This comparative text examines the rise of non-orthodox medicine and theorizes the changing nature of health care in modern societies. It engages with sociological debates on modernity and postmodernity, anthropological work.

Roehampton Institute London and University of Derby

Chapter 1 A new medical pluralism?; Chapter 2 The nature of user demand: from patient to consumer?; Chapter 3 From "alternative" to "complementary": revival and transformation; Chapter 4 Biomedical responses to alternative medicine; Chapter 5 Government responses: the refiguring of expertise; Chapter 6 Collaboration between doctors and alternative therapists: integration or medical dominance?; Chapter 7 Conclusion: do we have a new medical pluralism?;