Complementary and alternative medicine in women's health - Developing a research agenda

Complementary and alternative medicine is becoming an established intervent ion modality within the contemporary health care system. Various forms of c omplementary and alternative medicine are used by patients and practitioner s alike, including chiropractic, massage, botanical medicine, homeopathy, a nd energy therapies. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine was established within the National Institutes of Health to facili tate evaluation of these alternative therapies, establish an information cl earinghouse, and promote research in the field. This article discusses seve ral aspects of complementary and alternative medicine, relates them to wome n's health, and describes the need for a research agenda to evaluate the im pact of the complementary and alternative medicine modalities used for impo rtant conditions affecting women. (C) 1999 by the American College of Nurse -Midwives.