Professional Associations  
Holistic Healthcare

The British Holistic Medical Association

The BHMA, formed in 1983 by a group of medical doctors and students, is an organisation of professionals and members of the public who care about the future of healthcare and want to adopt a more holistic approach in their own life and work. The Association aims to further the development of holistic healthcare through bringing together the many people who can contribute to a system for the 21st century, and through its activities:

• Holding workshops, conferences and seminars with participants from across the healthcare spectrum - medical students and practitioners, complementary therapists, NHS administrators, nurses and social workers.
• Helping policymakers, educationalists and politicians become more aware of the holistic options in healthcare through events, publications and advisory work.
• Producing a quarterly journal, self-help tapes and books.
• Facilitating regional and local support groups.
• Supporting a European strategy to safeguard natural medicine and linking with organisations in other countries.

The BHMA believes that healthcare practice, education and research for the 21st century needs to incorporate a wider understanding of the human being - taking a holistic approach to provide whole person care. This new healthcare system will involve

Positive health education and self-care for the whole person using mind-body approaches, taking into account the influence of psychological, social and environmental factors on health.

A range of treatments, from surgery to complementary therapies, with centres for getting well and staying healthy, such as spas and fitness facilities.

Caring for carers, with mutually supportive networks helping those who work in healthcare to meet the demands on them.

Medical and healthcare education which teaches effective communication and team working, with respect for each others knowledge, skills and attitudes.

Investigation and funding of new research methods and models which recognise both technological and human factors and take into account individuality and relationship as well as moral, ethical and financial implications.

BHMA Membership

Membership is open to all - medical, allied and complementary healthcare practitioners and members of the public.

Everyone is encouraged to contribute in this unique forum and so help to bring about best practice in holistic healthcare. Current membership benefits include

• Holistic Health - the quarterly journal containing feature articles, research findings, book reviews, news abstracts and listings of forthcoming events.
• Access to an information service on holistic approaches in healthcare
• Discounts on self-help tapes and reduced admission fees to the Association’s educational activities, conferences and workshops. Low subscription rates to the journals Complementary Therapies in Medicine and Advances in Mind-Body Medicine.
• Contact with others in the regions and participation in developing support networks.

BHMA self help tapes:

Each comes with an explanatory booklet and list of recommended reading, providing a programme especially designed to teach new self-help skills. Price: £9.20 to non-members and £8.20 to members (includes £1.00 p&p)

Introducing Meditation Dr Sarah Eagger

Imagery for Relaxation - Dr Duncan Johnson

Getting to Sleep - Dr Ashley Conway

Coping with Persistent Pain - Dr James Hawkins

Coping with Stress - Dr David Peters

The Breath of Life - Dr Patrick Pietroni

Membership Rates:

• Corporate for universities, colleges, schools, and other organisations £75
• Professional for healthcare professionals/Associate for supporting members of the public £25
• Student/Concession for those on a low income £12
• Overseas supplement to cover postage and packing £10

Contact details:

British Holistic Medical Association
59 Lansdowne Place
Hove
East Sussex BN3 1FL

Tel/Fax: 01273 725951
Email: bhma@bhma.org
Website: www.bhma.org