Chinese herbal treatments were reportedly effective for certain ailments. The thing is, given our modern understanding of chemistry we can isolate these compounds and strengthen them, making the whole "natural" route unnecessary and substandard. We also find that there are many more synthetic chemicals that can treat diseases far better than concentrated herbal extracts.

It's worth noting that many physicians put preventative medicine (basically diet and exercise) under "alternative medicine" because they do not see these as conducive to health. There are two problems with this. The first, and most important, is that a great deal of ailments today are a result of long-term undernourishment and/or a sedentary lifestyle. True, much of it determined (influenced, rather) by genetics, but with aggressive preventative measures a number of genetically linked afflictions can be avoided or at least put off.

Crystals and abstract energies - no. No basis, and a good deal of proof against it, which is the important part. Homeopathy is explained pretty well on this website: http://www.howdoeshomeopathywork.com/

Ayurvedic medicine incorporates both herbal treatments and various meditation practices. These are useful to some degree, but not often to the extent that they are advertised.

It helps to have context in regards to what you're asking. Are you expecting any of these methods to treat cancer or diabetes? Because for less serious diseases, you actually can have some measured affect by meditating regularly. Of course, you don't need to call it meditation because the basic idea is just chill the fuck out once in a while. Which will reduce cortisol and other stress hormones in your circulation and have an overall positive effect on your immune system, your psychological well being, in some cases your GI tract.

If you want to make small changes in your life or experiment with CHEAP supplements or meditation classes, go for it. But if you have any serious diseases, you already know what to expect. Not much.