This book looks at the status of orthodox and alternative therapies and practitioners in New Zealand's primary health care. It is a rapidly changing picture, as some alternative therapies may be practiced by general practitioners as well as alternative therapists, and some therapies are no longer "alternative." One theme of the book is that terms such as "science," "unorthodoxy" and "incompetence" have tended to change in meaning over time and place. Some of the challenges to orthodox medicine of the 20th century, such as chiropractic and acupuncture, are now accepted practice. Another theme is the actual and potential limitation of alternative therapeutic practices. The health reforms have led to efforts to develop formulas that will guide the therapeutic actions of medical practitioners, but individual practitioners make their own judgments about patient care. How the delivery of care is regulated and funded are questions that don't go away, and the author looks at possible models before making some concluding remarks.