The alternative medicine sourcebook: a realistic evaluation of alternative healing methods

523 Pages·1999·1.25 MB·English

by  Steven Bratman

The Alternative Medicine Sourcebook : A
title: Realistic Evaluation of Alternative Healing
Methods
author: Bratman, Steven.
publisher: NTC Contemporary
isbn10 | asin: 073730247X
print isbn13: 9780737302479
ebook isbn13: 9780071392846
language: English
Alternative medicine--Popular works, Self-
subject
care, Health.
publication date: 1999
lcc: R733.B75 1999eb
ddc: 615.5
Alternative medicine--Popular works, Self-
subject:
care, Health.
Page iii
The Alternative Medicine Sourcebook
A Realistic Evaluation of Alternative Healing Methods
Second Edition
Steven Bratman, M.D.
The purpose of this book is to educate. It is sold with the understanding that the author and Lowell House shall have neither liability nor responsibility for any injury caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the information contained in this book. While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, the book's contents should not be
construed as medical advice. Each person's health needs are unique. To obtain recommendations appropriate to your particular situation, please consult a qualified health care provider.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Bratman, Steven.
The alternative medicine sourcebook: a realistic evaluation of alternative healing
methods / by Steven Bratman.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 0-7373-0247-X
1. Alternative medicine Popular works. 2. Self-care, Health.
I. Title.
R733.B75 1999
615.5dc21
99-41600
CIP
Text design by Laurie Young
Illustrations by Sandy Nern
Published by Lowell House
A division of NTC/Contemporary Publishing Group, Inc.
4255 West Touhy Avenue, Lincolnwood (Chicago), Illinois 60712-1975 U.S.A.
Copyright © 1997, 1998, 1999 by NTC/Contemporary Publishing Group, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of NTC/Contemporary Publishing Group, Inc.
Printed and bound in the United States of America
International Standard Book Number: 0-7373-0247-X
99 00 01 02 03 04 DHD 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Page v
CONTENTS
Introduction xi
Section I. A Realistic Look at Alternative Medicine 1
Chapter 1. What Is Alternative Medicine? 7
The Three Ideals of Alternative Medicine 8
How Well Are These Ideals Practiced? 16
The Two Types of Alternative Medicine 21
Chapter 2. Alternative Medicine: Myths and Realities 27
Section II. Scientific Approaches to Healing 47
Chapter 3. Conventional Medicine 55
The Limitations of Conventional Medicine 57
Chapter 4. Naturopathic Medicine 59
The Origins of Naturopathy 60
Naturopathic Concepts and Theories 62
Herbal Medicine 70
Vitamins and Other Food Supplements 80
Diet 88
Fads 97
Chapter 5. Homeopathy 103
How Is Homeopathy Practiced? 104
Who Practices Homeopathy? 105
How Well Does Homeopathy Work? 106
Page vi
Section III. The Healing Arts 109
Chapter 6. Chinese Medicine 113
The Uniqueness of Chinese Medicine 114
Acupuncture 121
Chinese Herbal Medicine 137
Chapter 7. Bodywork: The Real Physical Therapy 145
Massage 148
Chiropractic 153
Movement Therapies 169
Cranial Osteopathy 182
Chapter 8. Body/Mind Medicine 195
Stress Reduction 196
Meditation 198
Yoga 198
Guided Visualization 199
Biofeedback 199
Positive Thinking 200
Body-Oriented Psychotherapy 201
Spiritual Approaches 205
How Well Do Body/Mind Approaches Work 205
Section IV. How to Use Alternative Medicine 207
Chapter 9. General Principles 211
Guiding Principles 211
Chapter 10. Common Questions about Alternative 217
Medicine
What Kinds of Questions Are Alternative Medicine Best217
For?
How Should I Choose an Alternative Medicine 218
Practitioner?
Page vii
Is Alternative Medicine Dangerous 219
Can I Obtain Health Coverage for Alternative 221
Medicine?
How Can I Obtain Referrals to Alternative Medicine 225
Practioners?
Chapter 11. Integrating Conventional and Alternative 227
Treatment
Diagnosis 229
Treatment 229
Hard Facts 229
Healing 230
Natural Leanings 231
Paranoid Versus Trust 231
Conclusion: The Best of Both Worlds 236
Section V. Recommendations by Illness 239
Alzheimer's Disease 241
Anxiety 242
Arthritis 242
Asthma 243
Bladder Infections 244
Cancer 244
Cold Sores 245
Colds and Flus 245
Depression 246
Dysmenorrhea (Painful Menstruation) 246
Fatigue 247
Fibromyalgia 248
Headaches 248
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) 249
High Cholesterol 249
Page viii
Insomnia 250
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Spastic Colon) 250
Menopause (see also) Osteoporosis 251
Osteoporosis 252
Premenstrual Syndrome 252
Pain (Including Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain) 253
Prostate Enlargement 253
Restless Legs Syndrome 254
Serious Chronic Illnesses 254
Tendinitis 255
Varicose Veins 255
Resources 257
Bibliography 259
Organizations 265
Index 267