What do you need to know about alternative medicine?

Many people do not know the difference between conventional medicine and alternative medicine. Here you can read what the difference is.

The best-known alternative medicines are homeopathy, osteopathy, chiropractic and acupuncture. But it also includes the laying on of hands, Bach flowers and many others. Sometimes these are also called quackery.
Osteopathy and chiropractic treat problems such as crying children, depression, stomach complaints, insomnia but go against all scientific knowledge.

Manual therapy treats disorders of the musculoskeletal system and is scientifically proven. How do you, as a citizen, see the forest for the trees: for disorders of muscles and joints it is best to go to a physiotherapist. For all other conditions, you can contact your GP who can refer you correctly. Always ask for your therapist's diploma. You must be able to provide them with a diploma as a doctor, psychologist or physiotherapist, otherwise it is better not to trust the case.

Source: https://cam.cochrane.org/cochrane-reviews-related-complementary-medicine

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2023-12-11 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2025