The science of healing has evolved and grown, with many different branches existing independently and providing their own solutions. Many of these alternate therapies, alternate to the commonly practiced allopathic medicine, depend on natural herbs and cures. Many of these alternate therapies are, therefore, herbal remedies and do not cause side effects.

Alternate therapies are also called complementary alternate therapies that are said to aid the normal medical practices. There are certain quarters of the society that feels that alternate medicine refers to that form of medicine which cannot be quantified and are not reliable in their outcome.

There are many different types of alternate therapies that are practiced all over the world. Aromatherapy is one such form of alternate therapy that is based on using scented oils and candles that will aid in the process of healing and relaxation. The volatile plant oils that are massaged into the body are said to relieve pain as well as stress of the person. The essential oils will be absorbed by the skin and will enter into the blood stream with the end effect that the health and beauty of the person who uses it will be enhanced. Apart from these aroma oils that are used in this form of alternate therapy, mud pack and clay packs, milk powder and even sugar is used. The essential oils that are used for aromatherapy are available as ready made oils sold in bottles or can be purchased from an aromatherapy centre near home.

Ayurveda is another from of alternate health therapy that finds its roots in India. This form of therapy is based on metaphysics and states that living life in moderation and with a certain sense of balance will promote well being. Moderation is expected to be exercised over every aspect of one's life including sleep and food intake. A variety of plant based solutions are offered to many of the ailments that are commonly found and therefore, there are no known side effects. Sesame oil and gingelly oil are used to provide massages to the body that are said to aid immensely in relaxation and relief from pain. Strict personal hygiene is advocated with regular baths, tooth brushing and occasional oil massages. Certain ayurvedic preparation that have been tested for their efficacy in treating various ailments have been found to show promising results, though more in depth and comprehensive studies are required for a complete understanding of the efficacy of such forms of alternate therapies.

The incorporation of laughter for healing as well as to drive away blues and stress is another form of alternate therapy that has found many takers across the world. The use of laughter therapy is said to have an immense impact on one's health and it is now common practice to find clubs and groups that are formed in aid of laughter therapy. Many of these laughter therapy groups revolve around people exchanging jokes and the others laughing uncontrollably, abandoning their inhibitions and allowing the body to take in the benefits of a good laugh. The benefits of laughter in medicine are elaborated in the Journal of Alternate therapies in Health and Medicine in its latest issue.

Acupuncture is a Chinese form of medicine that has gained immense popularity in the United States. This form of complement alternate therapy involves the use of extremely thin needles that are inserted into specific regions in the body to bring about cure. The Chinese claim that the insertion of these needles help balance the energy flow, while scientific researchers believe that this form of needle insertion aids in the stimulation of the muscles and the nerves that are found at that spot. This stimulation aids in the process of healing. Acupuncture is used as a form of alternate therapy to cure labour pain, migraine, osteoarthritis, headaches, tennis elbow and so on. Certain high risk patients are advised not to seek acupuncture for their ailments and these include those with bleeding disorders, pregnant women and those with a heart condition. Acupuncture, is one of the most popular forms of alternate therapy and shows little side effects when performed by a professional.

Alternate therapies for hormone replacement therapy receive a large amount of attention as traditional hormone replacement therapy is found to be ridden with side effects that are not pleasant. One alternate hormone replacement therapy is acupuncture and is sought after by many people. The use of soy products and phytoestrogens are other popular alternate hormone replacement therapies that are said to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and the occurrence of hot flashes in the night.

Skin cancer is another popular ailment that finds solutions in the form of alternate therapy. Skin cancer, according to many claims, can be treated by many different types of alternate therapies and many of then claim complete cures. These forms of skin cancer and alternate therapies also claim to avoid the harsh side effects of chemotherapy like hair fall and weight loss.

Yoga, meditation, chiropractic medicine, homeopathy, siddha, chelation therapy and nutrition based therapies are some of the other alternate health therapies that are commonly practiced in various parts of the world. Though some of these alternate health therapies show promise, there are many that are yet to be quantified or validated. Therefore, caution should be exercised before resorting to any of these forms of therapy.