Currently, alternative medicine is highly utilized in the western countries. The public as well as health care practitioners have been paying a considerable attention to alternative medicine.
This rapid growth in alternative medicine in many western countries suggests a high degree of public dissatisfaction with the limitations of orthodox medicine and concern over the side effects of chemical drugs. There is also a widespread recognition of the growing financial, social and personal cost for orthodox medicine. In addition, there is a growing need for as less fragmented, more participative and humane approach compared with contemporary medicine. Alternative medicine, which is based on holistic approach and lead to less expensive health care, may have the potential to play a significant role in overcoming the limitations orthodox medicine in the western country. In this context, this study explores the recent trends of research on alternative medicine in western countries, particularly U.S.A. The study can provide us with valuable information on the types, training and education, utilization, insurance coverage, and regulation of alternative medicine in the western countries, thus offer important policy implications for the improvement of the korean health care system.
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