A new guide to alternative medicines has been published in a bid to help consumers find safe and reliable treatments.

The 50-page booklet, published by The Prince of Wales’s Foundation for Integrated Health, deals with 16 of the most popular treatments including acupuncture, aromatherapy, and alternative medicine.

The publication stresses that patients should discuss any complementary medical treatments with their GP, as well as including general precautions, points to be aware of before having treatments, and further sources of information, including the internet.

The guide has been part-funded by the Department of Health and has been produced by the Foundation in conjunction with leading UK patient organisations, healthcare professionals and complementary practitioners.

Michael Fox, the Trust’s chief executive, said one in ten people had visited a complementary practitioner in the past year, but added: “However some people are still not telling their doctors they are having complementary treatments, and a large number do not know how to find a reliable practitioner.

“The Foundation has published the guide in order to address some of these issues; it will help to lead people to the right practitioner.”

A government consultation paper outlining regulation for alternative health practitioners was backed by 98.5 per cent of respondents.

The document outlines changes including agreed standards of training and competence for the UK’s 4,000 herbal medicine practitioners and acupuncturists.

Health Minister Lord Warner said: “The existing legislation in this area is weak. It fails to provide patients and the public with adequate protection and does not offer a guide as to the competence of the practitioner.”

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