Want to know more about complementary and alternative health modalities -- or perhaps even become a practitioner -- but don't know where to begin?

Keep this cheat sheet on hand, which includes definitions of some of the most popular modalities, and links to organizations where you can learn more about each of them.

Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electric stimulation at very precise acupuncture points. Acupuncture is a major part of Oriental medicine.
American Academy of Medical Acupuncture
American Association of Acupuncture & Bioenergetic Medicine
American Association of Oriental Medicine
National Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine Alliance

Aromatherapy is the human inhalation and bodily application of pure essential oils from fragrant plants to help relieve health problems and improve quality of life.
National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy

Ayurvedic medicine is a holistic system that originated in India. Ayurvedic medicine is based on the belief that herbs, massage, and other stress relievers help the body make its own natural drugs. Ayurveda translates to mean "life" and "knowledge."
The Ayurvedic Institute

Biofeedback is the conscious control of biological functions such as the heart and blood vessels (which are normally controlled involuntarily).
Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback

Chiropractic is a medical practice based on the theory that disease results from a disruption of nerve function. This interference is thought to stem primarily from displaced vertebrae, which chiropractors massage and manipulate manually in order to relieve pressure.
American Chiropractic Association

Guided Imagery. With imagery, patients are guided to see themselves in a different physical, emotional, or spiritual state. For example, patients might be guided to imagine themselves in a state of vibrant health and the disease organisms as weak and destructible.
Academy for Guided Imagery Online

Herbology is the practice of using herbs medicinally as a component of healing.
American Botanical Council
American Herbalists Guild
International Herb Association

Homeopathy is a system of medicine based on the principle that "like cures like." The theory is that any substance which causes an illness or symptom can, in very small doses, cure the same problem by stimulating the body's defense systems.
Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians
National Center for Homeopathy
The North American Society of Homeopaths

Massage therapy is manual soft tissue manipulation intended to positively affect health and well-being.
American Massage Therapy Association

Naturopathy is a holistic health care system that draws from numerous traditional healing systems. Its primary goal is to facilitate the body's natural abilities to maintain or restore health.
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians

Reflexology is manipulation of the feet, hands, and/or ears to stimulate corresponding areas in the body, promoting healing.
International Academy of Advanced Reflexology

Reiki is the combination of the Japanese words "Rei" and "Ki" meaning "universal life energy." Reiki is a healing technique that consists of a "laying on of hands" to heal and balance the subtle energies in our bodies.
The International Center for Reiki Training