Power
By practicing alternative techniques that could improve people's health, you have the ability to make a difference in their lives. That is, if you actually help them. When people come to see you for help, do they leave feeling better or are they running back to their M.D. post-haste? Depending on what you do and how you do it, you can definitely make a footprint in the clash between orthodox and unorthodox medicine.
Of course, the only power you'll have is over those who choose to accept it and approach you for treatment. Ambushing people and shoving burning sage in their faces is not going to go over well.