Designed in a true "textbook" format, this research-based book provides comprehensive and clinically-relevant coverage of complementary and alternative medicine. It covers the history, philosophy, and mechanisms of complementary medicine and alternative therapies, and includes a thorough review of the clinically controlled trials, indications, and contraindications of each therapy. Each chapter follows a consistent format with helpful features, such as: Why Read This Chapter, Chapter at a Glance, An Expert Speaks, review questions, critical thinking questions, clinical application questions, and more.

Key Features

• The evidence-based approach allows readers to explore the efficacy of a therapy and confidently make decisions regarding its use.
• Research summaries help readers assess scientific research in areas related to complementary and alternative medicine.
• A focus on healing methods rather than systems makes it easy for conventional practitioners to incorporate specific therapies into their existing practice.
• Textbook features such as Why Read This Chapter, Chapter at a Glance, and Chapter Objectives establish a chapter framework that provides an excellent introduction to the material and facilitates learning.
• Self-test and review features such as Review Questions, Critical Thinking and Clinical Application Questions, Key Terms, and Points to Ponder reinforce content and stress points that are most important.

New to this Edition

• A new chapter on Aromatherapy (Chapter 14) examines the research behind this increasingly popular treatment.
• The chapter on Spiritual Medicine has been completely rewritten to reflect current knowledge.
• The most up-to-date data on professional licensing ensures that readers understand requirements for practice.
• Updated expert interviews add fresh and current perspectives to the chapters.
• Learning Opportunities in most chapters identify shadowing, interviewing, and experiential opportunities to enhance the classroom experience.
• Improved illustrations and photographs throughout make the book more visual and engaging.