Any healing practice that does not fall within the domain of conventional medicine is termed as alternative medicine by the western world. The term refers to even ancient therapies such as Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda that are time tested and still in practice in the country of their origin. It also refers to naturopathy, herbal medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic manipulations, meditation, yoga, biofeedback and homeopathy. Basically, it is an inclusive term that includes everything outside allopathic medicine, even diet based therapies. It is actually a contradictory state of affairs. Conventional medicine negates alternative therapies and medicine on the basis that they are not supported by scientific evidence. The fact is that many conventional medicine techniques also lack solid evidence. The absence of evidence in alternative treatments is highlighted but the fact that they are time tested is ignored.

In addition, conventional medicine goes out of the way to side track the issue of side effects of drugs associated with allopathic drugs and treatments. Admittedly, conventional medicine provides quick relief and is the first choice in emergencies. These plus points however come at a high cost, the cost of serious side effects of allopathic drugs that are sometimes more difficult to manage than the illness they are supposed to treat. Moreover, allopathic treatments provide a sure cure for a very small number of illnesses. On the other hand, alternative medicines are safe but slow. They have a natural and holistic approach to illness. Alternative therapies consider the patient as a whole and do not attempt to suppress symptoms for temporary relief.

The sad part is that we live in an age where people do not have time for slow treatments nor for dietary modifications and rest, which are integral to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). CAM is an umbrella term that includes alternative therapies and some interventions when used in conjunction with conventional medicine and techniques.

Basically, the term complementary alternative medicine is not clearly defined. At best it can be defined as systems of treatment, their modalities and beliefs that do not belong to the dominant health system of a particular culture in a given historical period. For example, Ayurveda is still valued in many parts of India.

Health alternative medicine solutions are not only safer they are also cheaper. The major reason behind high cost of conventional drugs is the greed of pharmaceutical companies. They try to hide their high markups under the cover of high cost of research and clinical trials. The question is why treatments suggested by alternative therapies not researched with same vigor.

The answer is not difficult to find. Alternative therapies are based on natural substances and techniques and natural substances cannot be patented. Without enforceable patents pharmaceutical companies cannot make the type of profits they are used to. Although allopathic medicine has a big role to play, alternative medicine can succeed where pharmaceutical drugs fail.