Complementary-Therapy Books

This book is mostly written for psychiatrists and other therapists. The language is geared for professionals but it is appropriate for anyone who is interested in the topic. All of the authors are doctors in regular medical practice. The book is edited by Muskin who writes an introductory chapter about the history of alternative medicine. He uses the term CAM for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The review is pretty surprising, particularly how he gets from CAM to s'mores. The chapters cover a broad range of topics: Richard Brown writes about herbs and nutrients. He published another book about SAMe. This is a brief but pretty comprehensive chapter about many different substances. I don't think you could use it as a cookbook, but it covers a lot of ground. Ina Becker has a chapter on yoga, including the history of yoga. It is useful if you are considering trying yoga for a psychological problem. Joesph Loizzo's chapter on mediation has a lot in it about theory and various research. It is not very practical, but it is very scientific. The acupuncture chapter is a review of Chinese medicine. Anyone who is thinking of acupuncture might want to read it before starting treatment. The last chapter is by Catherine Crone and is about problems that can result when people use alternative medicine along with or instead of regular medical treatment. Anybody who is thinking of doing that should read the chapter. I liked the book, but it is not one you read in one sitting. It is a reference book and one that has so much information is will be useful for a long time.

Dr. Rakel and colleague have edited an excellent resource guide to access and understand the variety of complementary medicine modalities for improving health in older adults. It is a thoroughly researched and easy to understand guide for both the general public and physician alike. Dr. Rakel, who holds a fellowship degree in Integrative medicine, has brought her own perspective and insights into the challenges that face an aging population. Highly recommended for all interested in complementary medicine.

Good, succinct discussions of many CAM modalities, and of a spectrum of target symptoms and illnesses with appropriate CAM therapies. Generously referenced.
For instance, the section on spirituality includes a helpful mnemonic for integrating spirituality with conventional medical care.
The discussion on Otitis Media (inflammation of the middle ear, most common in early childhood) is an excellent example of how CAM therapies can be helpful. Suggested modalities detailed include breast feeding, cranial osteopathy, osteopathy, lymphatic drainage, flavonoids, homeopathy, herbs and other botanicals, allergy rotation diet, acupuncture, aromatherapy, and avoiding second-hand smoke and pacifiers. In Europe, the vast majority of cases of otitis media are treated with these therapies. In the US, 98% of cases are treated with antibiotics. Considering that over 100,000 people die annually from medication reactions, and that CAM therapies carry minimal risks, we have much to learn from these differences.

The updated third edition of this survey of alternative medicine is a 'must' reference for any serious healthcare collection: it offers general readers tips on widely used CAM therapies, guidelines for their success and safety, and describes medical systems which have evolved from cooperation between traditional and alternative medicines. Public library holdings, too, will welcome it as a popular reference.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

People are turning to non-medical and non-hospital sources for healthcare. Yet this underground movement is poorly documented. This timely and well-written book provides a comprehensive account of the varieties of alternative medicine and the kinds of people who use it.

I picked this book up from a store in London. I read it on the plane while on holiday. I learnt more about alternative medicines than I ever have before. Every chapter is well laid out and really eay to read. Some of the techniques I've never heard off. I can't wait for his next book. Has this author written other books - does anyone know?

Complementary Oncology is an excellent and open minded exploration of treatment options from a conventional medicine point of view. Even though this book is written by German doctors and researchers engaged in providing conventional care, the discussion is primarily on complementary treatment options and exhibits little or no bias.

Research and potential of many aspects such as exercise, nutrition, psychology, thermography, and many other treatments is well presented (although a bit scientific at times).

Care like proteolytic enzymes apparently is so common in Germany that it isn't even discussed, it's just assumed the patient will include them in their care (they are listed in the back as part of each care plan).

This book isn't for the average cancer patient. However if you have a scientific education and an interest in solid research of topics typically not mentioned or considered by American doctors then this is an excellent book to read. If you are a patient interested in obtaining the best care without bias or a caregiver that desires to be well educated then this book should be a "must have".

Plants and flowers have long been the basis for many traditional healing practices. Many modern medicines have their "roots" in the worlds of herbalism. And yet, there has been little integration between systems of thought and practice.

In this volume, Rhonda Pallas Downey has amassed a body of work that brings a variety of disciplines into balance and perspective. She skillfully weaves the historic precepts of herbalism, homeopathy, and flower essences, demonstrating a deep knowledge of not only the principals of healing, but the application of precepts to practice. With a strong background in healing systems, she also skillfully correlates the use of flower essences to the chakra systems, thus demonstrating the web that brings all healing systems into a cohesive whole.

Rhonda shares a wealth of personal experiences that illustrate how flower essences are created, shared, and used. She guides the reader through the exacting process of choosing, gathering, preparing, and using the flower essences. There is a sacredness of this process which is clearly inspiring and meditative. The proving process, in which the essences are blindly tested, adds credibility to this healing method.

Forty-eight plants, indigenous to North America, are carefully detailed in the Materia Medica section of the book. Each plant or flower is detailed as to physical characteristics, botanical names, traditional and homeopathic uses, and suggestions for healing uses. Data from the original provings is provided to assist the reader in a greater understanding of the plant's properties. Case histories, observations, and affirmations round out each profile. Rhonda's own exquisite photographs accompany the text.

This is not a book to read cover to cover, but one to ponder and explore. Just as Rhonda encourages us to look at healing on a higher level, the book brings additional layers and dimensions to common plants we may see but not really experience. This is an exceptional work that deserves a place in the body of knowledge of healing.

First of all, I checked this book out at the library. I fell immediately under its spell at the library while reading the first few pages. It is full of fantastic information, articles, how-to's and so much more.

I am a Usui Reiki Master and practice many forms and types of healing and therapies. I am a licensed surgical nurse (self-retired) and find this book to be a fantastic read and learning experience for all practitioners of healing methods.

It covers the techniques, manipulations and aromatherapy used in practices today.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK...KEEP IT IN STOCK!

Finally, a user friendly guide to natural remedies. Too many natural healing guides rely on obscure remedies that the average person cannot find even in their local health food stores. By contrast this guide offers practical home-health advice in easy-to-find general categories and individual ailment chapters, with remedies often found in the cupboard at home. A must for the just-starting-out or the experienced natural healing practitioner alike!