Complementary and Alternative Medicines: Knowledge in Practice

Until recently, complementary medical knowledge has generally been treated as 'marginal' or 'heterodox' knowledge. However, the rise of complementary medicine within health-care systems has signalled the end of its marginal status. With this have come concerns about how knowledge is generated within complementary therapies; what kind of authority can be accorded to such knowledge; the nature of research agendas; what ideas and skills are central to training and how they are transmitted. This book examines these concerns in relation to a range of healing practices; acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic, reflexology, Chi Kung, herbalism and osteopathy. The contributors to bring sociological, anthropological and practitioner perspectives to the growing debate about the future of complementary medicine.

"This is the kind of book within the fild of complementary medicine that stimulates the reader to consider more objectively no only complementary medicine but also "orthodox" medicine and so become a more thoughtful practitioner." British Journal of General Practice -- British Journal of General Practice

'As a practitoner of aromatherapy I found the book provides an interesting view of the changing attitude of the medical profession to complementary therapies, of the way some therapies have developed to cope with this and the possible future for complementary medicine.' Journal of International Society of Professional Aromatherapists -- Journal of International Society of Professional Aromatherapists

'One of the most insightful, well researched and readable books to have emerged on a subject that has caused much controversy ever since orthodoxy took precedence over "other" forms of medical practice.' Journal of Osteopathic Education and Clinical Practice -- Journal of Osteopathic Education and Clinical Practice