Abstract
The use of alternative therapies to manage injury and disease is not new. It is estimated that 80% of the world population uses some sort of alternative therapy to manage their health. Thirty-six percent of adults older than 18 years in the United States have utilized such alternative and complementary practices as vitamin and herbal therapy, chiropractic, massage, and meditation to handle acute and chronic illnesses. Emergency nurses, physicians, and emergency medical services personnel must be aware of what these practices are and what potential adverse interactions may occur when unconventional emergency medicine is used. In addition, emergency care providers must learn to respect that there is a place for all types of healthcare in emergency practice.