There is a difference between complementary healthcare and alternative medicine. Complementary healthcare is usually used alongside conventional medicine and treatment. Alternative is usually used instead of conventional medicine.
This in depth research report below covers the use of both complementary and alternative medicines within Europe and it is very interesting to see a detailed study breakdown of the countries, treatments and reasons associated with the active use of complementary and alternative medicines.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5989251/
In Europe, Germany is the leading country of alternative medicine, in fact, Germany was the birthplace of homeopathy. CAM treatments (complementary & alternative medicines), are also prevalent in all the Scandinavian countries, Switzerland, Austria and Finland. Interestingly enough, these countries have an excellent quality of life and Denmark has been reported to have one of the happiest societies in the world. This is most likely due to various political, social, and economic factors, but if it’s citizens favour a more empowering and preventative approach, surely this mindset contributes to their happiness and approach to life in some shape of form. India of course birthed Ayurveda, and China is re-known for its acupuncture treatments. Other countries in East Asia, like Japan, Korea and Vietnam also practice alternative and complementary treatments.
Of course, at times, there is a time and place for conventional treatment, and everybody must choose what is right for them. But this article is to show that there are other options out there when you feel like you would like to address/relieve the whole picture of your health and well-being and identify if your illness is linked to another issue within your mind, body, or emotions.
Sometimes, the simpler the better- so it also important to note, that whilst some treatments like homeopathy and so on may be a little more expensive, it is not necessary to pay a fortune for a preventative approach. More often than not such companies are in it for purely monetary purposes and recycling ancient wisdom that could have been passed on in a simpler fashion and for free. Such knowledge lies in communities that are not individualistic. The key is to make an educated decision when you choose a treatment or an approach.
Natural Intentions 