You’ve probably come across the terms "complementary," "alternative," and "integrative," but what exactly do they mean?

This overview breaks down these concepts to help you better grasp their meanings and explains the purpose and contributions of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). While the field and its language are continuously progressing, here are the definitions commonly used by the National Institutes of Health today.

Complementary Versus Alternative

In a 2012 national survey, it was found that more than 30 percent of adults and around 12 percent of children in the U.S. used health practices that differ from traditional Western medicine. Although many people use the terms "complementary" and "alternative" as if they mean the same thing, they actually describe different practices:

• A practice used alongside traditional medicine is considered “complementary.”

• A practice used instead of traditional medicine is labeled “alternative.”

The majority of individuals who explore non-mainstream methods still participate in conventional medical care as well.

You might also hear the term “functional medicine,” which is sometimes used interchangeably with “integrative health” (explained below). Functional medicine may also relate closely to naturopathic approaches, which incorporate a range of healing traditions from Europe, particularly those practiced in the 19th century.

Integrative Health

Integrative health is about uniting traditional and complementary practices to provide more cohesive and patient-centered care. It often includes multiple types of treatment, such as standard medical interventions (like medication, physical therapy, talk therapy) combined with complementary techniques (like yoga, probiotics, acupuncture). The primary focus is to treat the person as a whole instead of just targeting individual symptoms or conditions. This approach encourages collaboration between different types of healthcare providers to support the overall well-being of the individual.

The adoption of integrative methods has grown in healthcare settings across the country. Scientific studies are being conducted to evaluate how integrative health can help manage issues like chronic pain in military settings, minimize symptoms for cancer patients, and encourage healthy living habits.

What is whole person health?

Whole person health is a broader approach to wellbeing that focuses on improving health across interconnected areas—biological, psychological, social, and environmental. Rather than simply treating illness, this approach aims to foster overall wellness by recognizing and understanding the ways these areas interact, such as the connections between different organ systems.

Integrative Approaches for Pain Management in Military and Veterans

• Chronic pain is a major concern among active-duty service members and veterans. Various government agencies, including NCCIH, are funding research into how integrative methods might help. For example, one study is developing a team-based care model involving chiropractors, primary care doctors, and mental health specialists to support veterans dealing with back pain and related mental health issues.

• Other studies are examining whether incorporating mindfulness meditation, hypnosis, or other alternative techniques into pain programs can improve outcomes and lessen reliance on medications with potentially harmful side effects.

Integrative Approaches in Cancer Symptom Management

• Some cancer centers provide integrative treatments like acupuncture or meditation alongside conventional care to help patients cope with side effects. While research is still developing, early findings suggest promising results. For instance, massage therapy might offer short-term relief in pain and mood for those with advanced cancer.

• Yoga has been shown in preliminary studies to reduce lingering fatigue in breast cancer survivors.

• Tai chi and qigong appear beneficial for lessening symptoms like fatigue, poor sleep, and emotional distress among cancer survivors.

Integrative Health and Lifestyle Choices

• Healthy lifestyle habits—including good nutrition, physical activity, and not smoking—are critical for disease prevention. Studies are looking into how complementary practices can aid in promoting these behaviors. For instance, some initial research shows yoga and meditation might support smoking cessation.

• One project successfully trained alternative health practitioners—such as massage therapists and acupuncturists—to provide patients with evidence-based support for quitting smoking.

• Another NCCIH-funded study is exploring the impacts of a family-centered mindfulness program on weight and eating habits in teens who are overweight.

Types of Complementary Health Approaches

Complementary practices can be grouped according to how they are applied or experienced:

• Nutritional (e.g., specific diets, herbal products, vitamins, and probiotics)

• Psychological (e.g., practices involving focus and awareness like mindfulness meditation)

• Physical (e.g., massage therapy or spinal alignment)

• Combined Approaches such as yoga (which blends physical movement with a mindful focus), or mindful eating (which pairs nutrition and mental awareness)

What were once called “natural products” and “mind and body practices” now fall into these updated categories.

Examples of Complementary Approaches by Category

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Nutritional Approaches

These include supplements such as herbal remedies, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics. Many of these are sold over the counter as dietary supplements. Data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey revealed that nearly 18 percent of U.S. adults reported using non-vitamin, non-mineral supplements during the previous year, with fish oil being the most common.

Studies on some of these supplements have shown mixed results, and much more research is needed. Though some products show promise, there is still work to do in understanding how they work in the body, any potential health risks, and how they might interact with other medical treatments.

Psychological and Physical Methods

This category includes yoga, tai chi, meditation, acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, and various forms of expressive arts and movement therapies. Typically, these are delivered by experienced professionals. Survey data from 2012 suggested that yoga, spinal manipulation, and meditation were among the most commonly used approaches by adults in the U.S. By 2017, yoga use had increased significantly, and meditation use had more than tripled.

Other techniques include guided relaxation, qigong, hypnosis, the Feldenkrais and Alexander techniques, Pilates, and others like Rolfing and the Trager approach.

Evidence from scientific studies supports the usefulness of several of these practices for various conditions. For example:

• Acupuncture has shown some benefit for chronic issues like back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, and even lowering the frequency of migraines or tension headaches.

• Meditation may help regulate blood pressure, ease anxiety and depression, manage irritable bowel syndrome, and improve sleep and mood for people with chronic conditions.

• Tai chi may support balance, reduce pain, and enhance life quality in people with health challenges such as heart disease or cancer.

• Yoga may relieve stress, encourage healthy living, and improve both mental and physical health. It might also help manage back and neck pain, promote better sleep, and enhance well-being for those with chronic issues.

However, the amount and quality of available research vary widely depending on the practice being studied.

Other Complementary Methods

Some treatment methods don’t fall neatly into one category. These include practices such as traditional healing, Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, homeopathy, naturopathic medicine, and functional medicine.

NCCIH’s Role in Research

NCCIH is the federal government’s main agency for conducting and supporting scientific research on complementary and integrative health approaches.

NCCIH’s Mission and Vision

NCCIH is committed to exploring through research the foundations, uses, and safety of complementary practices and their role in improving public health.

Their vision is to ensure that evidence-based information guides decisions made by patients, medical professionals, and policy makers regarding the use of these health practices within a framework that promotes whole person health.

For More Information

NCCIH Strategic Plan

The strategic plan for 2021–2025, titled "Mapping a Pathway to Research on Whole Person Health," lays out the center’s objectives and focus areas to help identify future research priorities.

NCCIH Clearinghouse

The center offers a wealth of resources related to complementary and integrative health practices, including access to medical research and educational materials. Note that they do not offer personalized medical advice or referrals.

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

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Email: [email protected]

This content is public domain and can be freely reproduced. It should not replace professional medical consultation and treatment planning. Any mention of a product or therapy does not imply endorsement.