Making choices about your health care is a personal and significant matter—this includes deciding whether to try out complementary health approaches.

These approaches can be grouped based on how the therapy is applied or experienced. They include:

• Nutritional methods, such as special diets, supplements, herbal remedies, probiotics, and treatments involving microorganisms.

• Psychological techniques, like meditation, hypnosis, music therapy, or relaxation practices.

• Physical methods, including acupuncture, massage, and spinal adjustments.

• Blended approaches, such as yoga, tai chi, dance therapy, or art therapies—which mix physical and mental techniques—or mindful eating, which combines nutritional and psychological elements.

Therapies focused on nutrition are linked to what was once called "natural products" by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). On the other hand, those involving the mind and body align with practices once known as "mind and body interventions."

Some traditions don’t fit cleanly into just one category—for example, healing systems like traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, homeopathy, naturopathy, and functional medicine use multiple techniques that span these categories.

If you're exploring complementary therapies, it’s vital to play an active role in your care. Investigate what research says about the safety and usefulness of the approach you're considering. Talk to your health care provider before making a choice so you can align your options with professional advice.

When searching for a complementary health provider, you can ask your regular doctor, check with local hospitals, or look into professional organizations that certify practitioners. Online directories from reputable sources may also help you find qualified professionals or nearby services. Keep in mind, organizations like the NCCIH do not provide treatment or referrals themselves.

For more guidance in choosing a practitioner, consider reading “6 Things To Know When Selecting a Complementary Health Practitioner.”

For More Information

NCCIH Clearinghouse

The NCCIH Clearinghouse offers resources on complementary and integrative health strategies, including access to government databases of medical research. While informative, it does not provide clinical advice or referrals.

Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226

Telecommunications relay service: 7-1-1

Website: https://www.nccih.nih.gov

Email: [email protected]

Know the Science

The NCCIH and NIH host resources that break down the science behind health care research, helping individuals better understand study results and medical findings. These include interactive tools, educational videos, and informative articles designed to help people interpret health information properly.

Topics include:

• How health research is conducted
• Understanding scientific journal articles
• Basics of clinical studies

This content is in the public domain and can be freely reused. It is intended solely for informational use and isn't meant to replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your health care provider when making decisions about treatment. The inclusion of any specific strategy or product does not imply an endorsement by the NCCIH.