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Definition of Alternative medical system
Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026
Alternative medical system: An umbrella term for a number of practices beyond the scope of conventional medicine. These forms of alternative medicine are built upon a complete system of ideas and practice and may have evolved in Western or non-Western cultures. Examples include Ayurveda, Chiropractic, Homeopathy, Naturopathic medicine, Osteopathy, and Traditional Chinese medicine.