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'Natural' or 'complementary' medicines are just two of the many
terms used to describe any approach to healing that is not that of
orthodox Western medicine. Complementary medicine in South Africa is
much more widespread than that of orthodox medicine - especially
when the huge number of herbalists, traditional leaders and
spiritual leaders of the indigenous African populations are taken
into account.
Even in the medical profession there is a growing interest in the
practice of complementary medicine, as is evidenced by the recent
formation of the South African Complementary Medicine Association (SACMA).
As the cost of conventional medical care rises, more an more people
are taking responsibility for their own health, by turning to
alternative therapies, remedies and self-help treatments.
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