From Acupuncture to Vitamins: A guide to alternative therapies

With so many alternatives to conventional medicine, how do you know what works and what's just old-fashioned snake oil? Money Magazine takes a close look.

By Patricia B. Gray, Money Magazine Contributing Writer

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Meditation and Hypnosis

Cost: $100 and up for a hypnosis session; meditation: free to expensive

Covered by insurance: Rarely

Bottom Line: They often work; how often isn't clear

Hypnotherapy is a potent painkiller and an effective way to treat phobias and anxiety. And mental-health professionals are using it to treat addictions.

Hypnosis creates a state of deep relaxation; therapists can induce it or people can learn how to do it themselves. Exactly how it works isn't well understood. Brain-imaging technology is beginning to unlock the mystery.

Meditation is often used in wellness programs and treatment plans for serious ailments. Some scientists speculate meditation boosts the immune system. Federal tests are continuing.

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