“Eye of newt” and “toe of frog” conjure up images of witches and magic potions. Yet many of today’s complementary and alternative therapies can seem just as odd. Don’t be put off — some of them work!

What is complementary and alternative medicine? Perhaps the most helpful way to think about alternative medicine is that it describes practices that are used in place of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine means using alternative practices in addition to accepted Western or mainstream medical interventions. Your doctor, for instance, might recommend aromatherapy to lessen discomfort after surgery. Many people use both terms together in the phrase “complementary and alternative medicine,” or CAM.

So what practices fall under the alternative and/or complementary heading? Here’s a quick rundown of a few categories.

Alternative medical systems

With roots in Western or non-Western cultures, these systems are based on theories and practices that have developed apart from conventional allopathic (M.D. degree) or osteopathic (D.O. degree) medicine.

● Ayurveda. This healing system traces its roots back more than 5,000 years to ancient India. Practitioners of Ayurveda believe internal imbalances creating ill health may be corrected with dietary changes, various exercises (including yoga), therapeutic breathing, meditation and herbal remedies.

● Traditional Chinese medicine. Eastern healing philosophy views illness as arising from internal sources — namely, disruption of the body’s internal energy flow, or Qi (say: “chee”). Practitioners use many modalities, including plant- or animal-based compounds, massage, acupuncture and dietary changes.

● Homeopathy. Homeopathy bases much of its healing philosophy on 2 principles: the Law of Similars (“like” curing “like”) and the Law of Infinitesimals (the smaller the dose, the more powerful the compound). Treatment involves different approaches for different personality and body types.

● Naturopathy. Naturopathy blends lifestyle elements, such as nutrition, exercise and stress reduction, with either plant-based medicines or homeopathic remedies and musculoskeletal manipulation.

Herbal and other ‘natural’ products

Research has shown some botanical products may be helpful for certain health issues. But keep in mind that because these products are considered dietary supplements, they’re not regulated as medicines.

Also, herbal and vitamin supplements can interfere with other medications. So it’s important to tell your family doctor about all the health products you take, whether prescription or over-the-counter.

Manipulative therapies

Manipulative practices, such as therapeutic massage, are based on the concept that health and wellbeing can be restored by adjusting various musculoskeletal structures. Chiropractic therapy employs hands-on manipulation, primarily of the spine, to alleviate functional disorders. Doctors of osteopathy may do manipulation in addition to providing conventional medical therapy.