Health encyclopaedia

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Complementary therapies

There are many different kinds of complementary therapies, some of which are available through the NHS. If you would like alternative therapy through the NHS, you will need to be referred by a doctor, usually your GP.  At present, over 40% of GPs provide access to alternative or complementary therapies.

Complementary therapies are usually used together with modern western medicine, or when traditional treatments have been unsuccessful.  They should not be used instead of advice from your GP or specialist, but rather as an extra aid.

Complementary therapies are becoming increasingly common in the UK.  As many as one third of people in the UK have tried at least one form of complementary therapy, usually for persistent and chronic problems such as backache or arthritis.  Only chiropractors and osteopaths are regulated by acts of parliament.

• What is it used for?
• Side effects
• Cautions
• Advantages
• Disadvantages
• How does it work?

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