How Do We Know It Works? Approaches to the Evaluation of Complementary Medicine

Complementary medicine is a term used to cover a vast array of treatment
procedures as wide ranging as aroma therapy, iridology, acupuncture, homeopathy
and osteopathy. It is sometimes known as alternative or even folk medicine. These
complementary therapies exist because people find them helpful. Research must,
therefore, be directed at asking 'Who?' ,. 'What?', and 'How?'. In the following
chapter ways of answering these questions are examined. Emphasis is given to the
need for a variety of different research strategies and tactics. A preliminary outline
of an overall approach which would hold together the strands in a fruitful way is
proposed, based on facet Meta-Theory.
In considering the emerging research prospect for the study of complementary
medical practice it is important to clarify some initial premises. These provide a
framework within which to consider a great variety of research possibilities. They
also point towards areas of study that might not otherwise be apparent.