Complementary medicine is a Holistic approach to medicine that complements that which has been prescribed by traditional and scientific means. For example: Joining a ‘Laughing Circle’ is a form of complementary, holistic medicine to alleviate stress, anxiety and/or depression; that complements medicine in which the doctor has prescribed you. Complementary, being Holistic, takes into consideration the entirety of a person, their: emotional, psychological, physical and spiritual state before a course of treatment is devised. People use the terms Complementary and Holistic medicine interchangeably and rightly so. However there is a subtle difference between the two, this being: Complementary medicine is used in conjunction with, to enhance and complement the use of traditional medicine prescribed by the doctor; whereas Holistic medicine, as a whole, is used as an alternate to traditional means. Complementary IS Holistic; Holistic CAN BE Complementary. Good work.
In the modern world today people are searching for additional ways to complement and strengthen what has been scientifically prescribed by the doctor; people want to maximize their health and well being for the long-term and this comes in the form of Complementary therapies. Complementary therapies however are still ‘taboo’ and not widely offered. Not being evidence-based, according to the science world; Complementary therapies are dismissed, disregarded and not seen as credible. There are very few doctors, health professionals and credited health organizations who believe in and offer Complementary therapies to their patients despite the interest.
The National Health Service of England is an example of an organization who, in general, will not offer its patients Complementary therapies, as there is no evidence that these therapies can treat or cure an ailment. ‘2gether Foundation Trust’ is a specialized branch of the NHS who provide social and mental healthcare to residents in Gloucestershire. The Cheltenham branch also specializes in Substance Abuse and uses Complementary therapies like Indian Head Massage and Acupuncture to aid a client’s ‘detox’ journey. Although it was clear after speaking with staff members, the stigma surrounding Complementary therapies and their effectiveness still exists within certain organizations. Good research.
On the positive, there are people and organizations that not only offer Complementary therapies, but believe in what they are offering as beneficial in treating ailments. For example, MacMillan Cancer Support within England have conducted their own research into Complementary therapies, trialing several therapies and their associated treatments on behalf of and for their members who they support. Results proved that certain therapies were able to help relieve particular cancer symptoms; and certain therapies were able to relieve treatment side effects. Thus Complementary therapies are part of the package of support offered to its members.
Funded research providing an evidence base, recognized by scientists, is what holds back some individuals from utilizing Complementary therapies. However, it is clear from the above three cases, the beginnings of a positive shift for modern society has begun; acknowledging Complementary therapies as valuable and incorporating these into use.

Reflexology is an example of a Complementary therapy available. Reflexology has developed over thousands of years, evolving from basic and varied forms of Hand and Foot Therapy, to what is known as today Modern Reflexology.
One can say its origins started with the early Chinese and Indian Buddhists, around 2500BC, who used the pressure of thumbs and fingers to stimulate energy flow; creating a technique called acupressure. An ancient Chinese text, The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, goes on to document this technique and thus begins the evolution of Reflexology.
The first documented illustrations of reflexology can be dated