BBC Two is to explore the world of alternative therapies in a new three-part series this winter.

Alternative Therapies will see Professor Kathy Sykes look at three popular and fast-growing alternative therapies: meditation, hypnotherapy, and reflexology.

Sykes will travel to the US, Nepal, Italy and across the UK to look at the origins and science behind each therapy, as well as trying them for herself.

Executive producer Matthew Barrett said: "The UK has seen a dramatic uptake and interest in alternative therapies in recent years and there is a real need to explore this further. This series will be a scientific, balanced and informative exploration of three of the most popular therapies."

The series, a BBC production fully-funded by the Open University, is the follow up to Sykes' 2006 programme, Alternative Medicine: The Evidence.