Science Meets Alternative Medicine: What the Evidence Says About Unconventional Treatments

Commercial radio and television, the Internet, and the vast majority of print media have spawned a promotion bonanza for herbal remedies and alternative therapies -- e.g., acupuncture, homeopathy, Ayurvedic medicine, aroma therapy, therapeutic touch, and many others. These therapies claim to do what scientific, evidence-based medicine sometimes cannot -- provide cures for a wide variety of diseases and physical ailments. How can the average consumer find objective, scientific information evaluating these products and treatments? Without reliable data from scientifically qualified sources, consumers run the risk of wasting their money, or worse, endangering their health.

This authoritative collection of research articles by reputable scientists is dedicated exclusively to the careful scrutiny of the claims of alternative medicine. Using scientific and rational criteria, well-respected scientists and physicians review available evidence for therapeutic claims, critique published studies, and discuss the methods and principles of valid research. Among the topics covered are the origins of alternative medicine and current trends; the theories and therapies of Andrew Weil, naturopathy, therapeutic touch, and colloidal silver treatment; the psychological dimensions of belief in unvconventional treatments; and the ethics of promoting unproven treatments.

This informative volume is a must for healthcare providers, consumers, and anyone considering alternative therapies.