Complementary medicine (sometimes known as alternative therapy) is a method of treatment that focuses on the whole body and largely avoids the use of pharmaceuticals.  The most well-known alternative therapies are acupuncture, osteopathy, chiropractic, homeopathy and herbal medicine, although there are many others, such as hypnotherapy, aromatherapy and massage.

For years complementary medicine was regarded with suspicion by doctors and patients alike, but in the last few years, the popularity of complementary medicine has increased, and it is increasingly used alongside conventional medicine to treat a variety of conditions and ailments.  Osteopathy and chriropractic are now often provided in hospitals, while acupuncture had become popular as a means of pain relief and beating addictions, and hypnotherapy is often recommended for sufferers of stress.

You should always consult your family doctor before embarking on a course of complementary medicine, and you should always ensure that your practioner is a bona fide healthcare provider.  There are a number of complementary medicine associations which regulate this side of the medical industry and which protect both practioners and clients from unethical misuse.  Their websites provide a wealth of information and further links on the subject.

British Complementary Medicine Association
P.O. Box 5122,
Bournemouth BH8 0WG
Tel: 0845 345 5977
Website: www.bcma.co.uk

Complementary Medical Association
The Meridian
142A Greenwich High Rd
London SE10 8NN
Website: www.the-cma.org.uk/

Council for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CCAM)
Suite D, Park House
206/208 Latimer Road
London W10 6RE
Tel: 0208 968 3862

Foundation for Integrated Medicine
12 Chillingworth Road
London N7 8QJ
Tel: 020 7619 6140
Website: http://www.mdheal.org/

Institute for Complementary Medicine (ICM)
PO Box 194
London SE16 7QZ
Tel: 020 7237 5165
Website: www.icmedicine.co.uk

The Research Council for Complementary Medicine
Suite 5
1 Harley Street
London W1G 9QD
Tel: 01440 730901
Website: www.rccm.org.uk/