Complementary medicine and disability

Part 1 Introduction to complementary medicine: different types of complementary medicine; a brief introduction to the therapies; complementary healthcare does not replace orthodox medicine; how complementary healthcare is practised; self-help or professional help?; does it work? Part 2 How complementary healthcare can help people with disabilities: complementary medicine and disabling disease; complementary healthcare has other advantages; what are the disadvantages of complementary healthcare? Part 3 What to expect from complementary healthcare; miracle cures?; specific and non-specific effects of complementary healthcare; complementary healthcare is not always successful; the effects of medical characteristics. Part 4 How to decide on complementary healthcare: which therapies are safe and effective?; how do I find a reputable practitioner?; personal preference in decisions about complementary healthcare; group situations; deciding on a programme of healthcare; combining therapies. Part 5 The therapies: help on where to look for information on specific disabilites and health problems of disability; touch therapies - massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, healing; oriental medicine - acupuncture, shiatsu; structural techniques - osteopathy and chiropractic, rolfing; functional techniques - the Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais; movement and stillness : the desciplines - meditation, relaxation and creative visualization, yoga and tai chi; orally taken remedies - homeopathy; herbal medicine, nutrition; other therapies - counselling, hypnotherapy, miscellaneous. Part 6 Self-help: diet and nutrition; orally taken remedies - homoeopathy, Bach flower remedies; biochemic tissue salts; folk and herbal remedies; aromatherapy; relaxation, meditation, yoga and tai chi; do-it-yourself psychotherapy. Part 7 What happens in complementary healthcare: you, your doctor and your complementary practitioner - how best to liaise; your relationship with your complementary practitioner; what can go wrong or cause difficulties in complementary healthcare. Part 8 Other disabilities: children with special needs; learning disability in older children and adults; physical disabilities not covered in main text. Appendices: funding complementary healthcare; adverse reactions and contraindications of complementary therapies; information for disability professionals considering using complementary therapies in a disability setting; information for complementary practitioners interested in working with disabled people; other organizations including those outside the UK.