alternative medicine

noun

: any of various systems of healing or treating disease (such as chiropractic, homeopathy, or faith healing) not included in the traditional medical curricula of the U.S. and Britain

Examples of alternative medicine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The ancient form of alternative medicine sees a practitioner place cups across a patient’s back, stomach, arms, and legs. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025

Supplement makers, practitioners of alternative medicine and others in the wellness movement are hoping to capitalize on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s tenure as the nation's top health official. —Tina Reed, Axios, 24 Feb. 2025

About 36% of people turn to complementary and alternative medicine to lower blood pressure.1 Do Doctors Recommend Beet Juice for High Blood Pressure? —Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2024

However, due to the risks associated with HRT, many people prefer or need to use alternative medicine or supplements. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 13 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for alternative medicine

• biomedicine
• telemedicine

Kids Definition

alternative medicine

noun

: any of various systems of healing or treating disease (as herbal medicine) involving approaches not customarily taught or practiced in the U.S.

Medical Definition

alternative medicine

noun

: any of various systems of healing or treating disease (as homeopathy, chiropractic, naturopathy, Ayurveda, or faith healing) that are not included in the traditional curricula taught in medical schools of the United States and Britain