In an attempt to make non-drug based therapies more available, the British Nation Health Service of Britain has launched studies of traditional medicine, according to the BBC. This is an important step as drug companies and drug based medicine has been pushing to reduce the availability of alternative therapies in England where they are widely accepted.

The year-long trial will run in two health practices in Londonderry and Belfast and focus will be anxiety and musculoskeletal problems. The research will include widely used therapies like therapies like acupuncture, homeopathy and massage.

Secretary Peter Hain, said the study would help those who could not afford treatments privately. “I am certain, as a user of complementary medicine myself, that this has the potential to improve health substantially,” he said.

Homeopathic medicines will be available for some National Health Service patients

This would be the first time that drug-based general practitioners would be able to refer patients directly to a complementary therapist.

“It will bring together both the mainstream and complementary sectors in what I hope will be the start of a process which will lead to full roll-out across the province.” Mr Hain is quoted by the BBC.

The pilot will be run by Get Well UK, a not-for-profit organization which promotes greater access to complementary and alternative medicine.