Positive Health Online

Abstract

CLARKE and colleagues, School of Geography, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK, have researched the process of regulation and professionalization of complementary and alternative medicine in the UK. Abstract: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has seen increasing regulation and professionalization in the UK since the Parliamentary Inquiry in 2000. Professionalization is high on the agenda of CAM professional associations and is driven by concern over the interests of patients and consumers, and in relation to the possible integration of certain forms of CAM into publicly funded healthcare. This paper draws on research into practitioner associations representing nine CAM modalities in the UK: aromatherapy, Chinese herbal medicine, chiropractic, crystal healing, Feng Shui, 'lay' homeopathy, medical homeopathy, osteopathy, and Radionics. The recent wave of professionalization is examined in relation to Foucault's concern with 'techniques of the self.' The contrasting experience of an association of Chinese herbalists seeking statutory self-regulation (SSR) and an association of chiropractors that was instrumental in securing SSR for chiropractic are highlighted.

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References

Clarke DB, Doel MA, Segrott J. No alternative? The regulation and professionalization of complementary and alternative medicine in the United Kingdom. Health & Place 10 (4): 329-338, Dec 2004.