What are alternative therapies?

Jess stood next to a bottle of medicationComplementary and alternative medicine is defined as "diagnosis, treatment and/or prevention which complements mainstream medicine by contributing to a common whole, by satisfying a demand not met by orthodoxy or by diversifying the conceptual frameworks of medicine." It comprises a confusingly large and heterogeneous array of techniques, with both therapeutic and diagnostic approaches.

Complementary and alternative medicine is popular

A recent telephone survey on the use of complementary and alternative medicine in the United Kingdom yielded a one year prevalence of 20%.14 Herbalism, aromatherapy, homoeopathy, acupuncture, massage, and reflexology were among the most popular. This level of use may seem impressive but, compared with other countries, it is low (figure). National differences are difficult to interpret. To some they indicate that in the United Kingdom complementary and alternative medicine will grow to match its popularity in Germany or France, where, contrary to the United Kingdom, it is mostly practised by medically trained doctors.

Motivations for trying complementary and alternative medicine

Positive motivations

Perceived effectiveness

Perceived safety

Philosophical congruence: "Zeitgeist"; spiritual dimension; emphasis on holism; embracing all things natural; active role of patient; explanations intuitively acceptable

Control over treatment

"High touch, low tech"

Good patient/therapist relationship: enough time available; on equal terms; emotional factors; empathy

Non-invasive nature

Accessibility

Pleasant therapeutic experience

Affluence



Negative motivations


Dissatisfaction with (some aspects of) conventional health care: ineffective for certain conditions; serious adverse effects; poor doctor-patient relationship; insufficient time with doctor; waiting lists; "high tech, low touch"

Rejection of science and technology

Rejection of "the establishment"

For more information

www.chisuk.org.uk/

 Alternative Logo from the website
 

Further information