Infographic: A Guide to Complementary and Alternative Therapies and Medicine

Prior to the rise of scientific medicine in the 19th century, herbal medicine was prescribed regularly. In the 19th century, scientists began to discover methods of isolating and synthesising the active ingredients in plant based medicine, which led to the birth of the pharmaceutical industry. These advances led to marginalisation of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Western countries. However, throughout the 1960s and 70s, a number of factors began to influence a change with regard to CAM.

A number of high profile medical tragedies caused people to question biomedicine. A countercultural trend increased interest in Eastern practices such as meditation. Many wanted more control over their own health, and interest in CAM increased. Initially, conventional medicine was given preference by governments and biomedical companies, with regard to testing and investment. However, in the past 20 years there has been an increase in clinical exploration on CAM.

This infographic aims to increase awareness on the benefits of Complementary medicine and looks at some of the treatments that can be used to aid pain relief in chronic pain sufferers and those looking to rehabilitate from injury or illness. Please visit our blog series on Alternative Therapies for CRPS and persistent pain for more detailed information.