Consideration of complementary therapies has moved from specific therapies to integrating these procedures into the fabric of practice, education, and research. Nurses have taken the lead in that integration. Although great strides have been made, continuing efforts are necessary if holistic health care is to be available to all people.

Use of complementary therapies in practice settings is increasing, largely because of the public’s demand for these treatments. Whether these are well-known therapies such as music, chiropractic care, yoga, and prayer or ones that seem quite foreign to many such as magnets, Alexander technique, and smudging ceremonies, health systems are looking very different from the way they were 50 years ago. As health professions increase content on complementary therapies in curricula, health care systems will continue to reflect holistic care. Within health systems, questions regarding what procedures will be offered, who will pay, and who will provide therapies need to be addressed.