How alternative medicine works

GPs look at each patient as an individual and try to decide which treatment would complement the help they are already giving him or her. That requires finding first the root cause of the problem.

For instance, a patient with insomnia might have counselling to see if there is an emotional problem, and have prescribed a homeopathic sleep remedy or aromatherapy to relax them. Eczema could be treated with homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine or by a dermatologist.

If someone has a bad back, then osteopathy, sports massage or Pilates may be recommended. One problem Tim Evans and his GPs will not attempt to prescribe drugs for - a consequence of the Thalidomide disaster - is morning sickness. Instead, they are likely to suggest acupuncture, traditional remedies such as ginger, or nutritional advice about what to eat to prevent it.