A new federal report revealed that Americans spend about $30 billion a year on nontraditional health care, such as yoga and ginkgo biloba (above). That’s a fraction of overall U.S. health care spending, but it still marks an all-time high. A primer on some of the lesser-known drivers:
QIGONG
An ancient Chinese practice to aid relaxation. It integrates physical movements, mental focus and deep breathing.
OSTEOPATHIC MANIPULATION
Uses “healing touch” to restore function and alleviate pain. Techniques include stretching and applying gentle pressure to aid muscles and joints.
HYPNOSIS
An altered state of consciousness triggered by relaxing the body and focusing on an object or idea. It’s sometimes used to treat pain and stress.
–Alexandra Sifferlin
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Why Trump’s Message Worked on Latino Men
- What Trump’s Win Could Mean for Housing
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- Sleep Doctors Share the 1 Tip That’s Changed Their Lives
- Column: Let’s Bring Back Romance
- What It’s Like to Have Long COVID As a Kid
- FX’s Say Nothing Is the Must-Watch Political Thriller of 2024
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision
Contact us at letters@time.com