Research has been and continues to be carried out by different government and private organizations in the effectiveness and safety use of alternative all over the world. While some studies have reported positive results with some alternative medicines, others have proved either difficult to carry out studies on or have failed, but the process continues till date.

As with choosing other conventional medicine practitioners, you need to choose your alternative medicine practitioner with care in order to avoid any unnecessary issues that may turn out to be costly.

The following check list will help you chose an alternative medicine practitioner who will provide you with qualified service;

(a) When considering engaging an alternative CAM practitioner, do enquire from your conventional physician. He/she is indeed in a better position to know one to refer you to. If he/she is not aware of any, he/she is better placed to enquire from collueges on your behalf. You might also be lucky to find out that your conventional physician is indeed a trained CAM practitioner.

(b) Use organizations. Alternative medicine practitioners have associations or organizations to champion their interests. You can get valuable information on a specific therapy you are interested in and the available practitioners. With such associations, you can also get the level of training, experience and expertise of a practitioner you are eying.

(c) Evaluation. After a visit to a CAM practitioner, carry out your own evaluation. Did he/she answer your questions satisfactorily? Were your concerns addressed? Do this before deciding to engage him/her.

(d) Family and friends. Talk to your family members and your friends. You may find one who has actually used CAM. Get to know his/her experience with the use of CAM. If satisfied, let him/her refer you to that particular practitioner.

(e) Local health centers. Enquire from the local health facility for information on CAM practitioners. Some centers actually have CAM practitioners as members of staff or if there are'nt any, they can refer you to one.

(f) Web search. Several CAM practitioner associations have web sites dedicated to give required information regarding practitioners, costs and types of therapy.

(g) Agencies. Government regulatory and licensing authorities have databases of CAM practitioners that can greatly assist you. You will be able to get listings of registered and certified practitioners.

The American National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is a major agency on issues relating to CAM. They are involved in carrying out reasearch, training and publication of tested research findings to the public and CAM practitioners. Most of CAM associations worldwide are in fact affiliated to NCCAM. You can get very reliable information concerning any form of therapy you may be considering.

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is the world's largest library of medical literature. You can get valuable information on any subject you are interested in.

You should not shy away from considering CAM as treatment that can be effective alone or as a compliment to conventional medicine. Carry out your research and enjoy the benefits that nature provides.