The relationship between the alternative practitioner and his patient. A review

The present paper reviews the empirical studies which have dealt with the therapeutic relationship between the alternative practitioner and his patient. These are based mainly on interviews with patients of nonmedical practitioners of alternative medicine which have been carried out in a few industrialized countries. When evaluating the results of these investigations, one has to consider a number of methodological pitfalls. Nevertheless, there is sufficient evidence for the statement that an asset of the alternative practitioner is his ability to meet the emotional needs of his patients very well. The paper discusses the causes being relevant to this finding and comments on its implications for the practice of orthodox medicine.