Complementary medicine: evidence base, competence to practice and regulation

Abstract

-This paper describes the current status and evidence base for acupuncture, homeopathy, herbal and manipulative medicine, as well as the regulatory framework within which these therapies are provided. It also explores the present role of the Royal College of Physicians' Subcommittee on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in relation to these developments. A number of CAM professions have encouraged the Royal College of Physicians Subcommittee to act as a reference point for their discussions with the conventional medical profession and the subcomittee believes that they are able to fulfil this function.

The behaviors of seeking a second opinion from other health-care professionals and the utilization of complementary and alternative medicine in gynecologic cancer patients

“…Previous reports had shown that some of the herbal medicine could interact with standard cancer treatments and/or confer adverse effects [6,12,18]. Such effects may be caused by the presence of contaminants in the herbs such as heavy metals or by misidenti- [11]. One of the well-known herbs that could cause herb-drug interaction is St. John's wort.…”

Practical Applications of Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Adults and Youth with Anxiety Disorders

“…However, scientific research on CAM therapies can be difficult due to unique barriers. These include a lack of interest among medical researchers, limited availability of research funds, and difficulties applying conventional research methods to studying alternative therapies [18]. For example, medical researchers often have little scientific interest in acupuncture because its theory depends on non-scientific concepts such as "vital energy".…”

“…Commercial research funds are limited because CAM therapies cannot be patented and do not generate large profits to drive research and marketing. Government research funds are limited because the scientific community remains skeptical of CAM theory and the validity of its methods [18].…”

“…Concepts such as standard treatment for each subject in the study, a placebo control group and the method of double blinding are required for a rigorous study. Each of these concepts is difficult to achieve in many CAM treatments [18]. For example, many CAM therapies treat the unique and particular imbalances of an individual.…”

Complementary and Alternative Medicine: An Academic View

“…CAM therapies propose a new relationship between patients and physicians, a holistic approach [4] to the patient and a re-evaluation of the psychosomatic component that include:…”