Edzard Ernst, Professor of Complementary Medicine at Exeter University, says it is well known that alternative therapies can have side effects, especially in vulnerable groups like children.

BBC: Alternative remedies 'dangerous' for kids says report

Professor Edzard Ernst, professor of complementary medicine at Peninsula Medical School in Exeter and a vocal critic of homeopathy, said the huge drop in prescribing reflected a shift in attitude within the medical profession.

BBC: Homeopathy prescriptions falling

But the study's authors, Professor Edzard Ernst and Dr Max Pittler from the University of Exeter warned that more research needs to be done to establish whether acupuncture or conventional pain relief methods were more effective.

BBC: dentist