Absolute Beginner's Guide to Alternative Medicine

The world of alternative medicine can be an intimidating and confusing place - so many different types of practices all claiming success for improved health. The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Alternative Medicine is an easy-to-follow comprehensive resource for therapies as diverse as Chinese medicine, aromatherapy, massage, biofeedback, dream study, herbal remedies, meditation, Ayuredic medicine, homeopathy, yoga, prayer, and much more.Written in easy to understand language, the Absolute Beginner's Guide to Alternative Medicine guides readers through the hype to the heart of alternative therapy, explaining how to find a qualified practitioner, how diagnoses are made in each field, and what treatments work best for which ailments. The author also explains how various therapies are used in conjunction with traditional Western medical treatment in complementary medicine. Now that medical doctors are discovering the power behind alternative medicine, patients are more likely than ever before to be referred for an alternative therapy in addition to traditional therapy. Currently more than 3.8% of doctor visits result in an order of alternative medical therapy. Vital and Health Statistics, 6/02.

Karen Lee Fontaine is a nursing professor at Purdue University, the Calcumet campus. She has authored many nursing books on topics such as mental health and psychiatric nursing.

Bill Kaszubski lives in Los Angeles, where he writes about science, art, and technology.