HC Deb 18 July 2002 vol 389 c538W
Mr. Paul Marsden

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the effects of holistic and complementary therapies in helping patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis. [63143]

Jacqui Smith

The recent report of the chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) working group noted patients' comments to the effect that certain complementary therapies were helpful in alleviating some symptoms. It also noted a need for guidance in using such therapies.

Guidance is currently being prepared by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence on palliative care for cancer patients, including the use of complementary therapies. This may be of some help to CFS/ME sufferers.

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