Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) includes a wide range of therapies that support the body’s natural healing processes, ease symptoms, and improve quality of life. This page provides a clear overview of major CAM disciplines, how they are typically used, and where they may fit alongside conventional medical care.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic is a hands-on health discipline that focuses on restoring proper joint movement, nervous system function, and musculoskeletal balance. While many people associate chiropractic with spinal adjustments, modern care often includes targeted muscle work, mobility training, and instrument-assisted methods designed to reduce pain, improve biomechanics, and support natural healing.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture uses sterile, hair-thin needles placed at specific points to help regulate pain, stress, circulation, and overall body balance. It is often used for chronic pain, headaches, anxiety, sleep issues, and digestive problems.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy uses structured soft-tissue techniques to reduce muscle tension, support circulation, and promote relaxation. It is commonly used for chronic pain, stress management, recovery, and posture improvement.
Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine focuses on identifying root causes and supporting the body’s natural healing mechanisms through nutrition, herbal therapy, lifestyle, and functional testing. It often emphasizes anti-inflammatory nutrition, immune support, and long-term prevention.
- How to Quickly Recover From Colds and Flus
- 12 Anti-Inflammatory Foods That Belong in Your Kitchen
- Top 5 Anti-Inflammatory Foods Every Family Should Eat
- 8 Surprising Health Benefits of Eating Apples Every Day
- Nuts & Seeds for Heart Health
- The Benefits of Morning Coffee
- Beet Juice vs Pickle Juice: Which Is Better for Athletic Performance?
- Does Insurance Cover Naturopathic Medicine? (coming soon)
Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine uses plant-based compounds to support immunity, hormone balance, digestion, sleep, and stress regulation. Many herbs and botanicals have research-supported benefits when used appropriately and monitored for safety.
- Benefits of Using Local Honey
- 8 Vitamin C-Rich Foods That Boost Immunity
- Turmeric-Associated Liver Injury: What You Need to Know
- From Lattes to Wellness: A Simple Guide to Pumpkin Spice Benefits
- Does Insurance Cover Herbal Medicine? (coming soon)
Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian wellness system that uses personalized nutrition, herbs, massage, movement, and daily routines to balance digestion, stress, and energy. It often emphasizes warming, grounding, or cooling therapies based on a person’s constitution.
- The Benefits of Cold Plunges and Hot Baths for Post-Workout Recovery
- Does Insurance Cover Ayurveda? (coming soon)
Homeopathy
Homeopathy uses highly diluted natural substances chosen based on a person’s specific symptoms and constitution. Many people seek homeopathic care for stress, sleep issues, allergies, and emotional wellness due to its gentle, individualized approach.
- Does Insurance Cover Homeopathy? (coming soon)
Functional Medicine
Functional medicine looks at how genetics, lifestyle, environment, nutrition, and inflammation contribute to chronic health issues. It focuses on uncovering root causes and using targeted lifestyle, nutritional, and sometimes pharmaceutical tools to correct imbalances.
- How Can I Increase My Estrogen Naturally?
- Hypothyroidism & Dr. Barnes’ Basal Temperature Test (BBTT)
- 7 Everyday Habits That Quietly Harm Your Hormones
- Semaglutide for Weight Loss: What You Need to Know
- Weight-Loss Drug Eligibility: Highlights From the Today Show
- MCT Foods for Weight Loss & Natural Fat Burning
- 5 Foods That Contain Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs)
- Soy Lecithin: Superfood or Silent Health Threat?
- Does Insurance Cover Functional Medicine? (coming soon)
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Traditional Chinese Medicine combines acupuncture, herbal formulas, movement practices, and nutrition to regulate energy flow, digestion, sleep, pain, and stress-related symptoms.
- Does Insurance Cover Traditional Chinese Medicine? (coming soon)
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy uses extremely gentle touch to release tension around the brain, spine, and nervous system. It is commonly used for headaches, TMJ issues, stress, and trauma-related patterns.
- Does Insurance Cover Craniosacral Therapy? (coming soon)
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is performed by osteopathic physicians (DOs) using manual techniques to improve mobility, reduce pain, and support musculoskeletal function.
- Does Insurance Cover Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment? (coming soon)
Reiki & Energy Healing
Reiki uses light touch or hands-off techniques to support relaxation, emotional balance, and nervous-system regulation. Many individuals turn to Reiki during periods of stress, grief, or chronic fatigue.
- What Is a Jellycat? The “Healthy Plushie” Comfort Trend
- Does Insurance Cover Reiki? (coming soon)
Yoga Therapy
Yoga therapy combines postures, breathwork, meditation, and mobility exercises tailored to specific symptoms such as chronic pain, anxiety, or movement limitations. It often focuses on nervous-system regulation and gentle strength.
- 3 Workouts for Moms Who Want Better Sleep
- Does Insurance Cover Yoga Therapy? (coming soon)
Breathwork
Breathwork involves structured breathing techniques that influence stress, energy, focus, and emotional regulation. It is often used for anxiety, fatigue, sleep, and performance.
- Does Insurance Cover Breathwork? (coming soon)
Meditation & Mindfulness
Meditation helps regulate the nervous system, improve focus, support emotional resilience, and reduce symptoms linked to chronic stress. It includes breath-focused practices, guided imagery, and mindfulness exercises.
- Does Insurance Cover Meditation or Mindfulness Programs? (coming soon)