Author Description

The wide range of complementary therapies available such as acupuncture, iridology, chiropractry, and reflexology, may be confusing for the consumer. It is often difficult to ascertain whether the therapist is registered with an appropriate body and competent to practice. Patients should be protected against unskilled or unscrupulous practitioners of complementary medicine.This authoritative report from the BMA provides a comprehensive account of the historical background and current practice of complementary medicine in this country. It also gives an overview of parallel developments across Europe and assesses the likely impact of EC legislation on the practice of complementary therapies. Detailed information has been provided by key bodies representing different therapies in a unique BMA survey of their practice, training, research and organization. The book concludes with a positive model of good practice and a series of helpful recommendations to protect the patient from possible harm and maximize the potential benefits of different treatments.