D.C. The seven categories of alternative medicine, as established by the National Institutes of Health Office of Alternative Medicine, are mind-body interventions, bioelectromagnetic therapies, alternative systems of medical practice, manual healing methods, pharmacologic and biologic treatments, herbal medicine, and diet and nutrition. Mind-body approaches have been shown to be effective in a variety of conditions. Acupuncture and homeopathy are alternative systems of medical practice that may be beneficial. Chiropractic manipulation for low back pain and infant massage for enhancing growth are two methods of manual healing. While the literature on herbal medicine is vast, most of it focuses on a single approach for a specific condition.
Traditional herbalists use a combination of herbs individualized for the specific person.
As more and more people turn to alternative therapies, it is important for family physicians to be open to their patients' interest in alternative approaches. M.D. Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia Chronic pelvic pain in women may involve more than the gynecologic organ systems. Urologic, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal and psychiatric disease processes may be contributing factors, the majority of which can be treated medically. A thorough history and physical examination are often all that is necessary to initiate effective treatment. A multidisciplinary approach to management will recognize the interactive process of the biopsychosocial model that may act to produce chronic pelvic pain.