From Library Journal
Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide could well become the equivalent of Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine (McGraw, 1991. 12th ed.) for alternative therapies. This attractively laid-out book includes contributions by 400 health professionals from a variety of backgrounds, many of whom are outstanding in their fields. The opening section explains the theory that unifies alternative therapies and gives sensible advice on choosing an alternative practitioner and method. In addition, case histories document the persecution of some alternative practitioners by the medical establishment. In Part 2, 43 individual therapies are described, ranging from familiar methods like chiropractic to the less well known like colon therapy. Although much of this information can be found in Mark Kastner and Hugh Burroughs's Alternative Healing: The Complete A-Z Guide to Over 160 Different Alternative Therapies (LJ 10/15/93), it is presented here in particularly clear and readable form. The third section takes 200 common health problems such as cancer and AIDS and extensively describes their causes, symptoms, and most effective alternative therapies. Although conventional medical therapies are never covered (the entire section on mental health makes no mention of psychotherapy), there is some attempt at balance. For example, the book states that "laetrile is...a therapy which is sometimes effective and sometimes not." The final section also contains a quick-reference guide to 106 general conditions, with a description of the disorder and a list of self-care and alternative treatments. Because of its comprehensiveness, this reference (which also includes a glossary) is highly recommended for medical and public libraries. On the other hand, libraries don't need the companion volume, Alternative Medicine Yellow Pages. This directory of 16,000 practitioners in all types of alternative medicine will date quickly, even if it is updated each November as promised. Besides, it is incomplete. (One chiropractor is listed for Bozeman, Montana, when this reviewer knows of at least ten.) Anyone needing a practitioner in a certain area would do better to call the appropriate professional organization or simply check the telephone directory. While the guide does include the names of professional organizations, this information is available in many other places. A marginal purchase at best.
Natalie Kupferberg, Montana State Univ. Lib., Bozeman
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Natalie Kupferberg, Montana State Univ. Lib., Bozeman
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
