Dr. Rosenfeld's Guide to Alternative Medicine ─ What Works, What Doesn'T-And What's Right for You

"For those curious, confused, or downright leery about alternative medicine, the open-minded, plainspoken Rosenfeld offers some sound information."
--Publishers Weekly

Here at last is an authoritative , comprehensive look at the controversial field of alternative medicine. A distinguished and experienced clinician, Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld reviews the track records of dozens of widely used alternative therapies, including acupuncture, aromatherapy, homeopathy, hypnosis, and reflexology. For each approach, he describes how it is used, the theories on which it is based, how much scientific evidence exists to support claims for it, and--perhaps most important--whether it actually works. With wit and candor he explains


How claims made by some alternative practitioners may be valid even though they cannot be proven by the scientific method
How hypnosis can be used to treat "physical" conditions like asthma as well as emotional disorders
Which herbal preparations should be added to, or even replace, conventional drugs
Why you should try to have acupuncture immediately after a stroke
How certain aromas can help claustrophobia, improve your sex life, and help you sleep
Why fasting can be good for your spirit but bad for your health

Isadore Rosenfeld, M.D., is the Rossi Distinguished Professor of Clinical Medicine at New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center and attending physician at both the New York Hospital and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. He served for years on the Practicing Physicians Advisory Council for the Secretary of Health and Human Services. His most recent bestsellers are Doctor, What Should I Eat?, The Best Treatment and Symptoms. He practices in New York City and lives in Westchester County, New York.


From the Hardcover edition.