Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia
Advertisement

Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine on Rise in Europe

by Hannah Joy on October 20, 2017 at 5:51 PM
Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine on Rise in Europe

Complementary and alternative medicine use in Europe has been outlined in a new and extensive study. The medicine is used for various health problems when conventional medicine seems to be inadequate, reveals a new study.

Headaches, back pain and other vexing conditions have made people turn to alternative forms of treatment. The study revealed that women and those with higher education use complementary and alternative medicine more often than others.

Advertisement


Research data were collected from more than 20 countries, with approximately 40,000 respondents participating in a study conducted in cooperation between the Universities of Helsinki, Tampere and Turku.

Four treatment types were examined: traditional Asian treatments (Chinese medicine, acupuncture, acupressure), alternative medicine (homeopathy, herbal remedies), manual therapies (massage, chiropractic, osteopathy, reflexology), and mind-body therapies (hypnosis and spiritual healing).
Advertisement

Treatments used by one in four

According to the findings, one in four subjects in the study population had used complementary and alternative treatments in the past year. The most commonly used forms of treatment were massage (12%), homeopathy (6%), osteopathy (5%) and herbal remedies (5%). Most subjects had experienced only one treatment form.

"We also found that alternative and complementary medicine was used primarily in a complementary manner, or together with conventional medicine. This should be kept in mind both in practical patient care and public discourse, where these treatments are often framed as an alternative to conventional medicine," says Teemu Kemppainen, a researcher at the University of Helsinki.

Substantial differences between countries in treatment use

The prevalence of treatments varied greatly between the countries in the study. In Germany, nearly 40 percent of the study population had used complementary and alternative forms of treatment, whereas in Hungary the corresponding share was 10 percent. In Finland and Estonia, 35 percent of respondents had used these forms of treatment.

"The differences are partly explained by the fact that in some countries these treatments are covered by insurance. Some countries also train general practitioners in complementary medicine," notes Kemppainen.

The study concentrated on the use of complementary and alternative medicine in Europe. It was published in the Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. The study is based on European Social Survey data (Round 7), collected in 2014.



Source: Eurekalert
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Alternative Medicine News

Ramdev Defends Against Supreme Court Rebuke: Alleges Conspiracy by Doctors
Baba Ramdev challenges Supreme Court accusations, and claims a conspiracy against yoga and Ayurveda. Press conference details and legal implications.
Depression's Hot Seat: How Heated Yoga Melts Symptoms Away
Even with half the prescribed dose, weekly heated yoga reduced depressive symptoms, suggesting its potential benefits.
Rheumatism Relief: Amritadi Churna Shines as an Ayurvedic Healing Option
Amrutadi Churna is a traditional Ayurvedic herbal remedy used to treat arthritis, reveals study.
Traditional Medicine a Priority for Indian Government
Commending India's efforts to advocate for traditional medicines, WHO Director-General expressed optimism on traditional medicines.
Nature's Healing Touch: Harnessing Aloe Vera's Potential
Often overlooked as a simple houseplant, aloe vera holds the key to ancient wisdom, acting as a wonder plant rich in nutrients.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine on Rise in Europe Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests