Complementary medicine: health care trends for the new millennium.

Complementary medicine is emerging as a dominant factor in the health care setting. Although these practices generally are not taught in most medical schools, public interest has generated a necessity for education in this field. The interest in these therapies is reflected in billions of dollars spent out of pocket by the public to obtain these therapies. Many practitioners find themselves uncomfortable discussing these therapies with their patients and/or referring to outside practitioners. Discussion of the modality therapeutic touch has generated interest and controversy. Education helps to bridge the gap between allopathic and complementary medicine. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine practitioner guidelines are presented.