Reports from the federation known as TENCAT* state that the popularity of treatments such as homeopathy, reflexology, hypnotherapy, acupuncture, shiatsu massage and traditional Chinese medicine is continuing to rise. However, what is also on the increase is the controversy over their use, regarding both efficacy and regulation.
Whereas conventional medicine is led by a diagnosis from a patient’s symptoms followed by a treatment, complementary and alternative medicine aims to treat the patient as a whole. In alternative medicine, an illness can mean a breakdown of physical and mental wellbeing. Treatment is not necessarily a cure, but aims to stimulate the body’s natural resources and self-healing abilities. A return to natural health methods has seen a rise in people seeking nutritional advice, practising yoga and using massage. Chinese herbal medicines are commonly used as dietary supplements whilst homeopathic remedies are increasingly used to treat the likes of insomnia or stress. Zoe Holden, who practices homeopathy in Barcelona says many people are choosing alternative therapies over conventional medicine in order to treat the cause of their illness. “Patients realise conventional medicine often only offers treatments that suppress symptoms and they are looking for something that works on a deeper level”.
According to Spain’s first credible study on the use of complementary and alternative medicine conducted in 2007 by Cofenat (Profesionales de las Terapias Naturales), it was found that proportionally, CAM is more prevalent in Catalunya than in any other region of Spain, with reflexology, acupuncture and homeopathy topping the list of the most popular treatments. The study also found that women are more likely to use alternative therapies than men, especially within the 35-45 age bracket, and that it is most popular among people financially better off.
Currently the Catalan CAM industry finds its status clouded in uncertainty resulting in growing pressure from certain quarters to increase regulation within the industry. The situation is further complicated by some practices such as acupuncture, naturopathy and osteopathy being regulated (here by the Instituto de Estudios de la Salud de Catalunya), whilst other practices are not.
In 1997, the Código Internacional de Ética para los Profesionales de la Salud was adopted and stipulated that doctors using CAM must inform patients of the importance of continuing their conventional treatment and telling them of the non-conventional nature of the complementary/alternative therapy. It also prevented doctors from using methods that have not been scientifically proven to treat a patient.
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A Serious Alternative article
Posted by Duro Nuri, TaiChi Club Barcelona January 31, 2011 17:21:41