Category
NRF
This commissioning policy has been produced in order to provide and ensure equity, consistency and clarity in the ICB’s approach to complementary and alternative therapies.
The policy reflects the lack of high quality research data available to support the use of these therapies. Complementary and alternative therapies are NOT ROUTINELY FUNDED (NRF) by the ICB as “stand-alone” treatments due to a paucity of information on clinical effectiveness.
In certain circumstances, some of the procedures are commissioned as part of a broader contract with a mainstream provider (for example specialist pain management, oncology, palliative care and musculoskeletal [MSK] services) in a multi-disciplinary approach to symptom control.
Eligibility
| Complementary and alternative therapies are not commissioned by the ICB as stand-alone treatment. The alternative and complimentary therapies and alternative disciplines covered by this policy include: • Acupuncture • Alexander Technique • Anthroposophical medicine • Aromatherapy • Bach and other flower remedies • Chinese herbal medicine • Chiropractic • Crystal therapy • Dowsing • Eastern medicine • Healing Nutritional medicine • Herbal medicine • Homeopathy Hypnotherapy • Iridology • Kinesiology • Maharishi Ayurvedic medicine • Massage • Meditation • Naturopathy • Neutralising Antigens/clinical ecology/environmental medicine • Osteopathy • Pilates • Radionics • Reflexology • Shiatsu • Traditional Chinese medicine • Yoga N.B. The alternative and complimentary therapies / disciplines listed above are not exhaustive. |
| ARP 25 Review Date: 2026 |
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