Complementary therapies in a local healthcare setting. Part1: Is there real public demand?

Is the popularity of complementary therapy just a passing phase? Is it the preferred choice of the minority or is there real public demand? Grampian Local Health Council (UK) tested public opinion in a population survey of a random sample of Grampian residents in April 1993. As well as examining views on complementary therapies in general, the survey questioned people about their use of eight complementary therapies. The aim was to determine awareness of the therapies, their level of use and the reasons people would consider using the therapies. Awareness of all the therapies was high, with almost 1 in 3 of the respondents having already used some form of complementary therapy. Concerns were expressed about qualifications and registration of therapists and the cost of treatment. The reasons why people turn to complementary therapy are complex but the primary reasons are to help with a chronic problem or to help relieve stress.