CAP Statement
Commission of Advertising Practice (CAP) writes and maintains the UK Code (1) of Non-bradcast Advertising, Sales Promotion and direct marketing the ‘CAP Code’.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) (2) is the UK’s independant regulator that administers the Code.The ASA is not a voluntary system – all ASA upheld rulings are strictly enforced by a range of industry sanctions.
The UK Government and courts recognise CAP and the ASA as the estblished means (3) for regulating non-broadcast advertising. Ultimately, both CAP and the ASA are accepted by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Trading Standards and the courts as the first line of control in protecting consumers and businesses from misleading advertising.
The CAP Compliance Team takes immediate action to ensure the removal of ads/marketing communications that break the code,
Section 3 of the code relates to Misleading Advertising.
Section 12 of the code relates to Medicines, Medical Devices, Health-Related Products and Beauty Products.
(1) CAP CODE Link:
https://www.asa.org.uk/codes-and-rulings/advertising-codes/non-broadcast-code.html
(2) ASA Link:
https://www.asa.org.uk/about-asa-and-cap.html
(3) Goverment link:
https://www.gov.uk/marketing-advertising-law/advertising-codes-of-practice
WHY Does the ASA require evidence on a rigid scientific model?
ASA appreciates that many therapies have historical origins and traditionally held beliefs.However, this is not a robust basis on which to make health claims.you can describe the history and tradition of a therapy, but in doing so you must be careful not to stray into making efficacy claims. wheather direct or implied, if you do not hold evidence to make those claims. (CAP Health Therapy Evidence Page 5.)
The ASA position on the acceptability and appropriateness of evidence is in line with the weight of scientific and academic opinion.The ASA encourage professional organisations in the health therapies sector to engage with the wider scientific and academic community to develop new and rigorouse methodologies that take account of the holistic nature of their therapies. (CAP Health Therapy Evidence Page 5.)
Within the guidelines of the ‘CAP Code’ no claims can be made about health-related or medical efficacy claims for Holistic Therapies without Robust Medical Evidence that is recognised by the CAP and the ASA.Listed below are the relevant accepatble guidelines that relate to therapies included on this website:
Therapies
Reiki:
https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/health-reiki.html
Bowen Technique:
https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/health-bowen-technique.html
Crystal Therpay:
https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/health-crystal-therapy.html
Detoxing and Lymphatic Drainange:
https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/health-detoxing-and-lymphatic-drainage.html
Massage and Body Work:
https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/therapies-massage-and-body-work.html
Aromatherapy:
https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/health-aromatherapy.html
Healing:
https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/health-healing-therapy.html
Therapies General:
https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/health-therapies-general.html
Seasonal Affective Disorder:
https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/health-seasonal-affective-disorder-sad.html
Shiatsu:
https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/health-shiatsu.html
Acupuncture:
https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/health-acupuncture.html
Kinesiology:
https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/health-kinesiology.html
Physiotherpay:
https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/health-physiotherapy.html
Craniosacral:
https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/health-craniosacral-therapy.html
Iridology:
https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/health-iridology.html
Detoxing General:
https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/detoxing-general.html
Crystal Therapy:
https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/health-crystal-therapy.html
Myofacial Release:
https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/health-myofascial-release.html
Magnetic Field Therapy:
https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/health-magnetic-field-therapy.html
Oxygen Therapy:
https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/health-oxygen-therapy.html
Radionics:
https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/health-radionics.html
Reflexology:
https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/health-reflexology.html
Meditation:
https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/health-meditation.html
Weight Control:
https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/weight-control-complementary-therapies.html
Polarity Therapy:
https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/therapies-polarity-therapy.html
Therapies and Evidence:
https://www.asa.org.uk/asset/12B344EA-FDD0-4DFC-B08960DF4EF52A46/
Beauty and Slimming Claims Substantiation:
https://www.asa.org.uk/asset/FF6B1462-8621-487A-B2770AB606ABA5CB/
Therapies and references to Medical Conditions:
https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/health-therapies-and-references-to-medical-conditions.html