In general, doctors are more open to the idea of complementary medicine than they used to be, especially if it is ‘integrated’ (i.e. used alongside conventional treatments). However many still have reservations: few of the therapies used have undergone rigorous scientific research and even less are regulated through government legislation.
The division between conventional medicine and complementary therapies has become blurred over the past few years. Some complementary therapies now have well-established uses and are widely accepted in mainstream medicine. For instance, various therapies, including acupuncture and hydrotherapy, are used for pain relief and creative therapies are often employed in psychiatry. Indeed, some conventional health practitioners are now even training in complementary therapy techniques themselves. As a result of this crossover, the term ‘integrated medicine’ is increasingly used to define the application of conventional and complementary treatments as one, complete process.
However, it is important to note that attitudes towards complementary therapies, levels of use and which types are most popular varies from country to country.
