Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2nd Ed

Much has happened since the first edition of this book appeared in 2002. Despite the continuing paucity of robust scientific evidence to support most of its constituent therapies, complementary and alternative medicine
(CAM) remains popular with clients who appreciate the holistic approach and have a belief in its effectiveness. Some elements of CAM such as aromatherapy and herbalism have acquired a more dedicated following, whereas others including homeopathy have been subjected to a campaign of scepticism in the UK in recent years, resulting in a reduction in the services available under the country’s National Health Service. Interest in traditional medicine, in particular Chinese and Indian medicine has increased both by the arrival of immigrants, making it important for health providers to have some knowledge of the principles and treatments involved, and by host communities, resulting in the opening of Chinese herbal medicine shops on the high streets of British cities.

Among healthcare providers there is an increasing realisation that CAM is here to stay and must at least be acknowledged as a credible option in appropriate circumstances. The concept of integrative medicine
is gaining ground. As statutory control of practitioners in many CAM therapies and licensing of medicines becomes established full recognition must surely follow.

This second edition has been reorganised and expanded with three important new chapters covering integrative medicine, pharmacovigilance and the marketing of CAM products in the USA. I am grateful to three highly experienced colleagues from New Zealand and the USA for agreeing to contribute to these chapters, thus strengthening the content. The book also provides an introduction to a much wider range of CAM therapies. It is divided into four parts:
1. The first part serves as an introduction and deals with the concepts that underpin CAM practice
2. The second part looks at therapies that generally, but not exclusively, involve the use of medicines after a consultation or through self-treatment
3. The third part gives information on traditional medicine
4. The fourth part covers a range of other therapies and diagnostic procedures.

An abbreviated FASTtrack version of this book, covering the major topics and providing self-assessment exercises, was also published by the Pharmaceutical Press in 2008. It has been designed as a resource to assist students preparing for examinations
Steven B Kayne
Glasgow, August 2008
steven.kayne@nhs.net

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