Field of Study Holistic Medicine

Official Resource American Holistic Medical Association -- www.holisticmedicine.org/)

Short Definition
The general term to describe the numerous techniques utilized in China for many thousands of years to heal bodily ailments. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a complete system of healthcare with its own unique theories of anatomy, health, and treatment.

Expanded Information
The practice of using plant material (leaves, stems, roots, bark) for preventing or treating illness, to strengthen the body and assist its natural ability to heal itself. Herbal medicines are sold in liquid or pill form or as teas. Herbs form part of treatment techniques of many branches of Complementary Health, including Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Homeopathy and Naturopathic Medicine.

Alternative Medicine is often used by the general public and some healthcare practitioners to refer to medical techniques which are not known or accepted by the majority "conventional" or "allopathic" medical practitioners (usually M.D.'s). Such techniques could include non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical techniques such as Medical Herbalism, Acupunture, Homeopathy, Reiki, and many others. However, the term Alternative Medicine can also refer to any experimental drug or non-drug technique that is not currently accepted by "conventional" medical practitioners. As non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical techniques become popular and accepted by large number of "conventional" practitioners, these techniques will no longer be considered Alternative Medicine.

Alternative Medicine refers to techniques that are not currently accepted by "conventional" practitioners, but what is currently accepted is quickly changing. Even the definition of "conventional practitioners" is quickly changing. Therefore, techniques that are now considered part of Alternative Medicine will soon be considered part of "conventional" medicine. The terms Holistic Healing and Holistic Medicine are slightly more stable than Alternative Medicine and are therefore preferable.

Complementary Medicine is often used by "conventional" medical practitioners to refer to non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical techniques used as a complement to "conventional" medical treatments such as drugs and surgery. The term implies that "conventional" medicine is used as a primary tool and the non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical techniques are used as a supplement when needed.

In many cases, properly chosen non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical healing techniques plus properly chosen lifestyle changes can completely and safely heal both acute and chronic illnesses. In other cases, "conventional" medicine is only needed in emergencies or when the safer non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical methods fail. In some cases "conventional" medicine will be a major part of a Holistic Healing Plan, but in some cases it is not needed at all.

Source: http://www.holisticmed.com/whatis.html