A contemporary view of alternative healing modalities

Alternative forms of healing have increasingly gained popularity in the United States as evidenced by books, healing groups, and a burgeoning variety of healing modalities. Knowledge about these modalities can facilitate health care providers' effectiveness in managing care by understanding the healing practices selected by patients, and incorporating alternative approaches into holistic case management. A matrix is presented that classifies these modalities according to preparation of the healer and methods of healing. A brief description is provided of various types of alternative healing with some of their potential risks and benefits to health. Suggestions are made regarding selection of a healer and sources of information.