title: The integration of complementary therapies into conventional medicine focuses primarily upon symptomatic care of the body with scant attention given to any interrelationship of the spirit and mind upon health and well-being.
abstract: We are pleased to continue our series of debates addressing topical issues currently under scrutiny in the field of complementary medicine. In selected issues, two people are invited to argue the case for or against a specific statement. In certain instances the position taken may not necessarily reflect the personal views of the authors. They have been asked to take a specific stance in order to stimulate debate and reflection about particular aspects of complementary and alternative medicine.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, UK.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Trevelyan
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Freshwater
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D019222:Mind-Body Relations, Metaphysical; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009732:Nursing Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D006113:United Kingdom