Review by Choice Review
Recently, the number of people choosing complementary (alternative) medical treatment has increased significantly. Why is this happening? The authors present a fascinating, informative, complete, and objective picture including descriptions, history, comparisons, and case studies about traditional and complementary medicine: acupuncture, chiropractic, osteopathy, reflexology, homeopathy, Eastern and Chinese, crystal therapy. All those who treat illnesses, either real or imaginary, are healers. Major differences between the two are scientific versus nonscientific treatment, approach to the patient, and willingness to discuss death. The physician relies on signs, symptoms, and laboratory tests, and uses technology and equipment that are strange and frightening; complementary healers use "magic": laying on of hands, tiny needles, special concoctions of herbs, poultices, and imaging--simple and more familiar. Physicians are objective and often aloof; complementary healers listen intently to their patients. Physicians tend to ignore the topic of death; healers discuss it as a reality with their clients. Both types of treatment work part of the time; people get better or at least feel better. The authors conclude that there is a little magic in traditional medicine, and a little medicine in complementary treatment, and that the patient needs both. Highly recommended for health professionals, faculty, and students at all levels. A. R. Davis; Johns Hopkins University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
