Alternative Medicine
In British Columbia, there are 25 regulated health professions, each of which is governed by one of the 18 regulatory colleges recognized under provincial legislation such as the Health Professions Act. This ensures that health professionals across BC operate according to a common regulatory framework and set of legal obligations when it comes to patient care. Be aware that non-regulated alternative medicine fields (homeopaths, nutritionists, reiki practitioners, etc.) do not offer these protections. Even when it comes to regulated fields, it is generally a good idea to look up individual practitioners to confirm that they are registered with their profession's regulatory college; this isn't just important for your own personal safety, but is often a requirement for extended health coverage eligibility.
Regulated Professions
Use the resources below to learn more about regulated alternative medicine professions in BC as well as to find local practitioners or confirm that an individual practitioner is registered with the appropriate regulatory college.
Non-Regulated Professions
There are many associations across Canada that can help point you towards local practitioners of and resources for alternative medicines. Note that these practices are not regulated in BC and so do not offer the same legal protection with respect to quality of care. Some examples are listed below.
Natural Health Products
Natural health products (NHPs) include probiotics, herbal remedies, vitamin and mineral supplements, homeopathic cures, and traditional medines. These products are regulated in Canada under the Natural Health Products Regulations, which specifies that NHPs must be safe to use without a prescription, but does not require that they meet any particular standard of effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an effective herbal remedy for depression?
- Try searching Health Topics A-Z from the National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health.
I am looking for scientific evidence for the efficacy of a herb I am taking.
- The Mayo Clinic's Patient Care and Health Information portal is a good starting point for finding current medical research.
Will a recommended supplement interact with the prescription I am currently on?
- Speak to a pharmacist - they have training in interactions between herbal and prescription drugs. You can also consult the Drugs Interaction Checker.
What is acupuncture good for and is there scientific evidence it works?
- Go to Reference Shelf for access to the Salem Health Complementary & Alternative Medicine manual.
I'd like to learn more about aromatherapy and its relationship to health.
- Go to Gale Ebooks for access to the Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine.
Useful Websites
Digital Library Resources
Recommended Titles
The Chinese Medicine Bible
615.88 O27c
2011
This guide explains the principles of holistic medicine, including the five element theory, what causes illness, diagnostic tools, treatments and self-help techniques.
The Essential Herbal for Natural Health
615.32 B43e
2012
Learn simple remedies and recipes for easy-to-find herbs.
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies
615.503 S53i2
2018
This is an illustrated reference text encompassing a range of alternative medicines.
Healing with Whole Foods
615.854 P68h2
2002
Used as a reference by students of acupuncture, Healing with Whole Foods is an invaluable guide to the theory and practice of Chinese medicine.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database
615.3205 N28
2010
Includes information, including drug interactions for dietary supplements, materia medica, vegetable, herbs, medicinal plants.
PDR for Herbal Medicines
615.32 P11a3 Central Ref. Resources
2007
Provides information on scientific and common names, characteristics, active compounds, clinical effects, indications, usage, clinical research, precautions, interactions, and dosage for over seven hundred herbs.
Prescription Alternatives
615.535 M66p3
2009
Hundreds of safe, natural, prescription-free remedies to restore and maintain your health.
Natural Standard Herb & Supplement Guide: An Evidence-based Reference
615.32 N285u
2010
This is a comprehensive reference text that includes an evidence-based, scientific grade that notes whether the herb or supplement has "strong scientific evidence" (grade A) to "strong negative science evidence" (grade F).