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More Canadians used alternative health care in 2002, says Statistics Canada

Provided by: Canadian Press

OTTAWA (CP) - More Canadians used alternative health care such as chiropractors, massage therapists and acupuncturists in 2002, says Statistics Canada.

"An estimated 5.4 million people, reported having used some type of alternative or complementary health care in the year before the (2003) survey, confirming a trend toward higher use," the agency said Tuesday. "An estimated 11 per cent of the population aged 12 or older had consulted a chiropractor - the most common form of alternative care."

About eight per cent had consulted a massage therapist, two per cent an acupuncturist, and two per cent a homeopath or naturopath.

Women were more likely than men to have had a consultation, the agency said.

Those most likely to use alternative health were in mid-life, while the very young and seniors were less likely to have used such care.

"Use was also higher in the western provinces than in other parts of the country."