An interesting article about various alternative treatments in Egpyt:

"The treatments that fall under the category of alternative medicine are many and varied. They range from practices like acupuncture, which has a long tradition of use as well as a certain amount of scientific backing, to more contested ideas such as color therapy and healing with crystals.

However, most fall under the range of what are known as “complementary alternative medicines” (CAM), meaning that they are meant to be taken in conjunction with normal medical treatments, not replace them. All CAM praticitioners stress the importance of going to see a medical professional if surgery required, communicable diseases involved, or when faced with any serious life-threatening illness.

In some parts of the world, “alternative” therapies are not alternative at all, but are either quite conventional or supplement to Western therapies. For example, in China a variety of choices come standard with any visit the hospital. Yang explains, “In China if I am sick I go to the hospital ... where I am asked whether I want a traditional [Chinese] treatment or a Western doctor.” After being tested, the patient can opt for anything from Chinese herbs, acupuncture, acupressure, suction cups or conventional medicine."