Originally published October 10 2005
Alternative and complementary therapies come highly recommended in NHS Report
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Based on case studies from three centers in Newcastle, North London and Glastonbury, the NHS report, led by Christopher Smallwood, investigated the five complementary and alternative therapies: Osteopathy, chiropractic, homeopathy, herbal medicine and acupuncture.
COMPLEMENTARY therapies should be much more widely available on the NHS, according to a controversial report commissioned by the Prince of Wales.
The independent study, ordered by Prince Charles nine months ago, called for therapies such as acupuncture and herbal remedies such as echinacea to be made widely available on the NHS, saying that to do so could bring widespread benefits to the nation's health and the wider economy.
The report, led by economist Christopher Smallwood, investigated the "big five" complementary and alternative therapies: osteopathy and chiropractic, acupuncture, homeopathy and herbal medicine.
Based on case studies from three health centres - in Newcastle, Glastonbury and north London - and a comprehensive literature review, it found many patients derived significant benefits from accessing the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, while prescription costs were halved and there was a 30 per cent drop in GP consultations.
The report found that osteopathy, chiropractic and acupuncture can aid those with conditions such as back pain, while herbal medicines helped to ease arthritis, colds, depression and heart and circulatory problems.
However, it said that, while homeopathy was reported as being beneficial for certain conditions including stress and menstrual problems, its overall effectiveness was inconclusive.
It could lead to unproved treatments being integrated into the NHS at the expense of other therapies.
"They told me I wouldn't be able to work for six months, but they offered me treatment such as massage and ultrasound.
HOMEOPATHY is a complementary therapy that treats illnesses with preparations, called remedies, made from plant, mineral, metal and insect sources which have been diluted.
Treatment - which does not involve the use of drugs or surgery - consists of a wide range of manipulative techniques aimed at improving the function of the joints, relieving pain and muscle spasm.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml