Oriental medicine encompasses many types of alterative healing therapies developed in Asia. These include traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), massage, and herbal medicine, among other practices. Oriental medicine is considered alternative healthcare, and is part of the healthcare industry, which is currently the largest industry in the United States.

Oriental medicine continues to grow in popularity in the West, as more and more people realize that there is more to healthcare than medications and surgery. Increasingly, doctors and patients try to maintain good health to improve quality of life and to prevent sickness. Oriental medicine is based on the belief that the body's energy system, or Qi, must be kept in balance to promote health. Acupuncture, breathing exercises, and chiropractic are among the practices that manipulate the body's nervous system and hormones to relieve pain and feel better overall.

In the U.S., Oriental medicine practitioners work in offices - either in an established practice with other therapists, or in their own office, or in their home office. Some states require or encourage licensure; applicants usually have to complete several years of school and pass a state or national exam to become licensed. In other states, practitioners should consider joining a professional association to demonstrate their professional status. Many Oriental medicine providers are licensed M.D.s that approach primary care or surgery from an alternative healing point of view.

Alternative healthcare practitioners often start out working in an established practice, with partners. This environment allows them to work closely with others, to have a dependable salary, and to gain experience. Many practitioners eventually open their own practice, which may take years to gain profitability. Solo practitioners do earn more, on average, than salaried workers, and they also have more flexibility in how things are run, which is what attracts so many to this option.

Working conditions are usually pleasant, although long periods of standing and dealing with upset patients can be a strain. Solo practitioners devote much of their time to running the office and attracting new patients, which can also be difficult. However, most practitioners experience great pride and joy in their work.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics groups Oriental medicine providers with all workers in "offices of other health practitioners," a label that covers many types of alternative healthcare workers as well as other specialists whose practices are outside of mainstream medicine. These workers earned an average of $15.48/hour in 2002, for an average weekly paycheck of $453. Employment prospects for the field are excellent - a 48.8% increase in job openings for the 2002-2012 period.