THE King has appointed a doctor promoting alternative medicine to oversee his health.
Michael Dixon, 71, is one of the country’s most champions of unorthodox therapies and spent decades working in the NHS.
But do alternative therapies really work? Dr Abrar Ibrahim, a GP at London’s Hendon Hospital, says they can alleviate pain, stress and improve mood.
But she warns: “Look for providers who are fully trained, regulated and safe. And do not use them as a substitute for medical treatment.”
But Professor Edzard Ernst, the author of Alternative Medicine, says: “If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
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Here, they tell Deborah Linton about the pitfalls of the ancient remedies now back in fashion.
HOMEOPATHY: David Beckham and Coldplay’s Chris Martin are said to be fans.
The theory is that by diluting and administering the very thing causing health problems, they can help to cure the issue.
Dr Ibrahim says: “Homeopathy is one of the most controversial of the alternative medicines.
“Despite no significant evidence to suggest any benefit, patients seek this treatment for life-limiting problems such as cancer. It is unlikely to have more than a placebo effect.”
Prof Ernst says it can be life-threatening if used as an alternative treatment for serious illnesses, adding: “Clinical trials do not show that it is effective.”
ACUPUNCTURE: The idea is that by using fine needles in different points in the body you can rebalance energies and target pain.
It was a favourite of Princess Diana, and Madonna swears by it.
Dr Ibrahim says: “Credible studies show it reduces pain and improves quality of life for patients with chronic pain such as fibromyalgia.
“Risks are minimal and this can be offered on the NHS in some areas.”
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Prof Ernst agrees, saying: “The evidence shows that it might help for some types of pain.”
REIKI: Meghan Markle is said to have introduced Prince Harry to this Japanese healing practice, which claims to channel vital energy into patients.
But Prof Ernst says: “The ‘energy’ in question is a figment of the imagination.
“Several clinical trials have been published — those that are reliable fail to show that the therapy works.”
But Dr Ibrahim says: “It does help with stress, which is damaging to health, so targeting this may be complementary in helping patients with chronic stress or through difficult diagnoses such as cancer.”
CUPPING: Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Aniston have all tried this treatment, where a vacuum cup is placed over the skin causing bruising.
It is claimed to improve circulation, flush toxins, relieve pain and relax muscles.
Prof Ernst explains: “There have been several clinical trials. None, however, provides reliable evidence that it has any relevant health effects.”
Dr Ibrahim says medical research is limited and low quality: “There are serious potential side-effects including permanent skin discolouration, burns and scars, risk of infection and diseases such as Hepatitis B or C if not done hygienically.”
COLONICS: Also known as colonic irrigation, superstars from Beyonce, right, to Britney Spears are reportedly fans of this therapy in which large amounts of warm water are instilled in your rectum, claiming to improve the immune system, help with weight loss, digestion, mood and even reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Dr Ibrahim says: “Washing out toxins can seem enticing but colonic irrigation often causes a temporary disruption to the normal healthy bacteria that is essential for good health.
“Patients can have unpleasant bloating and cramping. There is also a serious risk of infection and bowel puncturing.”
But Prof Ernst warns: “No health benefits have been documented and even the weight loss lasts only for a few hours.”
VITAMIN DRIPS: Favoured by model Kendall Jenner and singer Justin Bieber, these deliver high doses of vitamins by intravenous infusion.
Some celebrities use them as a hangover cure.
Dr Ernst says: “For all of us who eat a normal diet and therefore don’t lack vitamins, the treatment is an expensive waste of money.
“Those who are vitamin deficient should seek professional help, find the cause, and treat it properly.”
Dr Ibrahim says: “High doses of some B vitamins can cause damage to peripheral nerves and life-threatening allergic reactions.
“Some vitamins interact with medication. Saying it is a hangover cure is ridiculous — it is no better than hydration with water.”
PLACENTOPHAGY: This is where new mums eat tablets made from — or even eat in a meal — placenta.
Coleen Rooney said it made her feel energised. Chrissy Teigen is also a fan.
Prof Ernst says: “The idea is that all sorts of problems women can experience after childbirth will be reduced by taking the placenta.
“It’s wishful thinking with virtually no good science to back up the claims.”
Dr Ibrahim agrees: “In fact, there are concerns that bacteria in the placenta can cause sepsis to both the mother and her newborn through the breast milk.”
