Types of Alternative Medicine and What They Do

Alternative Medicine and What They Can do for You if You are Over 50 or an HSP

A Personal Note

Trial and Error
Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to try several types of alternative medicine, some worked for me, others didn’t. The results weren’t consistently good or bad. In my experience, it depends on the issue and the practitioner’s level of experience.

Now that I’m older, I find that this kind of care matters even more, especially when it comes to energy, digestion and navigating long-term health without unnecessary medications.

Early Success
My first successful experience was with acupuncture at age 17, when two sessions greatly reduced unbearable menstrual pain for years. Later, at 36, I saw an Ayurvedic doctor who treated me for a range of confusing stress-related symptoms after a major life change.

The Practitioner Who Got It Right
Then I met my favorite doctor of all, a chiropractor of Japanese descent, knowledgeable in Chinese medicine and acupressure. He’s very gentle, understands that I’m a highly sensitive person (HSP), and treats me accordingly.

What I Like About Integrative Medicine
I’ve also had good experiences with integrative medicine doctors and nurse practitioners. They spend more time with you than standard MDs and don’t just treat symptoms. They listen and are willing to order tests to look for underlying causes before prescribing medication. That said, it’s helpful that they can prescribe it when needed.

Where It Gets Complicated
My experiences with naturopathic doctors, other chiropractors, acupuncturists, and one Chinese medicine doctor were mixed. I didn’t like that the naturopath I saw couldn’t prescribe tests or medication, which meant I had to either pay out of pocket or go through a regular MD. The other chiropractors I tried were not gentle at all. And the Chinese doctor gave me herbs so strong they made me sick for a week, but failed to recognize the actual issue. Some of these practitioners were also expensive and pushy about supplements or follow-up visits.

For a sensitive system or an older body that takes longer to recover, these “trial and error” setbacks aren’t just an inconvenience, they can be a major blow to our vitality and trust.

What Matters Most
So the point is, when you look for an alternative medicine practitioner, work with someone who makes you feel heard and respected. We already get enough pressure from rushed MDs who spend five minutes with us, then expect us to take medications with side effects that can last a lifetime.

Understanding the Different Types of Alternative Medicine

There are many types of alternative medicine, from practices focused on energy balance to those rooted in physical manipulation or preventive care. This guide outlines the most common types of alternative medicine practitioners, what they offer, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

Integrative Medicine Doctors (MDs or DOs)

These are fully licensed medical doctors who combine standard treatments with evidence-based alternative therapies.

• Credentials: MD or DO with additional certification in integrative care (MD stands for Medical Doctor; DO stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, a fully licensed physician with training in musculoskeletal techniques and a whole-body approach to care)
• Methods: Nutrition, supplements, acupuncture, lifestyle changes, stress management
• Insurance: Often accepted
• Best for: People who want holistic options alongside conventional medical care

Functional Medicine Doctors, Practitioners

Functional medicine includes a wide range of personalized approaches aimed at identifying and addressing the root causes of chronic illness. It uses a systems-based model that looks at how different body systems interact, often going beyond conventional diagnostics.
This field is helpful for some people and debated by others, so it is important to stay selective about the individual practitioner.

• Credentials: MDs, DOs, chiropractors, or nurse practitioners with additional training in functional medicine
• Methods: Lab testing (hormones, microbiome, food sensitivities, genetics), detox plans, nutrition, lifestyle interventions, and in some cases, epigenetic analysis to better understand how environment and habits influence gene expression
• Insurance: Often not covered
• Best for: People with chronic symptoms or complex health issues who want a deeper understanding of their biology and a long-term, tailored plan

Chiropractors (DCs)

Chiropractors focus on spinal alignment and neuromuscular health. Some expand into lifestyle and nutritional counseling.

• Credentials: Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)
• Methods: Spinal adjustments, muscle release, posture therapy
• Insurance: Often covered
• Best for: Back and neck pain, posture, headaches, nerve compression

Naturopathic Doctors (NDs)

Naturopaths combine herbal medicine, nutrition, and preventive care. They receive medical training but are not MDs.

• Credentials: ND from an accredited naturopathic medical school
• Methods: Herbs, supplements, dietary changes, detox, lifestyle counseling
• Insurance: Varies by state and provider
• Best for: Prevention, chronic illness, non-pharmaceutical support

Unlicensed Naturopaths and Wellness Coaches

These practitioners often offer guidance on supplements and lifestyle but are not medically trained.

• Credentials: Vary; may be certified as wellness coaches or herbalists
• Methods: Lifestyle tips, herbs, non-clinical health advice
• Insurance: Not accepted
• Best for: Basic wellness support and general health goals

Holistic Health Coaches and Energy Practitioners

This group includes non-medical professionals who support emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being.

• Examples: Yoga teachers, meditation coaches, Reiki healers, herbalists
• Methods: Energy work, breathwork, plant medicine
• Insurance: Not accepted
• Best for: Stress, sleep, life transitions, emotional regulation

Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), sometimes simply referred to as Chinese medicine, includes acupuncture, herbal formulas, cupping, tai chi, and other practices focused on restoring internal balance.

• Credentials: L.Lc. (Licensed Acupuncturist) or TCM certification
• Methods: Needle therapy, herbal formulas, bodywork
• Insurance: Sometimes covered
• Best for: Chronic pain, hormonal issues, sleep, digestion

Ayurvedic Practitioners

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian healing system that uses herbs, food and daily rituals to bring balance to the body’s doshas (functional principles of body and mind).

• Credentials: Certified in Ayurvedic medicine (not always licensed in the U.S.)
• Methods: Body typing, herbal formulas, oils, detox (panchakarma), breathwork
• Insurance: Not accepted
• Best for: Stress, digestion, fatigue, prevention

Red Flags to Watch For

Avoid practitioners who:

• Promise instant or miracle cures
• Dismiss conventional medicine entirely
• Refuse to explain their qualifications or treatment plans
• Pressure you to buy expensive supplements or packages
• Also be careful with expensive lab tests or large supplement packages that are not medically required.

Questions to Ask Before Starting Treatment

Training and Safety

• Are you licensed or certified in your field?
• Do you have experience with my specific issue?

Treatment Approach

• What methods do you use and why?
• How long before I may see results?

Costs and Communication

• Are your services covered by insurance?
• Will you collaborate with my other doctors?
• Do you offer clear pricing or package options?

How to Choose the Right Alternative Medicine Practitioner

• Start with a one-time consult
• Ask if they’ll work with your primary doctor
• Check how responsive their office is
• Make sure pricing and expectations are clear
• Ask for referrals and read reviews, but trust your gut

You can read more about these categories at the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may include curated or personal content. It is not medical advice. Please consult a licensed provider before making health decisions.

If you’re exploring alternative ways to stay healthy, you may also like:

• 7 Wellness Hacks That Actually Work
• How to Use Artificial IntelligenceI to Manage your Health
• Which Pain Reliever is Safest for People Over 50?

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