Customer Reviews

The ACP Evidence-Based Guide to Complementary and Alternative Medicine

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

There are many egomaniacal, profit-driven "hypesters" out there with their own texts, foundations etc. that usually claim to have "cures" but this is the book that cuts through the hype--it is great to finally have a well-written, accessible and perhaps most importantly a scientific approach to the critical subject of complementary medicine. The profit motive is also largely missing which is refreshing and encourages confidence in the evidence that is presented.

Jacobs and his co-author provide an outstanding overview of the issues and this book will undoubtedly set the standard for those that are sure to follow. As an internist I found real value in reviewing this text--clearly it behooves physicians and patients alike to be familiar with evidence-based options for dealing with some of the most common and frsutrating conditions. For those unfamiliar with complementary medicine this is the perfect primer for patients and physicians alike--those with expertise will find this book refreshing in its no nonsense practical approach to key topics.

Buy the book--it nicely summarizes and contributes to a new era of using scientifically rigorous approaches to achieving improved health outcomes, regardless of the labeling of the school of thought behind the intervention...

As a psychologist with nearly forty years of experience providing mind-body therapies for depression, anxiety, attention deficit, and a wide range of chronic medical and behavioral illnesses, I've longed for a concise resource reviewing complimentary and alternative treatment options. There hasn't been a single source that reviewed the efficacy and safety of alternative treatments in a well thought-out, easily accessible form. The field has been in real need of a resource for treatment planning and patient education.
In The ACP Evidence-Based Guide to Complementary and Alternative Medicine Drs. Jacobs and Gundling have given us one. In fact, they've given us a gem. I've used their book daily as a reference since the day I got it.
Their work reflects both scientific scholarship and an awareness of the realities of daily practice. They have covered the major illnesses, both physical and psychological in depth, and offer balanced advice about the strength of the evidence supporting different alternative treatments in each problem area. The tables at the end of each chapter, which present summaries of the advisability, safety, and projected benefits from the alternatives reviewed are especially useful.

To borrow from their ranking system for alternative treatments, I give this book an enthusiastic "Two Thumbs Up" !

Dr. William A. d'Alelio
Washington D.C.

The book is overpriced and provides very little information as of course there is little evidence based alternative medicine. It could actually work as a statement to further encourage research in this topic but I did not need to pay 56 dollars to be revealed the obvious. I should have known better but so should have ACP