There is an ever-growing body of scientific evidence about complementary and alternative treatment, which is an approach to health care that exists outside conventional medicine practiced in the United States.

Complementary medicine is used along with conventional medicine. An example is aromatherapy to help lessen discomfort following surgery. Alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine, such as following a special diet to treat cancer instead of undergoing surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy recommended by a medical doctor.

Treating Anxiety Disorders

The following complementary and alternative practices are currently used to treat anxiety and anxiety disorders:

• Stress and Relaxation Techniques
  Studies have suggested that relaxation may assist in the treatment of phobias or panic disorder. Relaxation techniques have also been used to relieve anxiety for people in stressful situations and they were more effective than no treatment for depression, but not as effective as cognitive-behavioral therapy. Find out more. 
• Yoga
  Yoga, which combines physical postures, breathing exercises, meditation, and a distinct philosophy, is one of the top ten CAM practices.
• Acupuncture
  Evidence for the use of acupuncture – the Chinese practice of inserting needles into the body at specific points to manipulates the body's flow of energy – to treat anxiety disorders is becoming stronger.
• Kava
  A plant found in the South Pacific, kava has been shown to be safe and effective in treating anxiety and improving mood. Prescribed in tablet form, it has also had a positive impact on reducing depression levels. However in 2010 a doctor at Saint Louis University found no evidence that kava extract and other natural treatments were effective in fighting the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Treating Depression

Some people turn to complementary health products and practices for depression, although no complementary approach has proved effective over the long term. Read more about depression and the science behind complementary health practices, including side effects and cautions.

Find Out More

Visit "What Is Complementary and Alternative Medicine?" to learn about the great variety of complementary and alternative treatments. Below are other practices to consider.

• Homeopathic or naturopathic medicine
• St. John’s Wort and Depression: What the Science Says
• Massage therapy
• Art, music, or dance therapy
• Dietary supplements or herbal products
• Meditation, prayer, or pastoral counseling, including mindfulness
• Biofield therapies or bioelectromagnetic-based therapies
• Fibromyalgia and CAM