This book deals with the creation of the algorithmic backbone that enables a computer to perceive humans in a monitored space. This is performed using the same signals that humans process, i.e., audio and video. Computers reproduce the same type of perception using sensors and algorithms in order to detect and track multiple interacting humans, by way of multiple cues, like bodies, faces or speech. This application domain is challenging, because audio and visual signals are cluttered by both background and foreground objects. First, particle filtering is established as the framework for tracking. Then, audio, visual and also audio-visual tracking systems are separately explained. Each modality is analyzed, starting with sensor configuration, detection for tracker initialization and the trackers themselves. Techniques to fuse the modalities are then considered. Instead of offering a monolithic approach to the tracking problem, this book also focuses on implementation by providing MATLAB code for every presented component. This way, the reader can connect every concept with corresponding code. Finally, the applications of the various tracking systems in different domains are studied.

A full-color illustrated and comprehensive study guide for reflexology * Provides detailed and accurate anatomical drawings, zone and reflex maps, and muscle tables * Offers extensive basic pathology of all body systems, including case studies * Ideal for students of reflexology up to levels 2 and 3; exceeds the curriculum requirements of all the major awarding bodies * Includes a study outline for each chapter as well as review and multiple choice questions Reflexology is a gentle, non-invasive therapy that encourages the body to balance and heal itself. It involves applying finger or thumb pressure to specific points on the hands and feet. Called "reflexes," these points reflect, or mirror, the organs and structures of the body as well as a person's emotional health. In this way, the hands and feet are "mini maps" or "microcosms" of the body that can be used to encourage holistic healing. Presenting the most complete reflexology study guide available, this full-color illustrated textbook is designed for use both in the classroom and as a home study resource. Ideal for students of reflexology up to levels 2 and 3, it exceeds the curriculum requirements of all the major awarding bodies as well as meeting the current National Occupational Standards for reflexology. Providing detailed and accurate anatomical drawings, zone and reflex maps, and muscle tables, the book outlines each body system, explaining how, when, and why to work the reflexes. It explores foot reflexology, hand reflexology, as well as meridian therapy and offers extensive basic pathology of all body systems, including case studies, allowing the student to develop interpretive diagnostic and treatment planning skills. Each chapter also includes a study outline as well as review and multiple choice questions. Offering a comprehensive guide to the theory, philosophies, and history of reflexology, this book will encourage students to develop understanding and confidence in their reflexology practice.

A comprehensive compendium on the theory and practice of herbal medicine from expert herbalists Christopher Hedley and Non Shaw.   This fundamental textbook draws on the wisdom of Christopher Hedley and Non Shaw, incorporating their belief in the importance of understanding herbal medicine in the context of living plants, and providing lived examples of how this can be used in the everyday practice of herbal medicine. Through these teachings, the book also acquaints readers with the rich legacy of Christopher and Non in Western herbal medicine. Drawing on Christopher's own approach to teaching herbalism, which was abundant with the importance of storytelling in learning, Plant Medicine is as fascinating as it is accessible, enriched with the depth of Christopher's own knowledge and warmth. The book is comprised of four parts: 'Roots' explores the history of plant medicine, investigating physiomedicalism and Galenic humoral medicine. The second section, 'Flowers', is a thorough, alphabetically ordered materia medica of the medicinal properties of individual plants, with properties, uses, preparations, dosage, cautions, and clinical uses of ninety-two plant medicines that Non and Christopher gathered over nearly two lifetimes. 'Fruits' provides information on how particular body systems and patient groups are treated therapeutically with herbal medicines, specifically covering the digestive, cardiovascular, nervous, urinary, musculoskeletal, endocrine, skin and immune systems. Finally, 'Seeds' concludes the book by inviting readers to consider going deeper and beyond their exploration of plant medicine, shifting their preconceptions of herbs to understand them on a more intimate level. Plant Medicine is a foundational text for all students and practitioners of herbal medicine, but it's wisdom and insight will also provide a guiding light for anyone seeking plant medicine as a way to reconnect to the abundance and beauty of nature.

Would you use complementary and alternative medicines (CAMS)? Well, research has shown that up to three quarters of patients with cancer may at least supplement their treatment with such therapies, spending as much on CAMS as conventional drugs. How do you decide? This book provides a full range of perspectives on CAMS from patients and CAMS practitioners to conventional doctors who oppose the use of these alternative treatments because of the lack of evidence of efficacy and safety. Then there are the CAMS researchers, educators and regulators who view CAMS from different perspectives. The broad array of opinions build a complete picture of the issues for discerning readers to be adequately informed to make up their minds and draw their own conclusions.

In August 2004, South Africa officially legalized the practice of traditional healers. Largely in response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and limited both by the number of practitioners and by patients' access to treatment, biomedical practitioners looked toward the country's traditional healers as important agents in the development of medical education and treatment. This collaboration has not been easy. The two medical cultures embrace different ideas about the body and the origin of illness, but they do share a history of commercial and ideological competition and different relations to state power. "Healing Traditions: African Medicine, Cultural Exchange, and Competition in South Africa, 1820-1948 "provides a long-overdue historical perspective to these interactions and an understanding that is vital for the development of medical strategies to effectively deal with South Africa's healthcare challenges.
Between 1820 and 1948 traditional healers in Natal, South Africa, transformed themselves from politically powerful men and women who challenged colonial rule and law into successful entrepreneurs who competed for turf and patients with white biomedical doctors and pharmacists. To understand what is "traditional" about traditional medicine, Flint argues that we must consider the cultural actors not commonly associated with African therapeutics: white biomedical practitioners, Indian healers, and the implementing of white rule.
Carefully crafted, well written, and powerfully argued, Flint's analysis of the ways that indigenous medical knowledge and therapeutic practices were forged, contested, and transformed over two centuries is highly illuminating, as is her demonstration that many "traditional" practices changed over time. Her discussion of African and Indian medical encounters opens up a whole new way of thinking about the social basis of health and healing in South Africa. This important book will be core reading for classes and future scholarship on health and healing in South Africa.

Using original sources, this significant text looks at the transformation of Chinese medicine from a marginal, side-lined medical practice of the early twentieth century, to an essential and high-profile part of the national health-care system under the Chinese Communist Party. The political, economic and social motives which drove this promotion are analyzed and the extraordinary role that Chinese medicine was meant to play in Mao Zedong's revolution is fully explored for the first time, making a major contribution to the history of Chinese medicine.

Alternative medicine is not a fashionable new trend but an established cultural strategy, as well as a dynamic feature of mainstream contemporary medicine, in which elements of folk traditions are often blended with western scientific approaches.The Anthropology of Alternative Medicine is a concise yet wide-ranging exploration of non-biomedical healing. The book addresses a broad range of practices including: substance, energy and information flows (e.g. helminthic therapy); spirit, consciousness and trance (e.g. shamanism); body, movement and the senses (e.g. reiki and aromatherapy); as well as classical medical traditions as complements or alternatives to Western biomedicine (e.g. Ayurveda). Exploring the cultural underpinnings of contemporary healing methods, while assessing current ideas, topics and resources for further study, this book will be invaluable to undergraduate and graduate students in anthropology, sociology, psychology, and health related professions such as nursing, physical and occupational therapy, and biomedicine.

The genus Phyllanthus has over 1,000 species distributed worldwide, many of which have been used indigenously for the treatment of a variety of ailments for generations. Researchers have developed ways to analyze the potential of these plants and demonstrated the pharmacological action and various chemical entities present in each of them. They have validated the folklore claims and used this knowledge to design cost-effective and reliable sources of medicine.

The first book to exclusively examine the genus Phyllanthus, Phyllanthus Species: Scientific Evaluation and Medicinal Applications begins with a systematic classification and identification manual for various plants in the genus, followed by the scientific evaluation of the species for modern medicinal use. This reference compiles cutting edge research from countries around the world, including the UK, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Spain, Cuba, and China. Topics covered include phylogenetic analysis of Phyllanthus, chemistry of the genus, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and chemo- protective effects, genotoxicity, clinical trials involving Phyllanthus, and various formulations containing different plants from the genus Phyllanthus.

Phyllanthus Species: Scientific Evaluation and Medicinal Applications describes in detail the taxonomy, cultivation, and marketing, identification of geographic and genetic hot spots, chemistry, scientific evaluation, and clinical trials of various species of Phyllanthus. Written for researchers and educators in academia, industry, agriculture, and the interested general public, this book's up-to-date references make it a powerful resource providing first-hand information on Phyllanthus.

The beautiful new edition of this highly successful book, written by Ann and Chris Frederick, directors of the Stretch to Win(R) Institute, is packed with theory and practice, including a host of beautifully illustrated assisted stretches. Fascial Stretch Therapy(TM), Second edition is a practical and highly applicable manual for any massage therapist, movement instructor, physical or occupational therapist, athletic or sports trainer, fitness instructor or osteopath - in fact for any hands-on practitioners who wants to learn new skills and improve therapeutic outcomes. It clearly demonstrates how FST(TM) assessment, treatment, and training are used in a variety of common circumstances encountered in manual therapy and athletic training. What's new for the second edition... Discusses a very brief history of a still expanding and evolving new industry of assisted stretching. It also covers the negative aspects of this trend, including the lack of assessments and specificity and common stretching methods. Approaches are listed so you can compare and contrast. Includes a new Chapter 2 with updates of the highest quality evidence-based research useful to the field of assisted stretching. It includes the authors' own research about the effects of FST(TM) on chronic nonspecific low back pain as well as a discussion about a recent systematic review of the acute effects of muscle stretching on physical performance range of motion, and injury incidence in healthy active individuals. Lists contraindications and indications for FST(TM) along with new updates to reflect current understandings (e.g. about Golgi tendon organs) with supporting references. Shows how this method will save you time when forming a working hypothesis that will quickly be proven or disproven so that you will have enough time to develop other hypotheses that you can test for efficacy, all within a single session. Includes new photographs and artwork along with new titles to reflect the change in nomenclature from the use of the term 'fascial line(s)' to 'fascial net(s)'.

"Energy Medicine East and West: A Natural History of Qi" provides a unique, comprehensive overview of Qi or bioenergy for students and practitioners of energy medicines, Chinese and Oriental Medicine, and all disciplines of Complementary and Integrative Medicine. Mayor and Micozzi start with a comparative historical account of the ancient concepts of Qi and vital energy before covering theories of Qi, a discussion of the organized therapeutic modalities based upon Qi and its applications to specific health and medical conditions. Contributions are included from international experts in the field.

?The book moves from anatomical and bioenergetic complementarity of Western vital energy and Eastern Qi, through convergence of perspectives and models to demonstrations of how the traditional therapies are being melded together in a new, original and creative synthesis.

?David Mayor and Marc Micozzi are experienced medical practitioners, authors and editors. David Mayor has been actively involved in bioenergy research, practice and publishing for over 30 years, and is author/editor of Electroacupuncture: A practical manual and resource (2007), as well as other acupuncture texts and studies. Marc Micozzi is Professor in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. As author/editor of Fundamentals of Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 4E (2011), and 25 other books, he has been writing, editing and teaching on bioenergy, Qi and related topics for 20 years.

Endorsements

"This wonderful book has assembled some 25 authors expressing well a view of qi which entirely does justice to its nature. Meticulously referenced, it is a milestone to set beside Maciocias Foundations of Chinese Medicine and Deadmans Manual of Acupuncture. Here at last are the beginnings of a true science of qi...There is truly nothing like it in contemporary literature. Alone, it lays the foundation for the beginnings of a modern science of qi."Richard Bertschinger, Acupuncturist and translator, Somerset, UK.

"This book offers a timely and thorough examination of the experience and nature of qi, including a series of fascinating philosophical discussions with a direct application to our patients. Required reading for acupuncture practitioners seeking to justify and clarify their clinical reasoning."Val Hopwood PhD FCSP, Physiotherapist, acupuncturist, researcher and educator; Course director, MSc Acupuncture, Coventry University, UK.

"Over the last decade most books on Asian medicine paid tribute to the aura of evidence-based medicine - experience counted little, RCTs were convincing. This book, at last, returns to an old tradition of debate, opening up quite a few new horizons. Reading it, my striving for knowledge was married with enjoyment and happiness. This book made me happy " Thomas Ots MD PhD, Medical acupuncturist specialising in psychiatry, Graz, Austria; Editor-in-Chief, Deutsche Zeitschrift f?r Akupunktur.

"To simply review the chapter headings is to know the truly remarkable expanse of this book...a wonderful bridge between the mysteries of the East and the sciences of the West...well documented, well written, and enlarging both. Enlightening...nicely depicts outstanding advances in energy psychotherapeutics, thus ultimately helping to move forward the human condition."Maurie D Pressman MD, Emeritus Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA; Emeritus Chairman of Psychiatry, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia PA; past President, International Society for the Study of Subtle Energies and Energy Medicine, Lafayette, CO, USA.

..".a major advance in the study of qi and related forms of 'energy medicine, ' both in and beyond the East Asian cultural context...bringing together such a wide range of scholars and practitioners, providing much the most serious and thorough overview of the area yet available in English."Professor Geoffrey Samuel, Director, Research Group on the Body, Health and Religion (BAHAR), Cardiff University, UK.

Reduced production of DHEA associated with the diseases that accompany aging has led to its use as a nutritional supplement for antiaging, metabolic support, and other purposes. While animal studies have clearly shown substantial benefits of DHEA in combating various disease states, the effect of low levels of DHEA in humans is less established, and the mechanisms of action and potential involvement in illnesses remain unclear. DHEA in Human Health and Aging reviews the past ten years of research into this hormone and explores its potential for future study.

With contributions from a cadre of international experts, this volume examines:

• The biology of DHEA relevant to health in humans
• Areas of potential clinical importance concerning low levels of DHEA related to age or physiological change
• Prevention as well as treatment of various human disease states by changing DHEA levels
• The use of DHEA levels in predicting the risk of disease
• The role of DHEA in diabetes, fitness, infectious disease, cancer, AIDS, bone health, cardiovascular diseases, autism, and mental health
• Animal models and their relation to studies done on humans
• The effects of loss of adrenal gland function, the subsequent reduction in DHEA production, and its replacement as therapy
• Adverse effects in DHEA-supplemented women
• Mechanisms of action of DHEA in prostate and ovarian health, vascular modification, stress, memory, aggression, and Alzheimer's disease

Covering a wide range of topics, the book is compiled from contributions of experts who have each studied some aspect of DHEA and human or animal health or disease. Every chapter is self-contained, allowing for focused study on individual topics. Edited by one of the leading experts in the field of nutrition, the book presents a compelling view of the state of the science in DHEA.

By offering an empowering personal program of self-care in recovery, this book provides guidance for everyone affected by widespread modern 'addictiveness'. The book explores Ayurveda's understanding of both the problem of our 'one addiction process' and its solution. It offers holistic techniques that enhance any of the traditional recovery pathways and beyond any of the common diet/exercise dogma from mainstream media. It covers the stress/addictive tendencies of the doshic types, and links this to how stress affects metabolism, the main determinant of health. The program offered in the book is an integration of the philosophy, psychology and physical practices of Yoga and Ayurveda to help people shift their life trajectory. With Yoga of Recovery, author Durga Leela presents a complete resource for working with individuals recovering from addiction.

The popularity of Tibetan medicine plays a central role in the international market for alternative medicine and has been increasing and extending far beyond its original cultural area becoming a global phenomenon. This book analyses Tibetan medicine in the 21st century by considering the contemporary reasons that have led to its diversity and by bringing out the common orientations of this medical system. Using case studies that examine of the social, political and identity dynamics of Tibetan medicine in Nepal, India, the PRC, Mongolia, the UK and the US, the contributors to this book answer the following three, fundamental questions:

• What are the modalities and issues involved in the social and therapeutic transformations of Tibetan medicine?
• How are national policies and health reforms connected to the processes of contemporary redefinition of this medicine?
• How does Tibetan medicine fit into the present, globalized context of the medical world?

Written by experts in the field from the US, France, Canada, China and the UK this book will be invaluable to students and scholars interested in contemporary medicine, Tibetan studies, health studies and the anthropology of Asia.

'Winner of the ICAS Colleagues Choice Award 2009"

A debilitating disease of pain, inflammation, and loss of mobility and quality of life, arthritis takes victims of all ages, from young children to seniors. Usually chronic, the broad term arthritis refers to nearly 100 distinct manifestations, each with their own etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment. With medical research getting so much attention, it is no wonder there have been recent leaps in the investigation into arthritis treatment. It is important to have a high quality, trusted compendium to capture the breadth and depth of new information in the field. Covering cutting-edge information on arthritic diseases and their treatment, Arthritis: Pathophysiology, Prevention, and Therapeutics details the intricacies of arthritis and inflammatory responses, their consequences, their economic burden, and their impact on society. Offering a mechanistic approach to pathophysiology and treatment, the book begins with an overview of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. Section Two highlights the consequences of arthritis and the link between arthritis and obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, as well as other related disabilities. The third section focuses on antiarthritic drugs, including an overview and update on antiarthritic drug development by Dr. Micheal G. Lyon from Stanford University School of Medicine, and a chapter on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Other chapters cover biologics in arthritis treatment, topical applications, and the use of hyaluronan and hyaluronic acid in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Sections Four and Five are devoted to natural therapeutic and orthopedic interventions such as glucosamine and chondroitin, MSM, capsaicin, shark cartilage, and fish oil, while Section Six discusses nonpharmacological approaches including physical exercise and acupuncture. The final section provides a commentary on the correlation between a

Recent advances in modern medicine have contributed to a longer lifespan for human beings. However, this does not directly translate to healthy living. Modern medicine's major success lies in specifically targeting orientated pathologies. It, however, does not promise healthy longevity.Healthy longevity requires an absence of life-threatening diseases and maintenance of good quality of life. Oriental medicine emphasizes on the promotion of physiological balance and internal harmony, which are integral for longevity in life. This book defines aging, approaching from the perspective of the frontier bioscientist as well as that of the traditional practitioner. On the international front, Oriental practices are extensively recommended, including herbal supplements and specific training exercises. This book, compiled with the aim of offering solutions to healthy aging, provides an excellent reference for both the elderly and their caregivers.

A gentle and loving guide for women healing from an abortion. Many women go through at least one in their lifetime, yet in our society abortion still remains a taboo subject. As lucky as we are in the UK to be able to have safe abortions, the nature of medical care has meant that while the process is quick and efficient, minimal thought that has gone into the aftermath. How has it affected our bodies? Is it acceptable to grieve? How can we honour the loss? Honouring the Loss is a guide that covers a whole spectrum of time; whether you are about to have an abortion or had one many years ago, there are specific exercises, meditations, herbs and rituals for each stage of this journey. Woven throughout is the wisdom of herbal medicine; as you discover which herbs to take for common physical or emotional imbalances, as well as learning how to make your own herbal teas, tinctures and oils to empower your journey back to health. Rituals offer the chance to transform any emotions or feelings in a way of beauty, as they open a new doorway that leads you to a place of peace and acceptance for all you have been through.

This issue of Rheumatic Disease Clinics brings the rheumatologist up to date on the latest complimentary and alternative treatments for their patients. Therapies such as tai chi, yoga, mindfulness meditation, fish oil, herbal medicine, and glucosamine are covered. Numerous clinical conditions are addressed, notably fibromyalgia and lupus. The scope of use of alternative treatments is explored, and both adult and pediatric patients are covered.

Originally published in 1986, this volume deals with the historical, philosophical and psychological concepts found in Islamic medical practices, and covers Islamic ideas on physiological, pathological, curative and preventative medicine. This was the first systematic study of Islamic medicine to be published in the English language and continues to have much relevance at a time when interest both in Islamic thought and in alternatives to conventional medicine is strong.

Addressing the increasing popularity of nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, and functional foods, this comprehensive and timely book presents an abundance of information on herbal products and their applications. The chapter authors-highly skilled, experienced, and renowned scientists and researchers from around the globe-offer up-to-date knowledge on the uses of herbal products in health management, in cancer treatment, in mental health therapy, and more. Nutraceuticals and Dietary Supplements: Advances and Applications begins with an introduction, the nomenclature, and characteristics of nutraceuticals and goes on to discuss in-depth applications for specific health issues, including cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, alcoholism, and more. It also looks at the pros and cons as well as the analytical techniques used for the production of nutraceuticals. Chapters cover market size, regulatory perspectives, manufacturing, and in silico drug design. The book incorporates a wide diversity of case studies, research, and theories pertaining to natural products employed by developers and content experts in the field.

Discover the wisdom of a 4,000-year-old sacred oil tradition, learn transformational rituals and meditations, and unlock deep healing and incredible insight. Sacred oils are part of a mysterious and ancient art that dates back thousands of years. Their knowledge is passed from master to master - only a handful of people alive hold this knowledge. Among them is Felicity Warner, a healer and myrrhophore. In this book, Felicity will guide you through a healing journey with 20 of the world's most treasured oils, including Elemi, Holy Basil, Palo Santo and Spikenard. She explains how to: * mix, dilute, blend and store the oils * perform sacred rituals of anointment * attune to the frequency of each oil through meditation as a pathway to deeper consciousness * use the oils to cleanse auras and heal the soul, for prophecy and to access past-life information Find wellbeing and peace today as you delve into the amazing world of sacred oils.

World production of citrus fruits is still growing. At present, about 30 percent of that yield is devoted to industrial production, mostly on those essential oils and juices used in foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Covering research reported in the literature over the past ten years, this book presents the most current research available on the analysis, composition, and biological activity of citrus products, as well as concerns with adulteration and contaminants. The research group currently coordinated by the editors at the University of Messina has been investigating citrus essential oils since the 80s and is known worldwide for its development of chromatographic investigation methods.

Reflexology in Pregnancy and Childbirth is a definitive text on the safe and appropriate use of reflex zone therapy in pregnancy, labour and the puerperium, focusing on evidence-based practice, professional accountability and application of a comprehensive knowledge of the therapy related to reproductive physiology. Denise Tiran, an experienced midwife, reflex zone therapist, university lecturer and Director of Expectancy - the Expectant Parents' Complementary Therapies Consultancy - has an international reputation in the field of maternity complementary therapies, has researched and written extensively on reflexology, and has treated nearly 5000 pregnant women with structural reflex zone therapy. KEY FEATURES Case histories to ease application of theory to practice Charts, tables and diagrams are used throughout for ease of learning Includes a section on conception, infertility and sub-fertility Covers legalities and ethical issues. Fully evidence-based Focuses on safety Academic Includes Case histories to illustrate points discussed in the text Charts, Tables and diagrams used throughout for ease of learning Relevant anatomy, physiology and conventional care covered Section on conception, infertility and sub-fertility Legalities and ethical issues Professional accountability

"Clinical Reflexology" takes the practitioner on a journey of examination, critical review and debate prior to making recommendations for best practice in reflexology. ? The phenomenal rise in interest by health professionals in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), and in particular touch therapies, has led to a need for texts that relate and integrate theory and practice to health care settings. Clinical Reflexology does this, expanding and exploring concepts introduced in the first edition. Many CAM books have been written for therapists working in private practice but many of these practitioners are also now working in healthcare settings. This book allows both groups to facilitate the greater integration of clinical reflexology in clinical practice.

The book is divided into two sections. The first deals with key themes, including an up-to-date review of the research evidence and appropriate methodology, safe and supported practice and integration issues. All these themes are explored and discussed utilizing the available literature, analysis of models and concepts and are related specifically to health care practice. The second section focuses on the clinical application of reflexology and how it can be best adapted to the context. The contributors are committed pioneers in their field with a track record of integrating reflexology within clinical settings. Many are teachers, coordinators of therapy services and supervisors.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Dr Peter?Mackereth is the Clinical Lead for Complementary Therapies and Smoking Cessation?Services at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust Manchester. He is a registered nurse, and has worked in intensive care, neurology and oncology. Peter has an MA in Medical Ethics and has completed a PhD project examining reflexology vs. relaxation training for people with Multiple Sclerosis.? An author and renowned speaker, Peter has held academic post in number of universities, most recently as Reader in Integrative Health at the University of Derby.

Denise Tiran, a midwife, lecturer and reflex zone therapist, is an internationally aclaimed authority on complementary therapies in pregnancy and childbirth. She is Director of Expectancy, the leading provider of professional education on the safe use of complementary therapies in maternity care, including a special pregnancy course for reflexologists. Her latest book, Reflexology for Pregnancy and Childbirth, was published in January 2010.

This new volume, Promising Drug Molecules of Natural Origin, explores potential beneficial drug substances derived from nature. It presents the general principles, characteristics, evaluation techniques, and applications involved in drug molecules from natural sources, such as plants and marine life. With chapters from renowned experts from around the world, the chapters in this volume address the challenges of standardization of herbal medicines, methods of characterization of natural medicines and phyto-constituents, and quality control methods for herbal medicines. Several chapters in the book focus on the evolution of phyto-constituents in cancer therapeutics, while others deal with applications for other diseases, such as diabetes and neuroinflammatory disorders. The volume also specifically reviews heterocyclic drugs from plants. This volume will be a valuable resource for faculty and advanced students in pharmaceutics as well as researchers, scientists, and industry professionals in medicine and drug development.

In this extraordinary book Josephine Peters, a respected northern California Indian elder and Native healer, shares her vast, lifelong cultural and plant knowledge. The book begins with Josephine's personal and tribal history and gathering ethics. Josephine then instructs the reader in medicinal and plant food preparations and offers an illustrated catalog of the uses and doses of over 160 plants. At a time of the commercialization of traditional ecological knowledge, Peters presents her rich tradition on her own terms, and according to her spiritual convictions about how her knowledge should be shared. This volume is essential for anyone working in ethnobotany, ethnomedicine, environmental anthropology, Native American studies, and Western and California culture and history.