Complementary and alternative medicine /Justin Healey (editor).

Includes bibliographies and index.

Annotation. The gap between mainstream and alternative medicine is blurring. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely used in Australia; increasingly, people are turning to these treatments for ailments ranging from minor conditions to life-threatening illnesses. While there are many enthusiastic proponents of alternative healing, others remain sceptical and demand scientific evidence of its success. This book explores the various techniques and therapies available, and looks at how to find a reliable CAM practitioner. The book also considers the myths and facts in the debate over the use of alternative treatments, offering differing perspectives from conventional and alternative medical practitioners and peak bodies. What are the potential benefits and harms of these therapies, and how are they regulated? What evidence is there to support the effectiveness and safety of dietary treatments such as herbal medicines and vitamin supplements? Are these medical alternatives a panacea or a placebo?

Chapter 1 -- Complementary therapies and medicine in Australia; Complementary therapies; Understanding complementary medicine; Position on medicine and pseudoscience; Why people resort to complementary and alternative interventions; Complementary medicines trends; FAQs about complementary medicines; Australians spend well over 1 billion each year on complementary medicines; Choosing a complementary medicine practitioner; AMA position statement on complementary medicine; Pharmacists' role in complementary medicines use; Chapter 2 -- Safety and effectiveness of complementary medicines

The safety of complementary medicinesAn overview of the regulation of complementary medicines in Australia; Complementary medicines highly regulated in Australia; The effectiveness of natural therapies; Homeopathy no more effective than placebos, NHMRC study finds; NHMRC statement on homeopathy; New research: complementary medicines can contribute to reduced government health care costs and productivity gains; Targeted use of complementary medicines; Complementary medicines and supplements -- are they safe?; Be wise with complementary medicines: interactions and side effects can happen

Healing cancer through diet: patients urged to be wary of 'wellness' bloggersHerbal supplements linked to organ transplants, data shows; Herbal medicine and vitamin supplements; 1 in 5 take multivitamins for the placebo effect; Medical myth: take a vitamin a day for better health; Multivitamins: looking for a quick fix to a poor diet?; Don't believe the hype -- your complementary medicines are unlikely to deliver; Panacea or placebo: doctors should only practise evidence-based medicine; Doctors should focus on providing the best care, alternative or otherwise

Here's why we should research alternative therapiesViewpoints: should universities accept funding from industry?; Exploring issues -- worksheets and activities; Fast facts; Glossary; Web links; Index

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