieving medications is an example of using alternative medicine.
