Nature Cures

Nature Cures
Author: James C. Whorton
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Total Pages: 390
Release: 2004
Genre: Alternative medicine
ISBN: 9780195171624

From reflexology and rolfing to shiatsu and dream work, we are confronted today by a welter of alternative medical therapies. But as James Whorton shows in Nature Cures, the recent explosion in alternative medicine actually reflects two centuries of competition and conflict between mainstream medicine and numerous unorthodox systems. This is the first comprehensive history of alternative medicine in America, examining the major systems that have emerged from 1800 to the present. Writing with wit and with fairness to all sides, Whorton offers a fascinating look at alternative health systems such as homeopathy, water cures, Mesmerism, Christian Science, osteopathy, chiropractic, naturopathy, and acupuncture. He highlights the birth and growth of each system (including European roots where appropriate) and vividly describes both the theories and the therapies developed within each system, including such dubious practices as hour-long walks barefoot in snow or Samuel Thompson's "puking and steaming" regimen. In particular, Whorton illuminates the philosophy of "natural healing" that has been espoused by alternative practitioners throughout history and the distinctive interpretations of "nature cure" developed by the different systems. Though he doesn't hesitate to point out the failings of these systems, he also shows that some "cult medicines" have eventually won recognition from practitioners of mainstream medicine. Throughout, Whorton writes with a light touch and quotes from contemporary humorists such as Mark Twain. His book is an engaging and authoritative history that highlights the course of alternative medicine in the U.S., providing valuable background to the wide range of therapies available today.

Do You Believe in Magic?

Do You Believe in Magic?
Author: Paul A. Offit, M.D.
Publisher: Harper Collins
Total Pages: 291
Release: 2013-06-18
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0062223003

Medical expert Paul A. Offit, M.D., offers a scathing exposé of the alternative medicine industry, revealing how even though some popular therapies are remarkably helpful due to the placebo response, many of them are ineffective, expensive, and even deadly. Dr. Offit reveals how alternative medicine—an unregulated industry under no legal obligation to prove its claims or admit its risks—can actually be harmful to our health. Using dramatic real-life stories, Offit separates the sense from the nonsense, showing why any therapy—alternative or traditional—should be scrutinized. He also shows how some nontraditional methods can do a great deal of good, in some cases exceeding therapies offered by conventional practitioners. An outspoken advocate for science-based health advocacy who is not afraid to take on media celebrities who promote alternative practices, Dr. Offit advises, “There’s no such thing as alternative medicine. There’s only medicine that works and medicine that doesn’t.”

Disease Control Priorities in Developing Countries

Disease Control Priorities in Developing Countries
Author: Dean T. Jamison
Publisher: World Bank Publications
Total Pages: 1449
Release: 2006-04-02
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0821361805

Based on careful analysis of burden of disease and the costs ofinterventions, this second edition of 'Disease Control Priorities in Developing Countries, 2nd edition' highlights achievable priorities; measures progresstoward providing efficient, equitable care; promotes cost-effectiveinterventions to targeted populations; and encourages integrated effortsto optimize health. Nearly 500 experts - scientists, epidemiologists, health economists,academicians, and public health practitioners - from around the worldcontributed to the data sources and methodologies, and identifiedchallenges and priorities, resulting in this integrated, comprehensivereference volume on the state of health in developing countries.

Herbal Medicine

Herbal Medicine
Author: Iris F. F. Benzie
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 500
Release: 2011-03-28
Genre: Health & Fitness
ISBN: 1439807167

The global popularity of herbal supplements and the promise they hold in treating various disease states has caused an unprecedented interest in understanding the molecular basis of the biological activity of traditional remedies. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects focuses on presenting current scientific evidence of biomolecular ef

Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the United States

Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the United States
Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 360
Release: 2005-04-13
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0309133424

Integration of complementary and alternative medicine therapies (CAM) with conventional medicine is occurring in hospitals and physicians offices, health maintenance organizations (HMOs) are covering CAM therapies, insurance coverage for CAM is increasing, and integrative medicine centers and clinics are being established, many with close ties to medical schools and teaching hospitals. In determining what care to provide, the goal should be comprehensive care that uses the best scientific evidence available regarding benefits and harm, encourages a focus on healing, recognizes the importance of compassion and caring, emphasizes the centrality of relationship-based care, encourages patients to share in decision making about therapeutic options, and promotes choices in care that can include complementary therapies where appropriate. Numerous approaches to delivering integrative medicine have evolved. Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the United States identifies an urgent need for health systems research that focuses on identifying the elements of these models, the outcomes of care delivered in these models, and whether these models are cost-effective when compared to conventional practice settings. It outlines areas of research in convention and CAM therapies, ways of integrating these therapies, development of curriculum that provides further education to health professionals, and an amendment of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act to improve quality, accurate labeling, research into use of supplements, incentives for privately funded research into their efficacy, and consumer protection against all potential hazards.

The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine Third Edition

The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine Third Edition
Author: Michael T. Murray
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Total Pages: 1187
Release: 2012-07-10
Genre: Health & Fitness
ISBN: 1451687346

The most recognized and respected resource on natural medicine—with more than 1 million copies sold—is now revised and updated to include the latest information on diet, nutritional supplements, and other natural medicines. Dr. Michael T. Murray and Dr. Joseph Pizzorno are two of the most trusted doctors of natural medicine in the world. In this third edition of The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, they team up once again to deliver the most powerful and up-to-date holistic remedies for more than eighty common ailments. Fully revised for the first time since 1997, this A-Z guide includes brand-new treatments, the latest scientific studies, and wisdom from today’s cutting-edge research in the field of naturopathy. From dealing with acne to varicose veins, each topic includes a list of symptoms, a description, therapeutic considerations, and a treatment summary, along with suggested nutritional supplements and herbal medicines. Focusing on prevention, safety, and the key naturopathic principle of treating the whole person, this book shows how to avoid disease, increase longevity, and develop a healthy lifestyle.

The Nature Cure

The Nature Cure
Author: Andreas Michalsen, MD
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 352
Release: 2019-08-06
Genre: Health & Fitness
ISBN: 0525561285

“Informative . . . I recommend it to practitioners and patients alike.” —Andrew Weil, MD, author of Eight Weeks to Optimum Health and Mind Over Meds International bestselling author Dr. Andreas Michalsen uncovers the natural cures that will transform your health and change your life Sunlight. Forest bathing. Fasting. Cold-water baths. Bloodletting. Leeches. Cupping. These ways of healing have been practiced in different cultures around the world for centuries. But as a cardiologist working with the most high-tech medical tools, Dr. Andreas Michalsen was taught that these practices were medieval and outdated, even dangerous. As he saw surprising results in his patients, however, Dr. Michalsen explored more deeply those seemingly "outdated" methods of healing. The more he researched, the more he was convinced by the power of natural medicine--naturopathy--to heal the human body. Over the past few decades, Dr. Michalsen has published the most cutting-edge scientific research on the efficacy of natural medicine. At the prestigious Charité University Hospital in Berlin, Dr. Michalsen has successfully treated thousands of patients using elements found in nature--sunlight, water, nourishing foods, medicinal plants and animals. The culmination of years of research and clinical knowledge, The Nature Cure explains how and why naturopathy works. Dr. Michalsen breaks down the science behind natural ways of healing and shows how we can incorporate these methods into our everyday lives to trigger our body's self-healing mechanism. Thoughtfully written and filled with science, history, case studies, and practical guidance, this illuminating book shares knowledge that has changed the lives of thousands of patients, teaching you what your body needs to heal--without medicine riddled with side effects or invasive procedures. Discover methods of healing that don't just cover up your symptoms, but actually address the root cause of illness.

Natural Medicine, Optimal Wellness

Natural Medicine, Optimal Wellness
Author: Jonathan V. Wright
Publisher: Square One Publishers, Inc.
Total Pages: 840
Release: 2013-04-24
Genre: Health & Fitness
ISBN: 0757051103

Imagine having holistic physicians at your fingertips to answer your medical questions. With Natural Medicine, Optimal Wellness, you do. For each condition, you’ll sit in on a consultation between Dr. Jonathan Wright and a patient seeking advice. By the conclusion of each visit, you’ll have a complete understanding of why Dr. Wright prescribes particular natural treatments. Then, in a separate commentary, Dr. Alan Gaby follows up with an analysis of the scientific evidence behind the treatments discussed, enabling you to make informed decisions about your health. If you wish to receive the best of care from the best of physicians, Natural Medicine, Optimal Wellness is the natural choice for your personal library of health and wellness books.

The Rise and Fall of Modern Medicine

The Rise and Fall of Modern Medicine
Author: James Le Fanu
Publisher: Carroll & Graf Pub
Total Pages: 426
Release: 2000
Genre: History
ISBN: 9780786707324

Argues that the pace of medical discoveries has slowed in the last twenty-five years due to excessive emphasis on the social and political aspects of health care, and to controversies caused by ethical issues.