An agency within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) established by an Act of Congress in 1991. Its purpose is to evaluate the efficacy of alternative treatments which are currently outside the mainstream of medicine, that is, treatments not taught in medical school. Many alternative therapies are provided and promoted by individuals other than physicians. Among alternative therapies are biofeedback (in some circumstances), mind-body interactions, herbal therapy, acupuncture, and manual healing. All of these examples are already under investigation by various Institutes of NIH. It is proposed by some that OAM, be transferred to the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, which has responsibility for clinical evaluation, while the NIH mission is basic scientific research.