Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Arthritis

An Information Booklet

Please note: Research into complementary and alternative therapies is continuing all the time. arc has published a detailed authoritative report on these therapies for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. Please click here for details.

What is complementary and alternative medicine?

Complementary and alternative medicine refers to a wide range of therapies and practices which are outside the mainstream of medicine. Complementary medicine uses therapies which work alongside conventional medicine. Alternative medicine includes treatments which are not currently considered part of evidence-based Western medicine. As research continues some of these treatments may become more recognized. The distinction between alternative and complementary medicine or therapies is not absolute. For this reason, the term 'complementary and alternative medicine' (or CAM) is now widely used to include both approaches. 'Integrated' medicine means that conventional, complementary and alternative therapies are brought together at the same place.

Whatever the precise definition, the therapies are popular with people who suffer from arthritis or other aches and pains: over 60% of people with these conditions have used some form of complementary and alternative medicine.

This booklet describes the complementary and alternative therapies most widely used. We define each of them and explain what the treatment consists of, the sorts of conditions they might help with, the potential risks, and how to find a reliable practitioner. We have divided them into the major therapies, which are widely used and whose effects are supported by some scientific evidence (acupuncture, diet and nutritional supplements, herbal medicine, homoeopathy, magnet therapy, manipulative therapies – chiropractic, osteopathy and manual medicine – relaxation and hypnosis), and some other therapies (Alexander technique, aromatherapy, copper bracelets, healing and massage) often found helpful by people with arthritis. We hope the booklet will help you decide whether complementary and alternative therapies could help you.

Complementary and alternative therapists

There are two main groups of complementary and alternative therapists: those who are legally registered and those who are not. Osteopaths and chiropractors are legally recognized professionals just like doctors, nurses and physiotherapists. This means their training is regulated by a body set up by the government; they must be insured and they can be struck off and prevented from practising if they are incompetent or unethical. Herbalists and acupuncturists are in the process of becoming legally registered. In addition, growing numbers of health professionals such as doctors, nurses and physiotherapists use various kinds of complementary and alternative medicine, including acupuncture, homoeopathy, manipulation and aromatherapy.

But many other complementary and alternative therapists are not legally registered (even if they describe themselves as 'registered'). Many such therapists are good, but it is difficult to be certain. If you consult such a practitioner, he or she should:

• have an agreed code of ethics
• be insured in case something goes wrong with your treatment
• be a member of an organization that promotes self-regulation and does not make unreasonable claims about their treatments.

There is a list of appropriate organizations and their addresses at the end of this booklet. A new independent self-regulatory body for complementary therapies, the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), was set up in 2008. It will be possible to find a registered therapist from this body.

If you use complementary and alternative medicine, it is important that you discuss this with your doctor and health care team and do not suddenly stop your conventional medicine. You should be suspicious of any complementary and alternative medicine practitioner who advises you to do so.

Why do people use complementary and alternative therapies?

The rapid growth of complementary and alternative medicine suggests that some people are not fully satisfied with conventional medicine. This may be because their symptoms are not fully controlled by conventional medicine or perhaps be due to a desire to use treatments that are more natural and 'self-empowering' (meaning feeling more in control). A recent Department of Health study found that the commonest reason that people consult complementary and alternative therapists was persistent pain. This is a problem which conventional medicine finds difficult to manage. But concern about the side-effects of ever more potent drugs is another important factor motivating people to use complementary and alternative medicine treatments.

What are the main differences between complementary and alternative medicine and conventional medicine?

Complementary and alternative medicine includes therapies from very diverse historical and cultural backgrounds; however they do share a common view of health and wellness and tend to be 'holistic', i.e. they treat the whole person, not just the symptoms of a disease. It is believed that wellness comes from a balance between the body, mind and the environment. Each person is treated as a unique individual who has his or her own particular make-up, is subject to a unique combination of stresses, lives in a unique environment, and has his or her own healing mechanisms to recover from illness. Many forms of complementary and alternative medicine aim to stimulate or enable the body's ability to heal itself.

Many complementary and alternative therapies require the individual's active participation in the treatment. The holistic approach of complementary and alternative therapies usually requires more 'lifestyle' changes (i.e. diet, exercise and positive thinking) than conventional treatments. This may be a key to their continuing success with those who have tried them. Just as their nature and origins are diverse, the ways in which complementary and alternative therapies are thought to work are diverse, although many are based on the idea of self-healing.

Conventional medicine researches and tries to understand and correct the underlying abnormalities which cause the disease. In many instances the underlying abnormalities are not fully understood. However, there have been major advances, especially in rheumatoid arthritis, in recent years, with much of the research being funded by the Arthritis Research Campaign (arc). Conventional medicine is often criticized for treating the disease and not the individual, requiring the patient to accept the diagnosis and treatment. It may be due to the influence of complementary and alternative medicine, but conventional medicine is increasingly recognizing the importance of the patient's involvement and choice in their treatment.

Both conventional medicine and complementary and alternative therapies emphasize the quality of the relationship between the practitioner and the person being treated. A good relationship is essential for a successful outcome. Frequently, both conventional and complementary and alternative medicine approaches are used and may help somebody with arthritis by working through different mechanisms.

Do complementary and alternative therapies really work? Are they safe?

Because complementary and alternative therapies are such a mixed bag, it is not possible to generalize about whether they work or not, and of course it depends exactly what you mean by 'work': does 'work' mean it makes you feel better, or that it has an effect on your condition, and compared to what? We briefly discuss the effectiveness of the main complementary and alternative therapies below.

Safety is very important to people who use complementary and alternative therapies. Many turn to complementary and alternative medicine because they have suffered side-effects from conventional treatment. It is difficult to generalize, but generally speaking complementary and alternative therapies are relatively safe, although you should always discuss their use with your doctor before embarking on treatment. There are some risks associated with specific therapies. For instance, infectious diseases can be transmitted by acupuncture needles, which can be avoided if single-use needles are used for each treatment. A number of herbal therapies may be associated with significant side-effects: for instance Echinacea may cause rashes, and St John's wort may interact with other drugs (for example warfarin, where the dose of warfarin may need to be changed) or with the contraceptive pill, which may stop working and so an alternative means of contraception should be used. Some natural therapies such as natural hormone replacement therapy (HRT) contain plant oestrogens which may cause irregular menstrual bleeding. There are some reports of the wrong or contaminated herbs being used in herbal mixtures and causing serious side-effects. In many cases the risks associated with complementary and alternative therapies are associated more with the therapist than the therapy – for instance a trained acupuncturist would never reuse needles, and a trained herbalist will be aware of the possible risks.

The main complementary and alternative therapies for arthritis

First we discuss the complementary and alternative therapies which are widely used and where there is some research supporting their effectiveness in the treatment of arthritis.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles at particular points in the skin. The needles may be stimulated manually, by heat (with a dried herb called moxa) or by a small electrical current (electroacupuncture). The needles are very fine, so having them inserted is rarely painful. Sometimes a sensation of heaviness or tingling may be felt at the insertion site, and this is considered a good sign.

First used in China over 2000 years ago, acupuncture is now widely used in physiotherapy and pain relief. There are two main forms of acupuncture: traditional Chinese and modern Western acupuncture.

• Traditional acupuncture is based on Chinese philosophy; the needles are inserted in 'meridians' – imaginary lines running round the body.
• Western acupuncture is less theoretical and usually involves a smaller number of needles, often inserted close to the painful part.

Acupuncture seems to relieve pain by diverting or changing the painful sensations which are sent to the brain from damaged tissues and by stimulating the body's own pain-relieving hormones (endorphins and encephalins). This pain-relieving effect may only last a short time at the beginning, but repeated treatment (usually weekly for 6 or 8 sessions) can bring long-term benefit, often for 6–9 months or longer. If the pain returns, then some more acupuncture may help for another few months.

As with all treatments to relieve pain (including physiotherapy and painkilling drugs), breaking the 'pain cycle' sometimes gives permanent relief. To some extent, this depends on the stage of your arthritis, although acupuncture can help at almost any stage of the illness. As with many conventional treatments, it cannot cure or reverse the process of arthritis.

Acupuncture generally has a very good safety record, but there are certain risks. It can transmit diseases if single-use needles are not employed every time. It occasionally causes bleeding, and very rarely internal organs may be punctured, including the lung (causing collapse of the lung, known as pneumothorax). Much more common is short-lived dizziness or faintness after treatment.

Acupuncture may help people who cannot tolerate drugs get through a painful episode, or it may be used to manage pain on a long-term basis. Acupuncture is widely accepted as being an effective treatment for pain, and there is now clear scientific evidence that it works for conditions such as osteoarthritis of the knees and low back pain.

Some therapies related to acupuncture involve pressure on acupuncture points, but without piercing the skin with needles: these include acupressure and shiatsu. Reflexology is similar but uses pressure on the feet only.

Diet and nutritional supplements

A good diet is essential for health, and many complementary and alternative therapists advise on diet. Diets can help many people with arthritis, both inflammatory and osteoarthritis. The most important thing for many overweight people who suffer from arthritis of the weight-bearing joints (back, hips, knees, ankles and feet) is to lose weight (see arc booklet 'Diet and Arthritis'.) A Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruit and vegetables, oily fish, nuts, seeds and olive oil with reduced amounts of red meat may help in the control of rheumatoid arthritis as well as reducing the risk of heart disease.

Food and food supplements for arthritis

As indicated above, a well-balanced diet is essential for health. At least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day are advised for good health. This will help ensure that you obtain recommended daily allowances of essential nutrients for your health, including vitamin C and iron (see arc booklet 'Diet and Arthritis').

The omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids EPA and DHA (eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids) found particularly in oily fish can be helpful for inflammatory arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis, reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, but not gout). If you have an inflammatory type of arthritis other than gout it is a good idea to eat oily fish twice a week. Quite large amounts of omega-3 are needed for the best effects, so to further increase your intake it may be helpful to take a concentrated fish oil supplement providing in total 3 g of EPA and DHA. You need to add up the amounts of EPA and DHA listed on the label and may need to take five or more fish oil capsules a day. It is very important not to confuse fish oil with fish liver oil (cod liver oil or halibut liver oil). Fish liver oil is a good source of vitamins A and D, but large doses can be dangerous, especially to unborn babies. Please note that if you have gout oily fish should generally be avoided because of the high purine content.

If you are vegetarian, or fish oil disagrees with you, other types of omega-3 fatty acids may be found in flaxseed oil, rapeseed oil and walnuts, but it is uncertain whether they are as beneficial as the EPA and DHA found in fish oil. Omega-6 fatty acids, as found in sunflower and corn oils and in margarines made from these oils, are not beneficial for arthritis and may interfere with the beneficial effects of omega-3, so they are best kept to a minimum.

It is important to include in your diet plenty of fruit and vegetables high in antioxidants, including vitamin E and selenium, especially if you are taking a lot of fish oil. Good sources of vitamin E include wheatgerm, sunflower seeds, nuts and avocado. Mild selenium deficiency is quite common and it has been suggested that deficiency may result in a more rapid progression of arthritis, although there is doubt about this. The richest natural source of selenium is Brazil nuts, but meat and fish also contain some.

Slight vitamin D deficiency is not uncommon, especially in winter in the UK. There is some research which suggests that some people who have a low dietary intake of vitamin D may be more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. The effect of vitamin D supplements on the progression and pain of knee osteoarthritis is also currently being evaluated. The vitamin D content of most foods is low. The best sources are oily fish, particularly grilled herrings and canned salmon. It is made in the skin by the sun during the summer months, or can be taken as a supplement.

Glucosamine sulphate and chondroitin for osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the commonest form of arthritis. It particularly affects the weight-bearing joints of the legs and back, becoming more common with age (see arc booklet 'Osteoarthritis'). Many people take glucosamine sulphate tablets with or without added chondroitin. Cartilage contains substances related to glucosamine and chondroitin and taking supplements of these natural ingredients may nourish damaged cartilage.

The research findings are conflicting, but more evidence is accumulating that some people, at least, will benefit from this therapy. Much of the research has been undertaken on people taking a combined daily dose of 1500 mg of glucosamine and 1200 mg of chondroitin and so this would be a good combination dose to use if you wish to try them. They can also be taken separately if you prefer. Glucosamine should not be taken by people who have an allergy to shellfish, although there is now a vegetarian version that can be substituted. In some people glucosamine can increase the level of sugar in the blood, so if you have diabetes be sure to check your blood sugar and discuss with your doctor if your blood sugars seem to be higher. Also if you are taking warfarin your blood-thinning control (international normalised ratio, or INR) may be affected, so make sure you have your regular blood checks and again discuss this with your doctor. Try glucosamine and chondroitin supplements for 3 months and if your joint pain is much improved you may wish to continue with them.

Herbal medicine

Herbal medicine is the use of plants and plant extracts to treat disease, something mankind has always done. Herbal medicine exists in many local varieties depending on the regional flora. Many modern drugs were originally extracted from plant sources, even if they are now made synthetically, and many other drugs are descended from plant substances. For instance, aspirin, the original non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and 'grandfather' of a large family of such drugs, was originally extracted from willow bark. Whereas conventional medicine tries to isolate the active ingredient of a plant, herbal remedies use the whole plant. Herbalists argue that the natural chemical balance in the whole plant has a better effect on the body than if just the active ingredients are given.

Some of the most promising herbs for arthritis, all of which are backed by some research, are devil's claw (made from a plant which grows in Namibia), Boswellia (from the frankincense tree) and rosehip. Generally speaking they are safe but sometimes, like drugs, they cause side-effects. These side-effects can include stomach upsets, sleeplessness, and pains in the muscles or joints. If you are thinking of using these remedies, make sure you buy them from a reputable manufacturer to ensure product quality, and discuss their use with your doctor.

These herbal medicines can be found in health food shops and chemists, but if you consult a medical herbal practitioner you will probably be prescribed a mixture of herbs, often in liquid form, tailored to your needs. This may include herbs which have anti-inflammatory and painkilling properties, and others to improve energy or aid relaxation and sleep, or even just to make the mixture taste better!

Homoeopathy

Homoeopathy (from the Greek words meaning 'similar suffering' – now sometimes spelled 'homeopathy') is based on the idea of 'treating like with like'. So for a hot, swollen, tender joint a homoeopath might prescribe apis – made from bee-stings, which can cause hot, swollen, tender swellings. The controversial aspect of homoeopathy is its use of extremely dilute medicines (sometimes called remedies).

You can buy homoeopathic remedies in health food shops and pharmacies, but we advise consulting a practitioner to treat any long-standing illness like arthritis. Be aware, though, that homoeopathy is not a regulated profession, so you need to be cautious in selecting a practitioner (see 'Complementary and alternative therapists' above). Some doctors have studied homoeopathy in depth and may use these therapies in addition to conventional medicines in a truly complementary manner.

Homoeopaths often advise changes in lifestyle, which could include changing your diet, more relaxation or exercise. Homoeopathy is generally very safe, although sometimes the right medicine can cause an 'aggravation' – a temporary flare-up of symptoms, usually a good sign.

A number of carefully controlled trials have been carried out with homoeopathic medicine, some of them involving arthritis. Overall the research suggests that homoeopathy is better than a placebo (a 'dummy' drug with no active ingredient) for conditions including osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. Homoeopathic remedies need to be prescribed on an individual basis, so there is no particular remedy for arthritis, but rather for the person who has arthritis.

Magnet therapy

One of the biggest surprises thrown up by recent research is the finding that magnets can be helpful for pain, including low back and knee pain. Magnets can be used in different ways, including bracelets, magnets taped to joints, and various magnetic devices, including mattress pads! Unfortunately the evidence is too fragmented to make clear recommendations on the kind of magnet therapy which might help you. But it is very safe, so it may be worth experimenting.

Manipulative therapies: chiropractic, osteopathy and manual medicine

Manipulative therapies include chiropractic, osteopathy and manual medicine. They are used mainly for musculoskeletal problems, including spine, neck and shoulder disorders, joint, posture and muscle problems, sciatica, sports injuries, whiplash, and repetitive strain injury. The best-known technique is the 'high-velocity thrust' – a short, sharp motion, usually applied to the spine, which often produces the sound of a joint 'cracking' – but many other methods are also used.

These procedures are undertaken by many health care professionals including doctors, physiotherapists, and osteopaths and chiropractors, who are now registered health professionals in the UK. Such treatments should include not only hands-on manipulative therapy but also advice on diet, exercise and lifestyle.

Various kinds of manipulation are effective for low back and neck pain, especially if you have not had it for too long. For the best results you need to combine manipulation with exercise and other lifestyle changes, and your practitioner should advise you on this.

You should not use manipulative therapies if you have a circulatory problem affecting the spine, severe osteoporosis, malignant or inflammatory spine conditions or recent fractures or dislocations, or if you are on anti-clotting drugs. The most serious risks of osteopathy and chiropractic are stroke and spinal cord injury after manipulation of the neck. Estimates of how often such severe problems occur vary, but they are very rare. Osteopaths and chiropractors should look out for the risk factors. Slight discomfort at the site of manipulation for a few hours afterwards is quite common.

Relaxation and hypnosis

There are many forms of relaxation and meditation techniques. Hypnosis is a deeply relaxed state, induced by a practitioner, in which you are given therapeutic suggestions to encourage changes in behaviour or relief of symptoms. Hypnosis for someone with arthritis might include a suggestion that the pain can be turned down like the volume of a radio.

There are several methods that involve progressive relaxation of the muscles. Visualization involves achieving a relaxed state through picturing healing images. In autogenic training you concentrate on experiencing physical sensations, such as warmth and heaviness, in different parts of the body in a learnt sequence. Meditation involves concentration on breathing or a sound (called a mantra) which you repeat to yourself. Yoga, which originated in India, and t'ai chi and qigong, both Chinese in origin, combine meditation with slow, gentle movement. Most relaxation techniques need to be practised daily. Typically, you would learn the method in a course of 8 weekly classes lasting an hour or so, and practise by yourself for 15–30 minutes a day.

There is quite good evidence that these techniques can help with pain and associated symptoms such as anxiety. Some may also help with movement and flexibility. They are safe, although there are a few reports of problems associated with extreme yoga positions.

Other complementary and alternative therapies found helpful by people with arthritis

The Alexander technique

At the end of the nineteenth century the Australian actor F Matthias Alexander developed the technique known by his name in order to improve his voice. The Alexander technique educates the sense of body position and movement, eliminating bad habits of posture, muscle tension and movement. It is really a 're-education' method rather than a therapy, and practitioners call themselves teachers. It may be helpful in preventing problems such as low back pain and repetitive strain injury (RSI). There is little published research on the Alexander technique for arthritis, but many people report benefit and it is safe.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of scented essential oils. The oils may be inhaled, used in the bath, or massaged into the skin. When used for massage they are diluted in a 'carrier' oil. Many different oils can be used. For back pain, for instance, an aromatherapist might select lavender or marjoram to relieve muscle spasm or ginger if there is a circulatory problem. Other oils such as rosemary or peppermint are considered to have stimulating properties.

The oils are very concentrated, and should never be applied to the skin undiluted. They may be harmful in large quantities, particularly to pregnant women. In practice aromatherapy is very safe, apart from occasional allergic reactions. There is little evidence that it is effective in arthritis, although there is some evidence that it is beneficial in other painful conditions, and helpful with anxiety. Many people with chronic pain do report that an aromatherapy massage gives several weeks' relief.

Copper bracelets

Many people with arthritis wear copper bracelets. Research has shown that people with arthritis do have enough copper in their bodies for normal health. So it is difficult to understand what effect these bangles can have. There is no current research supporting the use of copper bangles.

Healing

Healing may take many forms, such as faith healing, the 'laying on of hands', spiritual healing, lay healing, or 'distance' ('absent') healing. Healing has close links with specific belief systems, which may be religious, spiritual, social or cultural.

In a healing session, the healer will try to assess your 'energy field' and then try to pass energy to your body by way of a gentle touch or by sweeping their hands near to your body. Distance healing tries to achieve this at a distance, through thought, meditation or prayer. The impact and effect of these forms of healing depend upon your beliefs.

Massage

Massage has been around for thousands of years. There are many systems of massage now practised in the UK. They all use a manual technique in which a rhythmic movement uses a variety of strokes, kneading or tapping to move the muscles and soft tissue of the body. Massage can be stimulating or sedating, vigorous or gentle, and include the whole body or only part. Oils, creams, lotions or talcum powder may be used.

Massage can reduce your anxiety and stress levels, relieve muscular tension and fatigue, improve circulation, and thus reduce pain levels. It is generally very safe and relaxing, but a trained massage therapist will always follow strict guidelines to avoid endangering the person being massaged.

Conclusion

In the UK at least 30% of people use complementary and alternative medicine each year, and around 50% of us use some form of complementary and alternative medicine in our lifetime. This increases to over 60% among those who have arthritis.

Of course, many arthritic or other aches and pains come and go for reasons which are not always clear. Doctors and medical researchers think in terms of specific and non-specific effects: specific effects are those due to the medicine or treatment itself; non-specific effects are all the other things involved in treatment, such as explanation of what is going on, reassurance, or advice on diet and lifestyle. Non-specific effects include the placebo effect – the psychological hope and belief that a treatment will help. A lot of scientific research is aimed at determining whether changes in patients' conditions are due to natural fluctuations in the condition, or to non-specific effects, or to specific effects.

In complementary and alternative medicine it is sometimes difficult, and perhaps irrelevant, to separate out the specific and non-specific effects. For instance, a good massage makes most people feel good, but to separate out the specific and non-specific effects you would need to compare it with some kind of sham massage – but it is difficult to know what that would involve.

There are some key points to consider if you are thinking about using complementary and alternative medicine. These are:

• What am I hoping to achieve? Pain relief? More energy? Better sleep? Reduction in medication?
• Who is the therapist? Is he or she qualified, registered, insured?
• Am I happy with the therapy? It's not much use going to an acupuncturist if you have a needle phobia! – or seeing a therapist who is going to advise drastic lifestyle changes which you won't be able to stick to.
• Be realistic. There are no miracle cures for arthritis, despite the claims you may come across, especially on the internet. Be very suspicious of anyone (or any website) which promises a miracle cure. However, there is a good chance that the right kind of complementary and alternative medicine can make a big difference to how you feel in terms of pain, energy and the need to take tablets.
• Tell your doctor. Many people assume that their doctors will disapprove of them using complementary and alternative medicine, but in fact most doctors now are quite open-minded and will be interested to learn of what has helped you. Some complementary and alternative therapies, especially herbs, can interfere with prescription medicines or cause abnormal blood tests. For this reason it is important that you discuss their use with your doctor before embarking on treatment.
• Don't stop your prescribed medication abruptly. If you are hoping to reduce your prescribed medication, don't do so suddenly. The general rule is to continue the prescribed medicine until you start to improve, then gradually reduce it. Some prescribed medicines are long-acting, so you may not notice the effects of reducing it immediately – another reason to talk to your doctor.

Further reading

Complementary and Alternative Medicines for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis and Fibromyalgia. arc authoritative report. The Arthritis Research Campaign 2009. ISBN 9781901815139. To view a PDF of this publication click here. To order a free copy, ring 01904 696 994, or write to arc at the address given below.

Alternative Answers to Arthritis and Rheumatism: The Complete Conventional and Alternative Guide to Treating Chronic Arthritis by Anne Charlish. Reader's Digest Association 1999. ISBN 0762102470. Currently out of print, but second-hand copies easily available on Amazon and similar websites.

New Medicine: How to Integrate Complementary and Conventional Medicine for the Safest and Most Effective Treatment by David Peters (editor). Dorling Kindersley 2005. ISBN 9781405302838. General book on complementary medicine. Good coverage both of using complementary alongside conventional medicine and of arthritis.

Diet and Arthritis: A Comprehensive Guide to Controlling Arthritis Through Diet by Gail Darlington and Linda Gamlin. Vermilion 1998 (new edition). ISBN 9780091816599.

National Library for Health: Complementary and Alternative Medicine Specialist Library. www.library.nhs.uk/cam. Aimed primarily at health professionals, so a bit technical.

NHS Direct. www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk. Provides information on all the main complementary and alternative medicine therapies.

Useful addresses

Arthritis Research Campaign (arc)
PO Box 177
Chesterfield
Derbyshire S41 7TQ
Phone: 0870 850 5000
www.arc.org.uk

As well as funding research, we produce a range of free information booklets and leaflets. Please contact the address above for a list of titles or, on this web site, see Publications for People with Arthritis.

Arthritis Care
18 Stephenson Way
London NW1 2HD
Tel: 020 7380 6500
Helpline (freephone): 0808 800 4050
www.arthritiscare.org.uk

Offers self-help support, a helpline service (on both numbers above), and a range of leaflets on arthritis.

British Acupuncture Council
63 Jeddo Road
London W12 9HQ
Phone: 020 8735 0400
www.acupuncture.org.uk

British Holistic Medical Association
PO Box 371
Bridgwater
Somerset TA6 9BG
Phone: 01278 722000
www.bhma.org

British Homeopathic Association
Hahnemann House
29 Park Street West
Luton LU1 3BE
Phone: 0870 444 3950
www.trusthomeopathy.org

British Medical Acupuncture Society
BMAS House
3 Winnington Court
Northwich
Cheshire CW8 1AQ
Phone: 01606 786782

Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital
60 Great Ormond Street
London WC1N 3HR
Phone: 020 7713 9437
www.medical-acupuncture.org.uk

British Reflexology Association
Monks Orchard
Whitbourne
Worcester WR6 5RB
Phone: 01886 821207
www.britreflex.co.uk

Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council
83 Victoria Street
London SW1H 0HW
Phone: 020 3178 2195
www.cnhc.org.uk

General Chiropractic Council
44 Wicklow Street
London WC1X 9HL
Phone: 020 7713 5155
www.gcc-uk.org

General Osteopathic Council
176 Tower Bridge Road
London SE1 3LU
Phone: 020 7357 6655
www.osteopathy.org.uk

International Federation of Aromatherapists
7B Walpole Court
Ealing Green
Ealing
London W5 5ED
Phone: 020 8567 2243
www.ifaroma.org

National Institute of Medical Herbalists
Elm House
54 Mary Arches Street
Exeter EX4 3BA
Phone: 01392 426022
www.nimh.org.uk

nras (National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society)
Unit B4, Westacott Business Centre
Westacott Way
Littlewick Green
Maidenhead SL6 3RT
Phone: 0845 458 3969
Helpline: 0800 298 7650
www.rheumatoid.org.uk

The Prince's Foundation for Integrated Health
33–41 Dallington Street
London EC1V 0BB
Phone: 020 3119 3100
www.fih.org.uk

Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique
1st Floor, Linton House
39–51 Highgate Road
London NW5 1RS
Phone: 0845 230 7828
www.stat.org.uk

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