Own Your Health: Choosing the Best from Alternative and Conventional Medicine

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 500 pages
• Published by: HCI
• Edition: 1st Edition March 30, 2003
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0757300111
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0757300110
• Book Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.6 x 1.2 inches
• Weighs: 1.9 pounds

From Publishers Weekly
This solid reference book came as a result of alternative treatments that helped Weisman, a medical writer, recover after suffering a debilitating stroke. Although the doctors offered her some solutions, she attributes most of her recovery to using a variety of exercise and massage techniques as well as Chinese medicine. Drawing on her own experience, Weisman presents a variety of case histories along with the available treatments, conventional and otherwise. Among the illnesses discussed are cancer, cardiovascular illness, spinal cord injuries and more. Included are comments from the patient along with detailed descriptions of the types of treatments. Particularly helpful are the shaded boxes that offer clear assessments of both conventional and complementary treatments. For more skeptical readers, there are sections called "What's the Evidence?" that discuss the research on a particular topic. The book also includes useful appendices of resources including organizations, books and Web sites on complementary medicine. For readers interested in pursuing alternative treatments, this is a first-rate guide.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description


Almost everyone is concerned about health these days, but the more information that is available, the more confusing it all becomes. Conventional medicine? Millions of people are dissatisfied with the care they receive from their doctors, including: The lack of personal attention; drug side effects; contradicting advice on diet, cancer treatments and hormone replacement, the list goes on.

Alternative medicine? Millions have turned to it: yoga, vitamins and herbs, traditional Chinese medicine and others. But are they safe?

So what really works-and what doesn't? How can we live longer, healthier lives? How can we draw on the best from both alternative and conventional medicine and, yes, own our health? The answers are here in one volume that breaks through the confusion of how to reduce stress, prevent heart disease, treat chronic pain or illness, combat depression, fight cancer, manage menopause, and much more.

Written by an award-winning medical writer and the distinguished physician in charge of one of the first complementary medicine programs supported by the National Institutes of Health, this is an indispensable resource for understanding the best of both approaches. Containing interviews with-and stories from-more than 100 doctors, practitioners and patients, and filled with practical advice, easy-to-follow tips, reference sources and Web sites, this is the one book on health every family needs.


Reader Reviews
This is an excellent work which covers both conventional and alternative medicinal protocols. The author describes the various massage methodologies which involve the artful manipulation of soft tissue to achieve healing. The craniosacral rhythmic therapies are described as part of a spinal realignment regimen. In 1997, the author describes how the National Institutes of Health released findings of a "Consensus Panel reflecting the opinions of many experts on acupuncture for pain. The panel found 'clear and promising evidence' that acupuncture helps to relieve low back pain." The book describes how Boswelia relieves chronic colitis. In addition, the atherosclerosis protocol shows how the condition may be prevented with a low fat diet, increased intake of fruits and vegetables and various bridge techniques of both conventional and alternative medicinal protocols utilized in unison.