Starting from the premise that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a fascinating and fast-changing area of social life, this book explores the challenging issues associated with CAM in the context of the social, political and cultural influences that shape people's health.
Divided into three parts, the introductory chapter sets out the general context of social change, consumption and debate around the rise of public interest in CAM. The first part goes on to argue for and against different classifications of CAM, leading into a discussion of how CAM developed in a political and historical context. The Reader is invited to critically assess the importance of ethics and values to CAM practice and how these inform what practitioners do. The second part focuses on the question of what people want, the changing and contested nature of health, and the nature of personal and social factors associated with the use of CAM. This leads to a focus on 'therapeutic relationships'. The final part of the book examines the diversity of settings in which CAM takes place and the social, political and economic milieu in which CAM is provided and used.
This book will appeal to everyone who is concerned with or has an interest in CAM. It will be of particular interest to people working in the areas of CAM, health and social care and the voluntary sector. Together with its accompanying text, Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Structures and Safeguards, it forms the core text for the Open University course K221 Perspectives on Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Starting from the premise that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a fascinating and fast-changing area of social life, this book explores the challenging issues associated with CAM in the context of the social, political and cultural influences that shape people's health.
Divided into three parts, the introductory chapter sets out the general context of social change, consumption and debate around the rise of public interest in CAM. The first part goes on to argue for and against different classifications of CAM, leading into a discussion of how CAM developed in a political and historical context. The Reader is invited to critically assess the importance of ethics and values to CAM practice and how these inform what practitioners do. The second part focuses on the question of what people want, the changing and contested nature of health, and the nature of personal and social factors associated with the use of CAM. This leads to a focus on 'therapeutic relationships'. The final part of the book examines the diversity of settings in which CAM takes place and the social, political and economic milieu in which CAM is provided and used.
This book will appeal to everyone who is concerned with or has an interest in CAM. It will be of particular interest to people working in the areas of CAM, health and social care and the voluntary sector. Together with its accompanying text, Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Structures and Safeguards, it forms the core text for the Open University course K221 Perspectives on Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

The third edition of this highly successful book describes how musculoskeletal pain can be simply and effectively treated by acupuncture. It gives a comprehensive account of current knowledge concerning two very commonly occurring musculoskeletal pain disorders - the myofascial trigger point pain syndrome and the fibromyalgia syndrome. Myofascial trigger point pain syndrome is an all too common complaint. It often goes unrecognised or alternatively is passed off as trivial and ineffectively treated. This third edition gives a wide ranging review of current knowledge concerning it. The author, after having given a detailed account of the neurophysiology of pain in general, discusses at length the pathophysiology of myofascial trigger point nociceptive pain and the rationale for alleviating it by means of the acupuncture technique of superficially applied dry needle - evoked nerve stimulation at trigger point sites. Evidence-based, up-to-date, and detailed information on trigger points, musculoskeletal pain, and the physiology of pain provide the most authoritative assessments available on this topic. Practical, step-by-step treatment guidelines help readers apply key concepts to actual practice. Clear illustrations demonstrate important techniques and areas of pain and needling. Expanded coverage of fibromyalgia and the neurophysiology of myofascial trigger points includes common symptoms and treatments. More information on new treatment options for the common problem of whiplash injuries. Expanded chapter on fibromyalgia Expanded chapter on the neurophysiology of myofascial trigger points Revised and updated throughout to include all relevant clinical trial information More information on whiplash injuries New chapter on complex regional pain syndromes

"Chinese Medicine in Early Communist China" describes the transformation of Chinese medicine from a marginal, side-lined medical practice of the mid-twentieth century, to an essential and high-profile part of the national health-care system under the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
The analysis begins with the start of the Civil war 1945-49, when the CCP was entrenched in rural Yan'an and began to enlist practitioners of Chinese medicine into the communist revolution. Taylor explains that Chinese medicine achieved the scale of promotion it did precisely because it fitted in, sometimes in an almost accidental fashion, with the ideals of the Communist Revolution. In deconstructing the events of this period, this study succeeds in clarifying the circumstances in which a number of key issues in the recent history of Chinese medicine, previously regarded as proof of Mao Zedong's unerring support of Chinese medicine, took place. These include the formation of the term 'Traditional Chinese Medicine' (or 'TCM'), the exact circumstances of Mao Zedong's declaration that 'Chinese medicine is a great treasure-house!' and the unlikely beginnings of the formation of a 'Basic Theory of TCM'. By 1963 the foundation for the institutionalized and standardized format of modern Chinese medicine found in China and abroad today had been laid.

A roadmap for easily navigating through the complexities of Chinese herbal medicine, Chinese Herbal Medicine: Modern Applications of Traditional Formulas presents information about herbal formulas in a practical and easy-to-access format. Bridging the gap between classroom study and the clinical setting, the book supplies information on disease symptoms and their corresponding Chinese herbal formulas. Drawing from more than 20 years of experience, the author includes more than 840 formulas that can be used to tailor herbal formulas to meet the specific needs of every patient. Integrating traditional medicine with allopathic terminology, the book provides quick reference to both Chinese and Western diagnoses. Part I provides the herbal formulas in tables, giving quick and easy access to the information. Part II contains allopathic symptoms listed in alphabetical order within each chapter. These two sections allow users to compare back and forth between TCM and allopathic diagnoses. In addition, Part III lists 640 single herbs arranged by the Traditional Chinese Medicine classification system and organized into tables so that practitioners can quickly scan for the similarities and differences of each herb. A number of cross-referenced indexes make it easy to find single herbs and herbal formulas either by their Pinyin, English, or Botanical Latin name. The wealth of information and range of topics covered combined with the straightforward presentation make the book a useful clinical desktop reference and guide for practitioners and students.

This set of six volumes provides a systematic and standardized description of 23,033 chemical components isolated from 6,734 medicinal plants, collected from 5,507 books/articles published in Chinese and international journals. A chemical structure with stereo-chemistry bonds is provided for each chemical component, in addition to conventional information, such as Chinese and English names, physical and chemical properties. It includes a name list of medicinal plants from which the chemical component was isolated. Furthermore, abundant pharmacological data for nearly 8,000 chemical components are presented, including experimental method, experimental animal, cell type, quantitative data, as well as control compound data. The seven indexes allow for complete cross-indexing. Regardless whether one searches for the molecular formula of a compound, the pharmacological activity of a compound, or the English name of a plant, the information in the book can be retrieved in multiple ways.

"The prominence of the Bupleurum species cannot be overstated. Across China and Japan, it serves as a main or supplementary ingredient in over two thirds of traditional medications. For over 2000 years, it has been used to treat fevers, intestinal maladies, malaria, and countless other afflictions. Modern research indicates that it may possess anti-tumor qualities, and researchers continue to report its impact on a wide range of ailments, from hepatitis and epilepsy, to irregularity and menopause, as well as psychosis and schizophrenia. Bupleurum Species: Scientific Evaluation and Clinical Applications brings together the work of leading researchers from Asia and Europe who examine this remarkable genus of plants. Providing a comprehensive look at all aspects relevant to the species, this historic volume- q

Pengelly's user friendly text will encourage educators in medical science to consider using this material in the complementary medicine/nutraceuticals areas May I congratulate Andrew Pengelly for writing this text as it is going to be very popular with undergraduate students as well as more experienced readers.'D. Green, London Metropolitan University, UKThis unique book explains in simple terms the commonly occurring chemical constituents of medicinal plants. The major classes of plant constituents such as phenols, terpenes and polysaccharides, are described both in terms of their chemical structures and their pharmacological activities. Identifying specific chemical compounds provides insights into traditional and clinical use of these herbs, as well as potential for adverse reactions. Features include: * Over 100 diagrams of chemical structures* References to original research studies and clinical trials * References to plants commonly used throughout Europe, North America and Australasia.Written by an experienced herbal practitioner, The Constituents of Medicinal Plants seriously challenges any suggestion that herbal medicine remains untested and unproven, including as it does hundreds of references to original research studies and trials. Designed as an undergraduate text, the first edition of this book became an essential desktop reference for health practitioners, lecturers, researchers, producers and anyone with an interest in how medicinal herbs work. This edition has been extensively revised to incorporate up-to-date research and additional sections, including an expanded introduction to plant molecular structures, and is destined to become a classic in the literature of herbal medicine.

From grocery store to doctor's office, alternative medicine is everywhere. A recent survey found that more than two in five Americans uses some form of alternative medicine. "The Politics of Healing" brings together top scholars in the fields of American history, history of medicine, anthropology, sociology, and politics to counter the view that alternative medical therapies fell into disrepute in the decades after physicians established their institutional authority during the Progressive Era. From homeopathy to Navajo healing, this volume explores a variety of alternative therapies and political movements that have set the terms of debate over North American healing methods.

This book is a dictionary of British (native, naturalised and cultivated) plants and the folklore associated with them. Unlike many plant-lore publications Vickery's Folk Flora tells us what people currently do and believe, rather than what Victorians did and believed. The result is a vivid demonstration that plant folklore in the British Isles is not only surviving but flourishing; adapting and evolving as time goes by, even in urban areas. Each entry includes: - The plant's English and scientific (Latin) name, as well as significant local names. - A brief description of the plant and its distribution, and, in the case of cultivated plants, a history of their introduction to the British Isles - Information on the folklore and traditional uses of the plant, arranged where possible in a sequence starting with general folk beliefs (superstitions), use in traditional customs, use in folk medicine, other uses, and legends concerning individual representatives of the plant. In addition to the major entries there are a number of minor entries for feast days, diseases and other subjects which direct readers to relevant major entries, e.g. St. George's Day, on which red roses are worn; dandelions are gathered; and runner beans are planted.

Arguably the oldest form of health care, Ayurveda is often referred to as the "Mother of All Healing." Although there has been considerable scientific research done in this area during the last 50 years, the results of that research have not been adequately disseminated. Meeting the need for an authoritative, evidence-based reference, Scientific Basis for Ayurvedic Therapies is the first book to analyze and synthesize current research supporting Ayurvedic medicine.

This book reviews the latest scientific information, evaluates the research data, and presents it in an easy to use format. The editor has carefully selected topics based on the availability of scientific studies and the prevalence of a disease. With contributions from experts in their respective fields, topics include Ayurvedic disease management, panchkarma, Ayurvedic bhasmas, the current status of Ayurveda in India, clinical research design, and evaluation of typical clinical trials of certain diseases, to name just a few.

While there are many books devoted to Ayurveda, very few have any in-depth basis in scientific studies. This book provides a critical evaluation of literature, clinical trials, and biochemical and pharmacological studies on major Ayurvedic therapies that demonstrates how they are supported by scientific data. Providing a natural bridge from Ayurveda to Western medicine, Scientific Basis for Ayurvedic Therapies facilitates the integration of these therapies by health care providers.

The Chemistry of Aromatherapeutic Oils offers a practical approach to understanding the chemical functional groups and pharmacological actions of essential oils.Incorporating up to date research findings, The Chemistry of Aromatherapeutic Oils takes you, step by step, through the fundamental chemistry of aromatherapy and explains the powerful effects of essential oils on the body at a molecular level.Including:* Useful chemical diagrams and easy to follow explanations* Essential oil extraction methods and techniques for quality control* Reference charts of the effects of essential oils on pharmacological targets and the major compounds of 89 essential oilsThis book helps to make sense of the chemistry of aromatherapy for those who need to understand the science and efficacy of this healing art. Ideal for students and practitioners of holistic therapies, this book will also appeal to nurses, doctors, pharmacists and other allied health practitioners.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Ethics, the Patient, and the
Physician is the first comprehensive, multidisciplinary book to focus
on the ethical challenges of complementary and alternative medicine
(CAM), examining the ethical considerations and challenges that
increasingly face patients, physicians and complementary and
alternative medicine practitioners today. In one recent year, it was
estimated that 42% of Americans spent $27 billion out of pocket on CAM
therapies; in particular, CAM therapies are becoming more popular with
baby boomers, who are taking an increasingly active interest in their
health and health care as they age. Most people do not tell their
physicians about their CAM use - what implications does this have for
traditional patient-physician relationships? This volume examines what
should be the center of the dialogue between conventional medicine and
CAM. With big issues and big money at stake, how are patients,
physicians, the health care system and policymakers handling the
explosion in CAM interest and use? What are the physicians' ethical
obligations in this area? These topics and more are examined in this
timely book.

Chapters 1 and 2 of Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Ethics, the
Patient, and the Physician provide a context for thinking about CAM and
introduce its history and definitions. Chapters 3, 4, 5, and 6 examine
the ethical responsibilities of physicians, as well as communications
issues, patient education, legal concerns, and risk management.
Chapter 7 presents a framework for examining CAM using the scientific
method. As we enter the 21st century, and CAMuse becomes more
frequent, often as a companion to conventional medicine, this volume is
timely, thought-provoking and practical reading.

This book provides an in-depth guide to how shiatsu can form part of modern maternity care. Based on traditional Chinese and Japanese approaches to health, shiatsu can be used to alleviate many of the chronic symptoms of pregnancy such as backache, insomnia and morning sickness. It can also help during labour and birth, as well as relieve postnatal problems such as heavy postpartum bleeding or difficulties with lactation. A shiatsu treatment simply encourages the body to balance its own natural energy by gentle stimulation of its energy pathways, the meridians - the same pathways used in acupuncture. The age-old midwifery skills of touching and stroking are an intrinsic part of nurturing and cherishing - the essence of 'being with woman'. Shiatsu takes this simple healing technique one stage further. You will find tips on how to use core midwifery skills of touch, gentle pressure and massage in a more systematic and focused way. The authors also discuss the actions necessary to establish its use in a maternity unit, including training and professional issues. Suzanne Yates is the leading shiatsu teacher world-wide to have made maternity work her main focus. She has been working with midwives and pregnant women for the last 13 years and developed a course of applied shiatsu for midwives that fulfils NMC requirements for training. Tricia Anderson, midwife lecturer and supervisor and past editor of Practising Midwife, has collaborated with her to ensure the content is appropriate to midwives' Code of Practice. This is a key text for anyone wishing to explore this new area.This practical guide offers effective alternatives to orthodox treatment and provides a valuable addition to modern midwifery care Focuses on a range of shiatsu treatments suitable for maternity care, providing examples of safe and effective work that can be done in a short session Specific techniques designed to help with many of the common problems of pregnancy, labour and early motherhood Discusses the research base that underpins shiatsu, providing the most up-to-date information to support evidence-based care Fascinating case studies provide many anecdotal accounts of effectiveness. Clear line drawings and photographs accompany the techniques, aiding understanding and successful practice Relevant shiatsu theory is clearly explained

Happiness is one of the most written about topics in the world. It has been a core concern of humans since the beginning of time. However, "Miserably Happy" provides a unique lens in which to view this powerful emotion. While acknowledging the positive dimension of happiness (as most books do), "Miserably Happy" is also focused on the negative consequences. These negative consequences are based on the current academic and popular conceptualization of happiness being related to the experience of pleasure. In recognizing the negative dimension of happiness, "Miserably Happy" explains how the pursuit of happiness often leads to misery. Twelve-step programs are an example of how various pursuits of happiness can have tragic consequence. Alcoholism, drug abuse, over eating, and sex addiction all begin with the pursuit of pleasure and the hope of happiness. "Miserably Happy" ties our experience of genuine happiness to our fidelity to the physical-mental- spiritual properties of the human. The spiritual property of the mind presented in "Miserably Happy" is open to scientific explanation. It is a transcendent property and applies to any and all human conscious activity and defines human genuiness and authenticity. The human mind is an emergent property of our biology and therefore, aligned with our biology, defines our health and wellness. As the authors point out "In living within our created nature we become deeply connected to ourselves, others, our communities, the environment and, indeed, the universe. Our journey to discover the secrets of genuine happiness ends up at its point of departure. The secret to lasting genuine happiness is found in nature." By decisively identifying the structure and norms of human body-mind-spirit, "Miserably Happy" provides an absolute basis for defining healthy human functioning and development and pinpoints the pervasive impact healthy development and functioning have on our ability to experience meaning, purpose, and genuine happiness. Take the challenge, refine your understanding and experience of happiness, become a creative and powerful force of genuine happiness and experience the exciting results your efforts will have on others.

Dr. Sharon Norling, a medical doctor authority, tells the untold medical truths. "Your Doctor is Wron"g is a survival guide if you have been dismissed, misdiagnosed, or your symptoms have just been treated like the tip of the iceberg with pharmaceutical drugs. Dr. Norling's book may be seen as controversial because some people will not like what she has to say. They will find it hard to believe until they see all of the facts as Dr. Norling presents them. Her thought provoking evidence challenges our traditional thinking about 'right and wrong' choices in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Everyone will benefit from "Your Doctor is Wrong."
"Your Doctor is Wrong" is filled with patients' stories, life saving information, and is documented with medical journal citations. It is also tainted with humor. If you are still suffering after years of medical care and pharmaceutical drugs, "Your Doctor is Wrong" will help you to get your life on the healthy track. Read "Your Doctor is Wrong" if your symptoms of fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, depression, allergies, joint pain, lack of motivation, headaches, hormonal imbalances and intestinal issues are just not going away. When you read "Your Doctor is Wrong" you will find the facts. Your will find the answers. You will find the hope.

Is waking up with fatigue, aches, and pains getting old for you? Your labwork is ?normal.? Your doctors shrug their shoulders. And you?re left wondering where in the world your energy and vitality could possibly have gone, especially when you?re trying to ?do all the right things.? Dr. Linda Goggin invites you on a lively journey to Feel Good Again, because robust good health is your birthright and YOU deserve to feel fantastic! Feel Good Again is an easy-to-read, information-packed guide on the road back to regaining your health, en-ergy, and enthusiasm for life.

This clinical guide and practical reference is ideal for those who use and combine liquid herbal remedies for the individual needs of the patient. With three introductory chapters, 125 monographs, and various glossaries and appendices, it covers the fundamental concepts of using liquid herbals, including how the remedies are made, quality issues, and dosage guidelines. The monographs include full prescribing information that covers actions, indications, contraindications, warnings and precautions, interactions, side effects, dosage, traditional usage, pharmacological research, clinical studies, and full references. Focuses solely on liquid herbal preparations - making it a must-have resource and the only book of its kind. Covers approximately 125 herb profiles in detail. Offers the widest range of research-backed information currently available on herbs. Begins with basic principles to give practitioners confidence in the accuracy and precision of their prescriptions. Written by one of the leading names in herbal medicine. Clinically relevant with quick access to dosage information, contraindications, and more.

FINALIST - Sports, 2016 Best Books Award This 3rd edition includes a new and easy-to-follow layout. Each technique is presented in four to six large photographs with detailed instructions on how to perform the movements. Motion arrows are used on the photographs to help you execute the movements correctly. DISCOVER THE MARTIAL ESSENCE OF TAICHI CHUAN Here's your chance to take the next step in your tai chi journey Martial applications found within tai chi chuan are a direct link to your tai chi as a form of self-defense. When you study the martial side of tai chi, you can become proficient in a variety of high-level skills, including sensing, neutralizing, yielding, striking, chin na, and even throwing. If you know a tai chi form, you are going to discover the essence of your movements by becoming aware of their martial applications. If you are practicing tai chi pushing hands, you will greatly improve your skills with this understanding of martial applications. If you are ready, you are going to love the amazing tai chi fighting set. This fully choreographed set (requires a partner) will combine all your tai chi skills into one 5-minute routine. This book includes *Martial applications for the Yang-style long form*Martial applications for Yang-style tai chi pushing hands*The complete Yang-style tai chi fighting set For any style of tai chi chuan, this book will be important for practitioners who wish to develop a deeper understanding and advanced skills. *Learn how to analyze the forms and defense applications in your tai chi, gaining higher-level knowledge of your style.*Discover the martial applications of Yang-style. These insights will give you greater understanding of your own art.*Find inspiration. Dr. Yang's writing will inspire you to investigate the martial applications of your tai chi style.

Healing Plants of Nigeria: Ethnomedicine and Therapeutic Applications offers comprehensive information on the use of herbal medicines in West Africa. Combining an evidence-based, ethnobotanical perspective with a pharmacological and pharmaceutical approach to phytomedicine, the book bridges the gap between the study of herbal plants' pharmacological properties and active compounds for the development of clinical drugs and community-oriented approaches, emphasising local use. It demonstrates how the framework of African traditional medicine can be preserved in a contemporary clinical context. The book outlines the history and beliefs surrounding the traditional use of herbs by the local population alongside their application in contemporary phytotherapy in Nigeria and West Africa. It features a critical assessment of the scientific rationale behind the use of these plants in ethnomedicine and offers a composite catalogue of phytotherapeutic and wellness agents, detailing the safety profile, efficacy, and scientific integrity of plants used to treat diseases and optimise health. Features: An ethnobotanical survey containing over 200 full-colour photographs of Nigerian and West African plants. A unique combination of ethnobotany and pharmacognosy, bridging the divide between pharmaceutical and community-oriented approaches to herbal medicine research. Contextual discussion of the therapeutic potential of Nigerian herbal medicine. Offers a template which can be used to separate the superstitious aspects of ethnomedicine from culturally inherited deposits of knowledge. A handbook for herbal and natural medicine practitioners, the book is aimed at African thinkers, scientists, healthcare providers and students of pharmacology and ethnomedicine.

"It has helped change my life for the better Highly recommended "--John Perkins

"Energy Healing for Everyone" offers an accessible healing technique for body, mind, and spirit that is easy to learn and master. Drawing from a series of personal mystical experiences, world-renowned energy healer Brett Bevell reveals an ancient technique of communing with the divine source of eternal light which underlies the web of all creation. In this light, we can release our wounds and fears, and embrace the knowledge that all things are aspects of this one divine presence. For the first time, Brett reveals the secret of how to share, teach, and extend this inspired healing technique to anyone for any condition needing healing.

Make the right decisions for your alternative clinic Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Clinic Design presents scientific research in support of the five domains created by the National Institute of Health's Office of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). This unique book provides extensive marketing information from patients, physicians, and holistic practitioners, designed to help CAM clinics establish comprehensive assessment for patients based on an original theory of human health. The book also includes recommendations for CAM industry standards for education and practice. Complementary and Alternative Medicine works toward eliminating "camps" in heath care, seeking to establish treatment that has more to do with the patient than promoting one brand of medicine or a singular view of good health. The book presents comprehensive information on alternative medical systems, mind/body interventions, and biological-based, manipulative/body-based, and energy/metaphysical therapies, addressing education, licensing, and regulation needs for CAM. Emerging and traditional treatment techniques such as Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, Reiki, reflexology, prayer, homeopathy, yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, and massage are analyzed for their effectiveness. Complementary and Alternative Medicine includes: guidance on choosing modalities for a clinic recommendations for clinic design and structure discussion of industry regulation and practitioner credentialing review of literature for CAM modalities and much more Complementary and Alternative Medicine addresses the "for or against" debate about CAM by establishing acceptable methods for combining complementary and alternative medicine modalities with conventional medicine. The book is an essential resource for holistic practitioners, holistic medical doctors (AHMS), nurse practitioners (holistic), integrated medicine hospital programs, chiropractors, general public, medical school