Abstract

Alternative medicine is the most widely used remedy systems, in the treatment of various diseases. Alternative medicine is used widely because there are a large health care alternatives to be more congruent within the own values and beliefs towards health. Alternative medicine is more compatible with patients, offers more personal autonomy and control over the health care decisions. It is accepted worldwide because of its compatibility and acceptability in increasing the beliefs regarding the nature and meaning of health and illness. This review deals with various alternative therapies used such as Ayurveda, homeopathy, acupuncture, naturopathy, yoga, herbal medicine, massage therapy; effectiveness of the alternative medicine; assessment of the effectiveness of alternative medicine; sources of information about the alternative medicine; alternative medicine therapies in treatment of various diseases; perceived benefits of alternative medicine and thereby concluding with the increased level of acceptance of alternative medicine, its widespread use in various diseases and their treatment with various alternative therapies.