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Alternative Medicine

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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.

Provides consumer and industry information on herbal remedies, homeopathic medicines, Chinese natural medicines, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and more. Includes a Licensed Natural Health Products database and a Natural Health Products Ingredients database.

Provides fact sheets for professionals and consumers on specific vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other dietary supplements.

Browse dietary supplements and herbal remedies to learn about their effectiveness, usual dosage, and drug interactions.

The leading trade association representing dietary supplement and functional food manufacturers and ingredient suppliers.

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.

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

Provides evidence-based information on complementary and alternative medicines. Search for information on supplements, herbs, and alternative therapies. Use the A-Z index to find information on ailment/disease, herb/supplement, or therapy/treatment.

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Recommended Titles

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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.
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