template-data/logo
Content search
AddThis Social Bookmark Button
 
 
Ask the Editor
 
Home Page > Health > Complementary Medicine

Complementary Medicine

aromatherapy.jpgComplementary Medicine - How to Find a Practitioner?
By Jayney Goddard

While most people nowadays realise that complementary medicine and natural health care approaches are of immense use in helping to prevent disease and treat a wide range of ailments, many are put off by simply not knowing how to find a reputable, effective practitioner.  Someone who has a successful track record and is, above all, safe. 

One of the reasons for the confusion is that with the exception of osteopathy and chiropractic, none of the complementary medical disciplines are as yet State Registered.  This means that anyone can set up as a practitioner and they do not, in the eyes of the law, need to be qualified. 

Many members of the public feel that they would be safer seeing a medically qualified practitioner – but this is not necessarily the best option: Because of the popularity of complementary medicine, some doctors jump onto the natural healthcare bandwagon and will take a very short course (some as brief as a weekend) and then claim to be a practitioner, justifying their actions by virtue of having a medical background.  This is an extremely dangerous situation and there have been a few fatalities caused by inexperienced doctors using acupuncture incorrectly.  Interestingly enough, there are no records of fatalities among properly trained, qualified acupuncturists (medical or non-medical) who will have undertaken a lengthy training course. Other complementary medical approaches are also extremely safe.

To ensure your safety, you will need to ascertain what type of complementary medicine will help you.  Think about the type of approach that you like – you’ll have a higher chance of sticking to a treatment programme if you enjoy the treatments.  For example, some people find acupuncture very relaxing as it releases those feel good chemicals, the endorphins. However, if you have a morbid fear of needles this treatment might not be for you even though acupuncture is undoubtedly highly effective.  Think about whether you like to be touched.  If so, massage, reflexology and aromatherapy might be a good option.  If you are more analytical then you could consider homeopathy, or any of the psychotherapies. 

While there are many different approaches that can treat different ailments, it is important to remember that complementary medicine is, by nature, “holistic”.  This means that the practitioner treats you as an individual person and does not just treat “your disease”.  This approach differs from conventional medicine as orthodox doctors treat patients symptomatically and have a philosophy that divides the patient up into “bits”, instead of seeing the person as a “whole”.  Complementary medicine takes into consideration all the person’s symptoms; physically, emotionally and mentally and treats the underlying cause of disease, thus stimulating the body’s natural healing capabilities.

When you approach a practitioner for an appointment you need to ask the following questions:

· What do they do?  What is the nature of the treatment?
· What is their success rate?
· Are they insured?  With whom and to what level?
· Where did they train? For how long?
· Are they a member of a professional membership body i.e. the Complementary Medical Association?
· Do they have to undertake any “Continuing Professional Development”? (This ensures that the practitioner is completely up to date with all the latest trends and techniques in their branch of complementary medicine.)
· How much does the treatment cost and how often will you need to attend.  Beware of any practitioner who tries to tie you into a lengthy course of expensive treatment.

Although many of these questions seem overly “personal” and maybe a bit “rude”, a professional practitioner will be only too pleased to answer any queries you may have.  After all, in order to qualify as a practitioner they have had to invest a great deal of time, effort and money into their training and will be justifiably proud of their qualifications.

About the Author:
Jayney Goddard is considered to be one of the world’s leading experts in complementary medicine.  She is President of The Complementary Medical Association and is also a fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine.  A popular writer and broadcaster, Jayney has written best-selling books including, The Survivor’s Guide to Bird Flu: The Complementary Medical Approach and she is the Editor in Chief of Complementary and Alternative Health: The Scientific Verdict on What Really Works, published by Collins.
Contact details: Email Admin@The-CMA.Org.UK , http://www.the-cma.org.uk/default.aspx?id=3835  Telephone 0845 129 8434


 
Copyright © WOMENS EVERYTHING 2008 Advertise | | Privacy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap Web design by 7Soft.co.uk