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The work of the
RCCM
Dr. John Hughes, Co-chair of the Research Council for Complementary Medicine shares the aims of the organisation…
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HE Research Council for Complementary Medicine (RCCM) is a charity founded in 1983, dedicated to developing high quality research in complementary medicine. Ultimately our vision is to widen the availability of and access to safe and effective complementary therapies for patients within the National Health Service and across the UK, in order to help in preventing disease and improve patients’ health and quality of life. The RCCM does not believe that CAM should replace conventional medical
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HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2022
care, but rather complement it. There is a growing research evidence base that CAM therapies have a valuable and effective role to play in the treatment of many diseases – from yoga, massage and acupuncture to mindfulness and meditation. We’re seeing a shift in the NICE treatment guidelines for many illnesses – especially chronic and lifestyle diseases – that mean CAM is becoming more accepted within the NHS. Indeed, there are holistic therapists and healers working as part of patient care teams in several NHS trusts. Globally, the World Health Organisation has declared the validity of traditional medicines alongside allopathic treatments.
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