Do You Believe in Magic?: The Sense and Nonsense of Alternative Medicine (Vitamins, Supplements, and All Things Natural: A Look Behind the Curtain)
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A physician offers an impassioned and meticulously researched exposé of the alternative medicine industry, separating the sense from the nonsense.
A half century ago, acupuncture, homeopathy, naturopathy, Chinese herbs, Christian exorcisms, dietary supplements, chiropractic manipulations, and ayurvedic remedies were considered on the fringe of medicine. Now these practices—known variably as alternative, complementary, holistic, or integrative medicine—have become mainstream, used by half of all Americans today to treat a variety of conditions, from excess weight to cancer.
But alternative medicine is an unregulated industry under no legal obligation to prove its claims or admit its risks, and many popular alternative therapies are ineffective, expensive, or even deadly. In Do You Believe in Magic?, health advocate Dr. Offit debunks the treatments that don’t work and tells us why, and takes on the media celebrities who promote alternative medicine. Using dramatic real-life stories, he separates the sense from the nonsense, explaining why any therapy—alternative or traditional—should be scrutinized. As Dr. Offit explains, some popular therapies are remarkably helpful due to the placebo response, but “there’s no such thing as alternative medicine. There’s only medicine that works and medicine that doesn’t.”
ASIN : B009NG3A2M
Publisher : Harper
Accessibility : Learn more
Publication date : June 18, 2013
Edition : 1st
Language : English
File size : 4.6 MB
Screen Reader : Supported
Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
X-Ray : Enabled
Word Wise : Enabled
Print length : 304 pages
ISBN-13 : 978-0062223005
Page Flip : Enabled
Part of series : Vitamins, Supplements, and All Things Natural: A Look Behind the Curtain
Customers say
Customers find the book well-researched and highly readable, appreciating its common-sense analysis of alternative medicine and personal stories woven throughout. Moreover, the book is entertaining and not judgmental, with a balanced approach to its content. However, the vitamin content receives mixed reactions, with some customers finding it beneficial while others disagree. Additionally, opinions are divided regarding medical treatments.
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