Many people find that natural modalities, which have evolved over thousands years and are utilized by people around the world, are sufficient on their own to heal certain conditions, while others find they provide the perfect complement to conventional Western medicine.

Learn the difference between various alternative therapies below—and maybe even find a match for what ails you!

Aromatherapy uses concentrated essential oils extracted from plants, to stimulate the brain and its vast healing potential. Additionally, some essential oils are imbued with distinct medicinal qualities. Only real essential oils with carry any therapeutic effect, however, so be sure your practitioner utilizes only the highest quality of oils, and has been trained to use them safely.

Ayurveda is rooted in ancient Vedic culture of India and based on the concept that each person embodies their own interconnectedness, the body’s constitution and life forces. The Ayurvedic practitioner can help heal or restore balance by adjusting these tendencies through the use of food, herbs, massage and the physical practice of yoga. Ayurveda is not a licensed practice in the United States, so be sure to ask practitioners about their education and experience, including any study abroad. For more information, visit the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Chiropractic focuses on the relationship between the body&squo;s structure—mainly the spine—and how it is functioning. Chiropractors are licensed physicians who utilize a wide variety of different types of manipulations of the spine and adjoining skeletal and muscular structures to correct misalignments, and restore the body’s own ability to move and function properly.

Herbalism is part of nearly every traditional healing system throughout the world. Herbalists can learn to use wild plants by watching family members who are still familiar with native flora, studying with mentors who themselves have learned by apprenticing, or attending formal programs with widely varying curricula. Herbalism is not a licensed practice in the United States.

Homeopathy embraces the concept that something capable of causing certain symptoms in a healthy body might be able to cure similar symptoms in a body suffering from illness. The medicines employed are prepared from minute dilutions of thousands of substances which can, in turn, stimulate the body's own ability to heal itself. Many naturopaths, nurses and other medical providers utilize homeopathy; however, there is limited research on the safety of homeopathic treatments. Learn more homeopathy.

Hydrotherapy uses water in all of its forms—steam, ice, bathing, hot and cold local application, saunas and hot immersion therapy, as well as simply drinking it—to heal acute and chronic complaints. Hydrotherapy is often used along with specific physical therapies for its safe and simple methods of reducing pain, inflammation and circulatory insufficiency.

Massage/Bodywork is used for many ailments, including whiplash, chronic sports injuries, back pain, headache, TMJ, and stress-induced insomnia. Every state has its own licensing requirements. Referrals from practitioners of other forms of medicine can be helpful in finding the best type of bodywork for your needs.

Naturopathy seeks to use the body’s inherent ability to maintain and restore health. It helps the body naturally heal itself by creating the proper environment of whole foods, nutritional supplementation, herbal and botanical medicine, physical manipulation, homeopathy, flower essences, exercise, hydrotherapy, attention to one’s spiritual and emotional state, and even some conventional medical practices. Fifteen states in the United States and five provinces in Canada offer legal medical licensure to doctors of naturopathic medicine (see a list of these states and provinces).

Osteopathy seeks to help patients take more responsibility for their well-being and to change unhealthy patterns in their life that impact long-term health outcomes. Different from a MD, the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) brings an extra dimension to healthcare by recognizing the body’s ability to heal itself through preventative medicine, eating properly and keeping fit. DO’s are licensed physicians with the ability to prescribe drugs, perform surgery and practice anywhere in the United States.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on the idea that vital energy, or “Qi,” flows through our bodies along specific pathways known as meridians. Changing the flow of that vital energy—through a number of therapies removes blockages that can lead to pain and illness. Some therapies include acupuncture, in which small needles are inserted into points along the pathways, Shiatsu massage, or acupressure, which use pressure rather than needles on the specific energy points. TCM can also include herbs, dietary prescriptions or movement practices such as Qi Gong, which is a gentle but highly effective practice that helps keep Qi flowing throughout the body while increasing strength, balance and flexibility. Learn more about TCM.