J Indian Med Assoc. 2000 Jun; 98(6): 332-3.

Alternative medicine--old wine in a new bottle.

Bagchi AK.

Alternative medicine encompasses ancient medical practices of Ayurveda, Unani, Tibbi, chiropractice, acupuncture and others alike. This part of medicine ignores mechanisms of drug action and relies on antique methods and natural remedies. It has no study of pathology, rather depends on philosophy. One must take note of ethno-botany in the evolution of ancient medicines. Ethnobotany reflects the use of drugs available in natural places. Use of natural plants as medicine by the animals is very interesting to observe. Some religious practices like namaz and yoga constitute body exercises and are encouraged in alternative medicine. Chiropractice is a manual mode of treating in painful conditions of back, ankle and knee. Acupuncture is an age old process and practised mainly in China for various ailments.