Table 1 Categories of complementary and alternative medicine together with examples

Mind-Body Interventions

Biofeedback, relaxation techniques, meditation, hypnosis, imagery, yoga and t'ai chi.

Biomagnetic Therapies

Exposure to strongly ionizing electromagnetic radiation and nonionising electromagnetic fields; transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.

Alternative Systems of Medical Practice

Ayurveda, Chinese medicine and homeopathy

Manual Healing Methods

Osteopathic and chiropractic manipulation; physical therapy and massage; therapeutic touch

Pharmacological and Biologic Treatments

Chelation therapy and intravenous ozone therapy

Herbal Medicine

Various botanical remedies

Diet and nutrition

Special dietary strategies to address prevention or cure. e.g. vitamin E to reduce the risk of clots; a diet based on brown rice and vegetables used to treat cancer and other chronic illnesses; the Gerson diet, which consists of raw vegetables as well as vegetable and fruit juices