The Rise of Alt Medicine

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