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Alternative Medicine Throughout recorded history, people of various cultures have relied on what Western medical practitioners today call alternative medicine. The term alternative medicine covers a broad range of healing philosophies, approaches, and therapies. It generally describes those treatments and health care practices that are outside mainstream Western health care. People use these treatments and therapies in a variety of ways. Alternative therapies used alone are often referred to as alternative; when used in combination …

…down isn't asked" (Lombardo). Of course, acceptance of alternative medicine by the medical establishment will not occur until research has proven its efficacy. However, with so many Americans already using alternative treatments, doctors need to better understand the principles of alternative medicine. It is incumbent upon doctors not only to know what medical treatments their patients are using, but what effect those treatments are having. Only then can doctors provide effective and safe health care.