alternative medicine Healing arts not taught in traditional Western medical schools that promote options to conventional medicine that is taught in these schools. An example of an alternative therapy is using a special diet to treat cancer instead of undergoing surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy that has been recommended by a Western physician. Complementary medicine is different from alternative medicine. Whereas complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine, alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine. See also complementary medicine; conventional medicine.

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