Before the development of modern medicine, traditional medicine has been evolving over many years through traditional knowledge. For their primary medical care, about 80% of the populations in Asia and Africa use traditional medicine. Traditional medicine is regarded as being safer because it uses natural ingredients rather than dangerous chemicals. Traditional medicine, also known as folk medicine or Indigenous medicine, is used to prevent, identify, treat, and improve physical and mental illnesses. Its knowledge, skills, and practices are passed down through generations within society.

Alternative medicine is a practice that uses diet, exercise, drugs, herbs, devices, and manual techniques to treat and prevent disease. These medical practices are not science-based healthcare, but they produce comparable outcomes. Modern medical procedures can be improved by combining alternative medicine with complementary therapy. Stress reduction and relaxation are the main goals of complementary therapies.

In order to assess a person's health and wellness, holistic medicine takes into account their entire being, including their body, mind, spirit, and emotions. A person can achieve optimal health and wellness by having the right balance in their lives, according to the main tenet of the holistic approach to alternative medicine. The foundation of this method is the idea that healing occurs best when the patient and the doctor have a good working relationship.       

With a long history spanning more than 2500 years, acupuncture is a type of complementary medicine. The fundamental tenet of acupuncture is that the flow of qi, also known as chi, through our bodies is vital to our overall health. When these energy patterns are off, diseases develop. The procedure involves penetrating the patient's skin with tiny needles at various depths and points. According to researchers, it can combat complaints and treat pain.

The alternative medicine known as Ayurveda has its roots in a 5000-year-old Indian tradition. Ayurvedic physicians view a person's physical, mental, and psychological well-being as a cohesive system that mutually influences one another. The homeopathic theory goes beyond the capabilities of physics. Homeopathy operates under the tenet that "like cures like" in its therapeutic approach. According to homeopathy, substances leave a molecular blueprint in the water that speeds up the body's healing process. Homeopathy is used in conjunction with conventional medicine; it is not a substitute for it in the treatment of cancer.

It is strongly advised to think about the safety of alternative medicinal products and practices, just like with any other form of treatment. Each alternative medical procedure and practice should have its safety procedures depending on the specific procedure. Yoga and meditation are frequently regarded as being risk-free for healthy individuals, but herbal medications are easily accessible without a prescription in stores, creating a false sense of security.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a branch of medicine with a 2500-year history that combines various herbal treatments, acupuncture, massage, exercise, and dietary regimens. China is where TCM is most frequently used. The fundamental tenet of TCM is that the body's "vital energy" is constantly flowing. Whenever there is an imbalance in the energy flow, illness and disease will result. Many people combine TCM with their traditional medical procedures when providing for their health. Today, alternative medicines include acupuncture and other traditional Chinese medicines.

Nutraceuticals are a substance or a part of a food supplement that is not only diet sustenance but helps to prevent and treat the disease or illness. Nutraceuticals can be used to prevent disease, improve health, slowdowns the aging process, or just maintains and supports the functions of the body. These items go from proteins, a vitamin, minerals, pure mixes, and traditional based used as a part of cases, and tablets to sustenance that contain reinforced bioactive fixings. Everything from vitamins, and supplements to sports drinks, farm products, snacks, and pre-arranged uptake routine dinners are considered Nutraceuticals.

Unani is a form of complementary medicine that has its roots primarily in Greece but is now popular in India. Unani medicine employs dietary modifications, herbal remedies, and alternative therapies in the prevention and treatment of disease. The foundation of Unani is the idea that certain elements are present in the fluid, and that this fluid must be in balance for one to be healthy and ill. The four senses of humor are the name for these liquids (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile). Despite the paucity of scientific studies on the health effects of Unani medicine, studies on animals have shown some advantages for conditions like arthritis, cataracts, and brain health.

Yoga is thought to balance the body, mind, and spirit while calming the nervous system. One of the CAM therapies that were most frequently used in the United States in 2002 was yoga. It is a system that was created in ancient India and adds breathing exercises, flexibility, and focus to different exercise poses. According to studies, yoga improves coordination, flexibility, sleep, and digestion while lowering heart rate, blood pressure, and anxiety. Yoga also aids in pain relief.

Natural, non-invasive, and self-healing alternative medicine is known as naturopathy. Naturopathy is based on the idea that the human body can heal itself through vital energy, which directs the body's internal processes. Naturopaths avoid using evidence-based medicine in their efforts to prevent disease and illness by lowering stress levels, altering diet, and changing lifestyle choices. Naturopathy encourages drug-free living and healthy living.

The musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine, is diagnosed and treated using this alternative form of medicine. Chiropractic treatment involves the manipulation of other joints and tissues in addition to the spine. Chiropractic adjustments are intended to correct alignment issues, reduce pain, enhance function, and support the body's innate capacity for self-healing in other body parts. Low back pain, headaches, conditions of the upper and lower extremities of the joints, and disorders linked to whiplash can all benefit from spinal manipulation treatment.

Osteopathy is a manual therapy that doesn't utilize drugs, is non-invasive, and concentrates on the entire body, not just the area that has been hurt or harmed. Osteopathic doctors place a greater emphasis on the joints, muscles, and spine, which is beneficial in the treatment of postural disorders, arthritis, back pain, headaches, tennis elbow, and digestive problems. The method used to identify and treat the issue is osteopathic manipulative medicine.

According to kampo, it's crucial to keep the balance between one's physical and mental health because the mind and body are inextricably linked. Kampo is a type of traditional Japanese medicine that has its roots mostly in China. Various well-known substances, like cinnamon and oyster shells, are used as medicinal components in Kampo treatments. Kampo is widely used in Japan for daily health and fitness as well as for the treatment and prevention of sickness and illness. About 70% of doctors, according to the magazine Nikkei Medical, prescribe the Kampo medication.