Our alternative medicine quiz will test your knowledge on this growing and changing field. Take a quiz on alternative medicine treatments at HowStuffWorks.
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Question 2 of 21
Which alternative medicine practice uses dogs and cobras to ease stress and cut anxiety?
homeopathy
yoga
meditation
guided Imagery
...
Well, it's not like they come to class -- but the classic dog and cobra poses do play an important role in a wide variety of yoga classes, from Hatha to Vinsaya.
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Question 3 of 21
Where did the alternative medicine practice of homeopathy originate?
Germany
India
France
China
...
The practice was developed in Germany, and soon spread to the U.S.
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Question 4 of 21
Which of the following alternative treatment methods may help smokers quit?
Ayuverda
spinal manipulation
homeopathy
hypnosis
...
Hypnosis is shown to effectively help patients modify behavior, including smoking.
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Question 5 of 21
Which alternative treatment can help stroke victims relearn daily activities?
guided imagery
massage
acupuncture
yoga
...
Visualizing an activity produces an effect on brain waves that's similar to actually performing the activity.
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Question 6 of 21
What activity is often known as "meditation in motion?"
hypnosis
tai chi
jogging
spinal manipulation
...
The ancient practice of tai chi combines meditation, yoga and martial arts to ease stress and strengthen the body.
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Question 7 of 21
Which treatment provides the benefits of accupuncture without the use of needles?
massage
acupressure
meditation
hypnosis
...
Acupressure involves gentle massage of specified pressure points to stimulate and redirect qi.
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Question 8 of 21
How many different points can accupuncturists use when needling a patient?
400
100
14
40
...
These 400 points, or meridians, provide a direct path to energy channels in the body.
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Question 9 of 21
What is the most popular form of alternative medicine in the U.S.?
yoga
meditation
football
herbal supplements
...
One out of 5 adults relies on some form of herbal remedy on a regular basis.
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Question 10 of 21
Which of the following supplements may help reduce the risk of heart diease and ease the effects of depression?
vitamin C
fish oil
dandelion root
grapefuit extract
...
According to the NIH, the benefits of fish oil have been well established in numerous clinical studies.
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Question 11 of 21
What alternative medicine practice shows promise to treat back pain and repetitive motion disorders in the workplace?
Ayuverda
Reiki
homeopathy
hypnosis
...
Reiki therapists help patients adjust the way they move to prevent and treat pain.
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Question 12 of 21
Which of the following is NOT part of Ayurverdic treatment?
herbs
jogging
yoga
meditation
...
Millions in India still follow the ancient practice of Ayurveda, but if you see them jogging, it's not part of that traditional wellness plan.
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Question 13 of 21
Which alternative medicine treatment shows promise in slowing the progression of HIV?
massage
Ayuverda
herbal medicine
acupuncture
...
The University of Miami found that massage therapy improves immune system performance in young HIV patients.
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Question 14 of 21
What life energy does Ayuverda promise to bring into balance?
chi
qi
yang
prana
...
The Indian prana shares many features with the Chinese qi.
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Question 15 of 21
Can magnetic bracelets ease arthritis pain in wrists, elbows and knees?
yes
no
only if worn in the sun
...
Electromagnetic therapy shows some promise, but there is no evidence to support the use of static magnets to manage pain.
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Question 16 of 21
Are herbal remedies safer than standard prescription drugs?
yes
no
only if purchased at licensed nutrition stores
...
Most herbal remedies are unregulated, and some pose serious health risks.
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Question 17 of 21
What alternative treatment method uses essential oils as the basis for improving a person's health?
Ayuverda
aromatherapy
spinal manipulation
hypnosis
...
Despite claims, little to no evidence exists to support the use of aromatherapy as a form of medical care.
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Question 18 of 21
Approximately how many people in the U.S. have tried acupuncture?
3 million
1 million
30 million
10 million
...
Approximately 3 million Americans have tried it, but as evidence grows to support this practice, more patients may turn to needling for pain relief and other conditions.
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Question 19 of 21
Which country developed the ancient art of needling, or acupuncture?
Germany
Japan
India
China
...
The Chinese have relied on acupuncture and herbal remedies for thousands of years.
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Question 20 of 21
What term is used to describe practitioners who focus on spinal manipulation?
physician
acupuncturist
spineologist
chiropractor
...
Chiropractors relieve back and neck pain in some patients, although evidence for other benefits is limited.
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Question 21 of 21
How many people in the U.S. practice some form of alternative medicine?
20 percent
40 percent
10 percent
50 percent
...
Most of the 40 percent who use alternative medicine and herbal supplements do so in addition to Western medical techniques.
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