What defines alternative/integrative therapies?

Choosing practices outside of one's ethnocultural background effectively captures the essence of alternative and integrative therapies. These therapies often encompass a wide range of healing practices that may not align with the predominant medical models in a given society, such as conventional Western medicine. They frequently draw from diverse cultural traditions and may include practices such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, or Ayurveda, which originate from different ethnocultural contexts.

This choice highlights the idea that alternative and integrative therapies are not restricted to or defined by common medical standards, established medical education, or universal acceptance. Instead, they reflect a broad spectrum of healing traditions that can vary significantly between different cultures. This aspect contributes to their classification as alternative or integrative, as they may integrate elements from various cultural backgrounds into holistic approaches to health and wellness.