Abstract

Patients who face serious illnesses are sometimes attracted to alternative medicines, also referred to as “holistic,” “integrative” or “new age” medicines. These can include treatments like homeopathy, hypnosis, “energy therapies” like Reiki and acupuncture, and herbal remedies, among others. Some of the health improvements observed with alternative remedies may be due not only to the placebo effect but also to the added time, attention, and focused concern patients tend to receive from alternative practitioners compared to traditional physicians. This can translate into modified habits and changed lifestyles, leading to various health benefits.