Handbook of Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Mental Health ASIN: 0126382816 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Holistic Mental Health Care Overview Comments: This is an excellent compedium of integrative and holistic therapies, not just for mental health. The editor, Scott Shannon, MD, is a holistic child psychiatrist from Fort Collins, Colorado, who is the current president of the Americal Holistic Medical Association. His three chapters provide an excellent foundation for a holistic approach to all mental health problems. Knowledge needs to be applied with Wisdom. Psychiatric medications should be combined not only with psychotherapy or counselling, but also an individual plan of personal and spiritual growth. The carefully chosen contributors to this text are all experts in their field, ranging from acupuncture to art and music therapy. The practical information provided is useful for patients and clinicians alike. This groundbreaking text should become a standard reference for any mental health care professional. It is well written, and a pleasurable read. Kudos to Dr. Shannon!

Essentials of Complementary and Alternative Medicine ASIN: 068330674X Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Excellent overview of CAM systems Comments: This is an excellent book for the health care professional who is interested in learning about different Complementary and Alternative systems. Each chapter is written by a leader in the reviewed field and is quite comprehensive. I am an Osteopathic Pediatrician, and I found the description of Osteopathic Medicine one of the best that I have ever read. If you are looking for a book that includes specific treatments, however, this is not the book for you. It includes excellent chapters on History of CAM, ethics, how to evaluate the safety/efficacy of particular types of CAM, and overviews many types of CAM including Native American Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naturopathy, Massage Therapy, Qigong, Orthomolecular Medicine, Meditation, Ayurveda, etc. There is also an appendix which includes suggested readings, organizations, an indications and precautions chart with clinical trials, and a glossary (which might be the shortcoming of the book - apitherapy is not defined, even though it is mentioned several times throughout the book, for example). All in all, a very comprehensive overview, and recommended.

Bad Medicine : Misconceptions and Misuses Revealed, from Distance Healing to Vitamin O ASIN: 047143499X Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Much More Than the Reviews Say Comments: I have been fascinated reading the reviews of this book, which seem to focus almost entirely on one small chapter on alternative medicine. No one seems to refute the funny "Hollywood" chapter, where we learn that getting knocked out with a bottle over the head can lead to a lifetime of neurological problems. No one says a word about the informative chapters on aging, the nature of disease, nutrition, the body, and how science is conducted. Do I sense a bit of defensiveness from the alternative medicine crowd? I do not think the author suggests that that which is unproven by science is therefore wrong, as so many of these reviews claim. (This must be a standard defense with that crowd.) The author seems fascinated by acupuncture and sees promise in it. He explains that herbal medicine is not alternative; the science of pharmacology is based on creating medicine from plants. He explains that yoga and tai chi are useful because they are forms of exercise, just like running and stretching. These aren't alternative; they're common sense. What the author, Christopher Wanjek, dismisses is psychic healing, which is always proven to be fraudulent. He dismisses astrology. He laments the fact that children die because their parents rely on the power of prayer instead of medicine or because they don't "believe" in vaccination. He lashes out at "ancient" mind-body cures that, for example, claim to eliminate childbirth complications when it should be obvious that childbirth ultimately killed so many women in the ancient world. He seems annoyed by all the people who refuse useful treatment for "natural" cures (like the apricot pit cancer cure scam) when there's no such concept as "natural" anyway -- a chemical is a chemical, be it from "natural" hemlock or salt water. And he takes pains to explain how this recent push that "natural equals good" fools people into thinking that life long ago was somehow healthier... and thus you too can deliver babies at home because that's what our great-grandparents did. Six of my grandmother's 10 siblings did before age 10 in turn-of-the-century rural Italy. The same is true for most of the older folks I know. No amount of traditional cures could save them. Believe what you want, but let's not create a health system based on distance healing, magic touch therapy, incantations, herbs that only work when Mars is aligned properly, cures that dismiss the germ theory of disease, and well-intentioned healing arts that have since been proven illogical and useless now that we have the tools (microscopes, imaging) to see how the body works. I can only hope my home country of Italy doesn't follow America's lead (with distance healers and psychics advising the White House!) Not only did I enjoy the 30-page chapter on alternative medicine (called The Return of the Witchdoctor), I enjoyed the other 230 pages of Bad Medicine as well.

Dr. Atkin's Health Revolution: How Complementary Medicine Can Extend Your Life ASIN: 055328360X Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: 34 lbs. in 3 Months! Comments: Finally! A diet where you don't have to eat like a bird! Great book. I lost well over 30 lbs and have kept it off for almost a year! Thank you Dr. Atkins!

Acupuncture in the Treatment of Depression: A Manual for Practice and Research ASIN: 0443071314

Fundamentals of Complementary and Alternative Medicine ASIN: 0443065764 Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: Excellent overall reference for the methods discussed. Comments: I used this book as a reference for writing a study guide for a fully-accredited distance education master's level program. This text served as an excellent overall reference for the alternative methods discussed. In addition, the author provides information on the cultural evolution of the therapy where appropriate and also notes where both tradional western medicine and the alternative therapy intersect for the benefit of the patient. One of the most interesting parts of the text has to do with a discussion of why "alternative medicine" is considered alternative and why alternative medicine is gaining in momentum and popularity at the present time. While the text does a good job of individually discussing the various methods, their common philosophical roots are what distinguish each from the western medical approach. This practical "philosophy" that makes sense is also why there has been such widespread growth and acceptance.

The Arthritis Action Program: An Integrated Plan of Traditional and Complementary Therapies ASIN: 0684868032 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Harvard Physician Demystifies Arthritis Comments: This brilliant Harvard physician has written a comprehensive, well organized presentation which encompasses the etiology, treatment and classification of the various types of arthritis. This book could only have been written by a doctor with absolute understanding of the subject matter. It is clearly presented in a practical no nonsense format, which allows the reader to find data on any aspect of the disease in a matter of minutes. It is up to date, presenting all of the medication options right up to and including the latest Cox 2 inhibitors and TNF blockers, as well as the various surgical procedures and alternative treatments. This book is a must have for any patient who is trying to overcome this debilitating and painful disease, and for any doctor who is treating such patients in his or her practice. It is a source of hope that with proper treatment arthritis can be managed in a way that allows the patient to pursue a normal and active life, without becoming disabled. Thank you Dr. Weinblatt. Good job.

Dealing with Depression Naturally: Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Restoring Emotional Health ASIN: 0658002910 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Before you take prozac Comments: Forget about "touchy feely" talk about herbal remedies. If you're a skeptic, this book will change your mind about St. John's Wort and what BRAND you buy. Covers a staggering number of therapies in great detail: some you probably know like electric shock therapy, Prozac and cognitive therapy. Other lesser known therapies include Omega-3, 5-HTP, SAM-e, and Tyrosine. The author did his homework. Citing numerous clinical trials, studies, and on-line news groups, I found this reading a bit overwhelming or too dry at times, but only because of the author's thorough investigation. All in all, it was well worth it. Makes your doctors sit up and take notes when you talk about how YOU want to treat your depression. (that alone is worth it). An excellent reference that grows with you as your treatment for depression evolves.

Breast Cancer: Beyond Convention--The World's Foremost Authorities on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Offer Advice on Healing ASIN: 0743410114 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: An invaluable guide for BREAST HEALTH as well as cancer Comments: After my diagnosis, I waded through shelves of library books on alternative health/breast cancer/healing options in order to find some of the information in this succinct literate volume. This anthology by complementary and alternative medical experts addresses both scientific and spiritual approaches for living with breast cancer. A road map to help with diagnosis, surgery, and after care . Excellent website directory.

The Alternative Medicine Handbook: The Complete Reference Guide to Alternative and Complementary Therapies ASIN: 0393045668 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: a GOOD book on alternative/complementary medicine Comments: As both a scientific researcher and a cancer patient who has greatly benefitted from mainstream medicine, about the last thing anyone would expect me to do would be to endorse a book on nontraditional medical approaches. However, I found this book to provide a comprehensive and critical evaluation of the science behind several alternative and new-age approaches to healing. It covers everything from acupuncture to Zen philosophy and discusses the scientific studies that have been conducted to determine whether various approaches actually work (she also devotes several pages to the placebo effect). As a scientist, I am very critical of "pop science", "miracle cures" and unproven alternative medicine. I also know just because something is published in a book (or on the internet), there is no guarantee that the information is accurate or true. However, I trust Dr. Cassileth's professional credentials. In addition to the professional history mentioned in the editorial review, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (one of the top cancer centers in the country) just opened a new department of Integrative Medicine devoted to "addressing the body, spirit and mind" and Dr. Cassileth was made the head of this new department. Despite the title of the book, much of the book focuses on complementary (rather than alternative) therapies that can help patients get through physically and psychologically difficult medical treatment (such as cancer treatment). She also debunks several trendy but scientifically invalidated or unvalidated cancer treatments. She also discusses the potential dangers in the lack of regulation of the herb and supplement industry, while pointing out which of the herbal remedies and vitamins have been shown to have some health benefits. The book is written for the nonscientist, which means that the info is accessible and easy to understand. Science junkies like myself may be left wanting more info on mechanism, and I was quite disappointed by the lack of a reference list citing the various studies of alternative/complementary therapies that have been published in scientifically credible journals. Anyway, if any of you are interested in complementary therapies and ways to reduce stress in your life, I highly recommend this book. I think it's one even your doctor would approve of :-)

Relieving Sciatica: Using Complementary Medicine to Overcome the Pain of Sciatica ASIN: 0895299216

Restored Harmony: An Evidence Based Approach for Integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine into Complementary Cancer Care ASIN: 0968948804 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Restored Harmony: An Evidence Based Approach for Integrating Comments: Harmony restored! A captivating book. Thoughful and stimulating, skillfully weaving together Dr Sagar's scientific and creative insights. This outstanding work is compelling reading. I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in health and healing. Dr Michelle Kohn Medical Advisor in Integrative Cancer Care

The Nature Doctor: A Manual of Traditional and Complementary Medicine ASIN: 0879835591 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Back to Basics from a Doctor who uses Common Sense Comments: Doctor Vogel's Book "The Nature Doctor" is full of down to earth common sense guides to healty living. Being a beleiver of the natural medicating stregnth of the human body and the need for less harmful remidies myself, I am heartened to see such an informative and realistic book. Dr. Vogel writes with such zest and knowledge that it is hard to put the book down. The book is not designed to be a quick fix, more a change in the way you live and eat. The content ranges from body to mind and in between. There is much to offer the patient that has tried all the other Allapathic methods of medicine and found no real relief. Being written in plain english it is easy to follow and understand. Even though the book is somewhat concise (678 pages) it gets right to the point and tells you "like it is". A great number of alements and appropriate remidies are discussed. You will find the sections on specific organs in the body most interesting and informative. An inside look at the natural rythms of the body help you understand why we need to live and eat in such a healty way. There are so many whole foods that we can use to aid the healing process, the mind can scarsely take them all in at once. A large number of sections on medicinal plants, Homeopathic remidies, Fruits, Vegetables, nuts and some insight into Bach Flowers. Interestingly Dr. Vogel talks alot about the mind and basic nutrition and delves into a few basic diets with some very tasty soups and recipies for healty living. The Book is written with a deffinite sense that the Author is extremely knowledgeable in his chosen field and this inspires a sense of trust and comfort that you are not reading a book based on a Fad ! I was refered to this book by my Uncle who had 3 ateries blocked 70% and he cured them by following suggestions in this book without one doctor lifting a scalple - if that isn't one reason to read this book I don't know what is.

Complementary Cancer Therapies: Combining Traditional and Alternative Approaches for the Best Possible Outcome ASIN: 076151922X Customer's Rating: 1 Summary: Best of science? What science? Comments: As an M.D. with over 20 years`experience working with cancer patients, combining complementary, medical and palliative approaches, I ordered this book with great expectations, which were strengthened by the catchphrase "combine the best of science and the best of nature to combat cancer". Best of science? What science? This book is loaded with strong opinions and assertations, presented as truth, often contradicting findings from recent research on complementary therapies - BUT NOT A SINGLE REFERENCE OR SOURCE QUOTATION in a book of 340 pages claiming to be scientific and authoritative. Hoping to find his sources, I seek his web page. More of hyperbole about the author and the selling of his products, but not a single reference to research - just the repeated claims about how scientific his "breakthrough" work is. There is no feedback column, just loads of opportunity to buy his goods and services. So here is my feedback. I believe that this is precisely the approach that we must avoid if the field of integrated medicine, combining "the best of both worlds" is to advance.

Clinician's Complete Reference to Complementary/Alternative Medicine ASIN: 0323007554 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: BEST CAM BOOK AVAILABLE! Comments: This book is a "must have" for western-trained clinicians and for anyone interested in in-depth information on alternative therapies. As a family physician, I found Dr. Novey's new book to be the best complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) reference available today. Each chapter gives me exactly what I need to know when a patient asks me about an alternative medicine principle. This book concisely covers each principle from origin, to indication for referral, evidence for efficacy and mechanism of action, required training for practitioners, safetly info, and most importantly-- contraindications for use. Dr. Novey got all of the big names to write this book, and really-- there is no better CAM reference than this one.

Integrative Medicine: The Patient's Essential Guide to Conventional and Complementary Treatments for More Than 300 Common Disorders ASIN: 0312253796

The Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine: A Complete Family Guide to Complementary Therapies ASIN: 1885203365

American Cancer Society's Complementary and Alternative Cancer Methods Handbook ASIN: 0944235409

The Natural Medicine Guide to Depression (The Healthy Mind Guides) ASIN: 1571742921

Doctor Mom's Natural Healthcare for Children: Simple Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Injuries and Diseases ASIN: 155643443X

The Clinical Practice of Complementary, Alternative, and Western Medicine ASIN: 0849313996 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Finally, a doctor who understands healing! Comments: This book is the only one I've found that includes the whole battery of medical options for patients and doctors alike. Dr. Diamond's insights are original and well developed--this is not way out there medicine, but rather thoroughly research cutting edge healing. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in changing medicine for the better.

Complementary Therapies in the Care of Older People ASIN: 1861563043

Professional Guide to Complementary and Alternative Therapies ASIN: 1582551278 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: A Pocket Full of Information Comments: I use this book every day in clinicals as a Nursing student. I own 2 other drug books but they now sit on my computer desk.

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