Problems

Complementary medicine

Complementary medicine can play an important part in an individual's health and well-being and should be used to complement traditional medicine rather than a substitute. If you plan on using complementary medicine please be aware that it is all too easy for people to set themselves up as complementary therapists who in reality have little or no training. It is important, therefore, to ensure that any therapist you go to is a member of a recognised body and it is essential to satisfy yourself as to whether they have had correct training and that their qualifications are genuine.

There are people out there who will prey on those who are sick and vulnerable and looking for healing simply to make money for themselves and also therapists who will tell you to ignore medical advice or stop medical treatment which is highly irresponsible and can be extremely dangerous. There are of course many genuine complementary therapists who can provide genuine care and help to complement traditional medicine.

The following organisations may be helpful in offering advice, support and information

Alliance of Registered Homeopaths:
01825 714506
email info@a-r-h.org
www.a-r-h.org

Association of Reflexologists:
01823 351010
www.aor.org.uk
Provides up-to-date information on reflexology. Send a SAE for a list of qualified practitioners in the UK or phone or look on website for practitioners in your area.

British Acupuncture Council:
www.acupuncture.org.uk
To establish the status, maintain a register, regulate the conduct and protect the interests of practitioners of acupuncture, so as to promote and maintain, in the public interest, proper standards for the practice of acupuncture. Acupuncture is a branch of medicine founded upon the principle that health is dependent upon a proper balance of vital energy forces within the body

British Herbal Medicine Association:
0845 6801134
www.bhma.info
To defend the right of the public to choose herbal remedies and to have free access to them, to encourage wider knowledge and recognition of herbal remedies by medical practitioners, to promote high standards of quality and safety in herbal remedies, seeking and collating up to date information, assessing the safety and efficacy of herbal remedies

British Association for Holistic Medicine & Healthcare:
www.bhma.org
To promote an awareness of the holistic approach to health. To foster a balance between body, mind and spirit. To support a wide range of orthodox and complementary methods of intervention, to develop a sense of partnership between doctors and patients, health care workers and patients. Running courses and seminars to encourage self healing. Providing self help tapes

Homeopathy UK
0203 640 5903
https://homeopathy-uk.org/
To spread the knowledge and use of homeopathy among members of the general public, distributing free information packs to enquirers, publishing a directory of homeopathically qualified doctors, dentists pharmacists, podiatrists and vets

British Hypnotherapy Association:
020 8942 3988
www.british-hypnotherapy-association.org
Maintain a register of trained psychotherapists who use hypnotherapy, when appropriate, to aid recall in therapy. Can refer those interested in treatment to competent qualified practitioners on the register

General Council and Register of Naturopaths:
01458 840072
www.naturopathy.org.uk
Maintains a register of trained and qualified naturopaths and exercises control in terms of their ethical practice and professional conduct

The Healing Trust:
01604 603247
www.thehealingtrust.org.uk
To identify potential healers and to encourage and accelerate their development. To provide a national healer referral service to the public

Useful Websites

www.hypnotherapy-directory.org.uk - Information relating to hypnotherapists throughout the UK

www.lifecoach-directory.org.uk  details of life coaches around the country, all have had qualifications checked and are members of associations. 

www.therapy-directory.org.uk
Includes nationwide database of qualified and insured complementary and alternative therapists and detailed library of factsheets featuring various complementary and alternative therapies on offer.