Millions of people across the United States turn to complementary health methods to support their well-being. As with any decisions regarding your health, it's vital to evaluate your choices carefully. This guide has been created by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) to help you make informed decisions about using complementary health products and practices.

Take Control of Your Health

• Educate yourself. Investigate what research or evidence exists about the safety and effectiveness of any health practice you're considering.

• Talk with your health providers about your interests and any information you find.

• Choose complementary health professionals, like acupuncturists, with the same care you’d use to select a conventional provider.

• Make sure you understand the possible side effects or drug interactions before taking dietary supplements or herbal products.

• Rely only on practices proven to be safe. Avoid delaying needed care by using unproven methods instead of seeing a doctor.

• Inform all your health care providers—both traditional and complementary—about the treatments you're using to ensure well-coordinated care.

What Do "Complementary," "Alternative," and "Integrative" Mean?

Terms like “complementary medicine,” “alternative therapy,” and “integrative health” are often used interchangeably but can carry different meanings. Generally, they refer to approaches developed outside conventional Western medicine. However, their meanings can vary depending on context.

“Complementary” or “integrative” health practices refer to non-mainstream approaches used alongside conventional medicine.

“Alternative” approaches are used in place of standard treatments. The NCCIH advises against replacing proven medical care with unverified alternatives. Choosing to forego conventional treatment can be risky, so always talk with your health care provider before making such decisions.

How Can I Find Reliable Information About Complementary Health?

To make informed decisions, it’s important to rely on scientific research rather than hearsay or promotions that lack substance. Scientific evidence offers a stronger foundation than personal testimonials or marketing materials.

Here are a few ways to gather trustworthy information:

• Consult your health care provider. They can offer insight and address questions about safety, interactions, or effectiveness.

• Review literature at libraries. Librarians can help you find reliable health journals and books about the practices you're interested in.

Are Complementary Health Methods Safe?

Like any health treatment, complementary approaches can come with risks. The nature of those risks depends on the specific method or product being considered. Consider the following precautions:

• Everyone responds differently to treatments. Reactions can vary based on health status, dosage, usage, or personal beliefs.

• “Natural” doesn’t always mean “safe.” Some natural substances can be harmful—just as some mushrooms in the wild are toxic.

• When it comes to practitioner-led services, such as chiropractic work, the provider’s training and credentials matter.

• When using a product, review its ingredients and ensure it comes from a reputable source.

• Share with all your health providers the methods you’re using to ensure safe and coordinated care.

How Can I Tell if a Health Claim Is Trustworthy?

Before committing to any health practice, ask yourself:

• Is there solid scientific research backing up the claim?

• Who is making the claim? Sometimes, manufacturers emphasize only favorable findings or offer unverified promises.

• How is the claim presented? Be cautious of buzz words like “miracle cure,” “secret ingredient,” or “ancient remedy.” Science tends to progress in gradual steps, not dramatic leaps.

• Promises that sound too good to be true often are. Be skeptical of anything claiming to cure everything or deliver quick results without real proof.

Is that Health Website Reliable?

Use these five questions to judge a health website:

Who: Who runs the site? Are they credible?

What: What’s being claimed? Does it sound too promising?

When: Is the information current?

Where: Does the content cite trusted research sources?

Why: Why does the site exist? Is it unbiased or just selling a product?

Is That Really News—Or Just Marketing?

Beware of fake news websites designed to sell products. For example, a website may feature a fake story about a journalist who lost weight dramatically from using a product. These stories appear real but are actually marketing tools.

Red flags to watch out for:

• A “news” site that promotes a product directly.

• Only features positive quotes and no critical analysis.

• Presents research without detailing limitations or methodological details.

• Links directly to product ordering pages.

• Displays only glowing comments without the ability for real users to contribute feedback.

How To Protect Yourself

If you suspect a website is an advertisement in disguise, look for small-print disclaimers. Most importantly, don't rely solely on web articles when making crucial health choices—talk to your doctor before trying a new product or therapy.

Are Complementary Methods Scientifically Studied?

Some complementary practices have been studied and shown to be safe or effective. But there are still many that need further investigation. The NCCIH funds scientific studies to better understand these practices and determine their value and safety for different conditions.

How Do I Choose a Complementary Health Practitioner?

• Ask your family physician or local hospital for recommendations.

• Professional associations often provide information on legitimate qualifications and licensing.

• Find a practitioner who is open to collaborating with your regular medical providers.

Does NCCIH Offer Care or Practitioner Referrals?

NCCIH does not provide direct treatment or referrals. Its role is to fund and guide scientific research evaluating the safety and benefits of complementary approaches.

Can I Take Part in a Clinical Trial?

NCCIH supports clinical studies on complementary health methods. If you're interested in joining a research study, there are trials recruiting participants across the country. For more details or to find one near you, seek out clinical research participation information.

If you prefer offline access, reach out to the NCCIH Clearinghouse for assistance.

Additional Resources

NCCIH Clearinghouse

The Clearinghouse offers facts, publications, and research tools on integrative health topics — it does not give medical advice or referrals.

Toll-free: 1-888-644-6226

TRS: Dial 7-1-1

Email: [email protected]

Know the Science

Programs and tools are available through NCCIH and NIH to help consumers understand research and health claims. These include educational videos, quizzes, and guides on how to interpret science-based content.

Office of Dietary Supplements (NIH)

This office offers information about dietary supplements based on scientific evidence, supportive research, and educational materials explaining benefits and risks.

Email: [email protected]

MedlinePlus

This service combines resources from the NIH and other agencies to answer health questions, including details about alternative and integrative health topics.

NIH Clinical Research Trials and You

This site helps the public learn about clinical trials, their value, and how to get involved. It includes FAQs, personal stories, and resources to locate relevant trials.

PubMed®

PubMed® provides access to abstracts and summaries of articles from medical and scientific journals. It’s an essential tool for those researching health practices.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The FDA is in charge of regulating the safety of items like food, medications, supplements, and more. It offers detailed guidance about dietary products and alerts on health risks.

Toll-free: 1-888-463-6332

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

The FTC works to protect consumers from misleading advertising and business practices. It provides oversight of health-related marketing claims (excluding prescription drugs and devices).

Toll-free: 1-877-382-4357

This material is in the public domain and may be freely reproduced. It is intended for informational purposes and should not replace professional medical guidance. Always consult your health care provider for personalized advice, and note that mentions of specific therapies or products do not imply endorsement.