Overview

Explore the many forms of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practiced today and discover their histories, guiding principles, purported benefits, and potential risks. This book’s 48 questions begin with 10 that address foundational topics such as who uses CAM, how CAM has been studied and regulated, and how to gauge a particular treatment’s safety and efficacy for yourself. The remaining 38 questions cover alternative medical systems and complementary treatments, including mind-body interventions, biologically based therapies, manipulation and body-based methods, and energy therapies. Each answer utilizes a standardized format that examines a treatment’s history, how it’s practiced, the scientific community’s view, potential benefits and risks, and special considerations. The text takes an unbiased approach, balancing respect for individuals’ beliefs with the rigor of modern science. Augmenting the main text are case studies illustrating key concepts and issues through relatable stories and insightful recommendations, a ""Common Misconceptions"" section, glossary, directory of resources, and a ""Guide to Health Literacy"" section.

Full Product Details

Author:   Paul Quinn (Dominican University, USA)
Publisher:   Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Imprint:   Bloomsbury Academic
ISBN:  

9798216470564

Pages:   208
Publication Date:   30 April 2026
Audience:   General/trade ,  College/higher education ,  General ,  Tertiary & Higher Education
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.

Table of Contents

Series Foreword Acknowledgments Introduction Guide to Health Literacy Common Misconceptions about Complementary and Alternative Medicine Questions and Answers CAM Basics 1. What is complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and how is it different from “regular” medicine? 2. Who uses CAM and why? 3. Can children and teenagers use CAM? 4. Do I need my health care practitioner’s permission to use CAM? 5. What type of scientific research has been done on CAM? 6. Are CAM practitioners regulated in the United States? 7. Are CAM therapies safe? 8. Are CAM therapies effective? 9. What is the placebo effect? 10. How much do CAM therapies cost? Is CAM covered by health insurance? Alternative Medical Systems 11. What is Chinese Traditional Medicine? 12. What is Ayurvedic medicine? 13. What is homeopathy? 14. What is naturopathy? 15. What is folk medicine? 16. What is religious healing? 17. What is Native American medicine? Mind-Body Interventions 18. What is meditation? 19. What is psychic healing? 20. What is biofeedback? 21. What is guided imagery? 22. What is hypnosis? 23. What is yoga? 24. What is tai chi? 25. How do relaxation techniques work? Biologically Based Therapies 26. What is herbal medicine or therapy? 27. What is vitamin therapy? 28. How do dietary supplements or specialized diets work? 29. What are animal-derived extracts? 30. What is botanical therapy? 31. What is chelation? 32. What is aromatherapy? Manipulation and Body-Based Methods 33. What is chiropractic? 34. What is massage therapy? 35. What is Rolfing? 36. What is osteopathic manipulation therapy? 37. What is reflexology? 38. What is craniosacral therapy? 39. What is acupressure? 40. What is acupuncture? 41. What is gua sha? 42. What is cupping? 43. What is ear candling? Energy Therapies 44. What is qi gong? 45. What is reiki? 46. What is therapeutic touch? 47. What is magnet therapy? 48. What is crystal therapy? Case Studies Glossary Directory of Resources Index

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Author Information

Paul Quinn, PhD, is a certified nurse midwife and professor of Nursing at Dominican University, USA.

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