50 Useful Reference Tools for Exploring Alternative Medicine
Alternative medicine encompasses an exceptionally broad spectrum of practices. Everything from ancient or indigenous remedies to today’s herbal supplements qualifies as a treatment option beyond the mainstream solutions. Fearful of the frequently harsh side effects of conventional medicine, many turn to acupuncture or homeopathy to ease their pain instead. The following resources – by no means a comprehensive listing – provide a valuable introduction to multiple perspectives and findings. Many of them also help individuals and families curious about alternative medicine make the right choices and avoid crooks out to prey on their inexperience. Please keep in mind that some of these remedies involve negative side effects of their own, so be sure to consult with a reliable, verified professional before jumping into a regimen.
This consumer advocacy blog often features articles on alternative medicine scams, so be sure to double-check any brands or practitioners ahead of time.
2. FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection: Health
Another useful tool to understanding some of the risks involved with alternative medicine when used improperly or serving as a hidden scam.
3. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Before purchasing any herbal supplements, make sure that the brands and products in question do not have a history of causing harm to consumers past. Alternative medicine scams unfortunately abound.
4. National Institute of Health
Keep up with the latest research on alternative medicine practices, such as acupuncture, with the National Institute of Health to ensure personal safety.
5. Dr.Weil.com
Dr. Andrew Weil is one of the most visible and vocal advocates for alternative medicine, and his official website covers an impressive array of relevant topics.
6. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
This journal, affiliated with PubMed, BioMed Central, and the National Institute of Health, presents in-depth research on alternative medicine for the savvy consumer wanting to get the most out of their experiences
Read up on Chinese remedies for health and wellness beyond acupuncture on this informative website, which also covers Chi Gong, Tai Chi, herbal remedies, and more.
8. National Center for Homeopathy
Read up on all the latest news and issues when it comes to homeopathic care, including reference guides and information on alternative medicine’s role in disaster relief.
9. The Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy
Anyone interested in using alternative and homeopathic medical solutions on their beloved pets would do well to research how professionals apply them to veterinary practices.
10. American Medical College of Homeopathy
Whether pursuing alternative medicine as a hobby, lifestyle choice, or a profession, the American Medical College of Homeopathy provides research, lectures, seminars, and lessons on how to wield the practices safely and competently.
11. Luminos Homeopathic Courses Ltd.
Take online courses in homeopathic and alternative medicine through this educational institution, which also offers lectures, brick-and-mortar courses, and other opportunities to learn more.
12. Organic Consumers Association
Not every article available through the Organic Consumers Association focuses on medicine, but they do provide plenty of information for those interested in picking up safe, reliable alternative remedies from legitimate companies.
13. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
Anyone willing to pay a bit of money for full access to The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine’s archives will be treated to extensive research on the role of ancient, indigenous remedies in contemporary society.
Dr. Christiane Northrup specializes in health and wellness issues affecting women, and she frequently advocates holistic and alternative treatment options in her articles.
15. Society for Acupuncture Research
Sign up for the Society of Acupuncture Research’s e-mail newsletter for all the latest findings and applications of Chinese medicine. A wide variety of professionals, students, and educators weigh in on relevant subjects.
16. National Indian Health Board
Anyone interested in traditional Native American remedies will appreciate the information on the politics and practices that shape one facet of today’s medical world.
The World Health Organization writes frequently on alternative and indigenous medicines from all corners of the planet.
18. Natural Standard
Touting itself as “the authority on integrated medicine,” Natural Standard acts as an excellent resource on research regarding the role of complementary and alternative treatment options and how they can work in tandem with more mainstream practices.
Drop by Raintree’s official site for painstaking research on how sustainable rainforest plants can positively impact the medical community.
20. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
This academic journal, which only prints research conducted using funds from the NIH and comparable institutions, makes for an amazing resource for the more scientifically-minded interested in alternative treatments.
21. Holistic Pediatric Association
Parents wanting to raise healthy children using alternative, complementary, and holistic medical practices would do well to check out this useful online resource.
22. Alternative Medicine Review
Another journal whose offerings focus exclusively on all the latest research involving alternative, holistic, complementary, and traditional medicine.
23. Health Action Network Society
Though based in Canada, anyone can benefit from the extensive array of articles and information courtesy of the Health Action Network Society.
Natural Solutions magazine publishes articles on holistic medical treatments for general audiences in addition to helping people find reliable professionals in their areas.
25. Advances in Mind-Body Medicine
Browse everything this journal has to offer – including case studies, research papers, advice, and more – for information on overall health and wellness issues with solutions that may lay outside the mainstream.
26. Doc Misha’s Chicken Soup Chinese Medicine
Head over to this Better Business Bureau-approved resource, which peers into all the ways Chinese medicine (including herbalism and acupuncture) can quell some of the pain associated with various conditions.
27. Physicians’ Association For Anthroposophic Medicine
The PAAM’s main goal involves finding creative ways to work with mainstream physicians and incorporate holistic options into a treatment regimen.
28. European Central Council of Homeopaths
26 professional institutions from 22 nations converge to discuss all the latest news and trends from within the alternative medicine community – including resources on public services and patient organizations.
29. Hpathy.com
Considered one of the best online resources for homeopathic treatments, Hpathy.com provides a wealth of information in the form of articles, videos, ebooks, and audio lectures.
Though it doesn’t focus exclusively on the subject, this journal charges for access to thousands of articles regarding complementary medicine.
31. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
This extension of the National Institute of Health covers anything and everything related to different alternative treatment options.
32. Center for Traditional Medicine
CTM dedicates itself to researching indigenous medical treatments and finding ways to apply them to current conditions.
33. American Institute of Homeopathy
Professionals with a homeopathic bent convene to share their findings and ideas regarding alternative medication.
34. WebMD
One of the most trusted names in online medical references, WebMD does not skimp on information regarding complementary, alternative, and herbal therapy options.
35. The Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine
Approved by the Commission for Scientific Medicine and Mental Health, this journal publishes research on the efficacy of different alternative procedures.
36. Mayo Clinic
Like WebMD, Mayo Clinic focuses on general medical issues while still acknowledging complementary treatment.
Updated stories regarding complementary and alternative medicine round out the content at Medical News Today, which also discusses more mainstream practices as well.
38. University of Maryland School of Medicine
UM offers coursework in complementary, integrative, and holistic medicine, and consumers would do well to visit their resource center and follow their current research.
39. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine
Although Berkeley requires a subscription to access the articles in this journal, those with the ability to download them can read all the current findings when it comes to these fields.
40. International Institute of Islamic Medicine
Arab culture has contributed considerably to the medical community, and making an effort to understand its roots sheds quite a bit of light on the history of alternative and complementary medicine.
41. Alternative Medicine Foundation
One of the Alternative Medicine Foundation’s ultimate goals involves finding common grounds and links between conventional and alternative treatment options. It also keeps an eye out for consumer products and reports on sketchier ones.
42. About.com: Alternative Medicine
Cathy Wong writes, blogs, and shares resources about every conceivable element of alternative medicine imaginable in a manner accessible to a general audience.
43. Alternative Medicine News at ScienceDaily
ScienceDaily keeps readers updated on all the current developments regarding everything from acupuncture to herbal remedies – and everything in between.
44. National Council Against Health Fraud
Because so many scammers take advantage of alternative medical treatments to trade money for snake oil, smart consumers need to research who is and is not legitimate. They specifically look at alternative, homeopathic, and natural treatments – including acupuncture.
45. Natural Medicine at Suite 101
Victoria Anisman-Reiner serves as a guide for anyone seeking to learn more about all manner of alternative medicines.
46. Natural Medicine
As both a community and a resource, Natural Medicine hopes to encourage sustainable, eco-friendly treatments that minimize the consumption of harsh chemicals.
Mother Nature Network, as the nomenclature implies, doesn’t exclusively concern itself with natural and alternative medicine. However, plenty of its content addresses the issues that crop up involving relevant subjects.
48. NaturalNews.com
Stay in touch with all the latest news and opinions not only in natural medicine, but other elements of natural, healthful living as well. Considering its open community, readers gain a relatively broad perspective on the topics at hand.
49. ABC Homeopathy
Beginners looking for an introduction to homeopathy will appreciate this site’s information – which also includes a comprehensive guide to the most common treatments and where to purchase them.
50. The American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists
Learn the hows and whys behind pharmaceutical applications of homeopathic remedies with AAHP, who seeks to educate the public on this particular facet of alternative medicine.
This quick guide admittedly does not cover every nook and cranny of the alternative medicine movement, but it serves to hopefully provide a foundation for those wanting to explore its potential. Complementary and alternative treatment options appeal to those who feel as if the more orthodox, mainstream options may carry a far heavier risk than the rewards entail. Others may simply prefer to only work with natural, rather than artificial, solutions. Regardless of their motivations, however, anyone with a desire to attempt these alternatives will want to seek the counsel of a legitimate professional. Failure to do so may expose him or her to unpleasant side effects.
