What is the definition of alternative medicine?

Alternative medicine is defined as nonmainstream practices that are used instead of conventional medicine. This encompasses a wide range of practices, including herbal remedies, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and other therapies that fall outside the realm of traditional medical approaches. The defining characteristic of alternative medicine is that it is used as a primary form of treatment rather than in conjunction with standard medical practices.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately encapsulate the essence of alternative medicine. Mainstream practices pertain to conventional medical treatments generally recognized and utilized within the established healthcare system, while the combination of traditional and new techniques does not specifically describe alternative medicine. Lastly, a diagnostic method used in alternative health refers to specific practices within alternative medicine rather than the definition of alternative medicine itself.