Everyone has heard the stories in the news and on the TV; the miracle cures and the life-saving medications, the alternative therapies that offer heart-rending tales of lives saved, and the scary stories of what conventional medicine really does to our bodies.  Alternative medicine, more often than not, comes with glowing testimonials and mind-blowing claims – and usually high price tags too.  It’s easy to get sucked into the hype and with such media whirlwinds, it’s hard to know what to believe.  This is especially true when people get frustrated with traditional doctors and their perceived lack of time or bedside manner.  Patients feel lost and out of control.  But just what are ‘alternative therapies’ anyway?  And where is the harm, if someone wants to try something different?