Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine: The New Approach to Using the Best of Natural Therapies and Conventional Medicine

by Mayo Clinic

An authoritative overview of the world of complementary and alternative medicine from the experts at the Mayo Clinic showcases a broad spectrum of popular therapies, remedies, practices, and procedures--from acupuncture to yoga--to examine what works and what does not when treating common ailments and what can be combined with conventional medicine to promote overall health.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Reference, Medical, Fitness

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 2, 2007

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine" discusses various forms of alternative medicine and reveals what the research actually shows about it's effectiveness for various uses.

The first part of this book talked about how to use this book. Not surprisingly, the doctors in this book recommended that you let your doctors know what alternative medicines you're using and that you use alternative medicine along with conventional medicine rather than as a replacement for it. They also went over the basics of accessing your health and basic changes you can make to get healthier (exercise, eat good foods, relax, etc.).

The second part talked about various type of alternative medicine: what each claims to do, what the research has shown it does and doesn't do, and how safe it is. This section covered various herbs, hormones, vitamins, and minerals, as well as biofeedback, guided imagery, hypnosis, meditation, muscle relaxation, music therapy, pilates, relaxed breathing, spirituality and prayer, tai chi, yoga, acupuncture, healing touch, magnetic therapy, reiki, massage, reflexology, Rolfing, spinal manipulation, and more.

The last part focused on 20 common conditions and what you can do for them (both conventional and alternative approaches). These conditions were arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain, common cold, coronary artery disease, depression, diabetes, fibromyalgia, hay fever, headache, high blood pressure, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, memory problems, menopause symptoms, overweight, PMS, sexual problems, stress and anxiety, and vaginal yeast infections. It also covered how to find a qualified practitioner (like for acupuncture or massage).

The book had many full-color photographs. Overall, I'm glad I read this book and found its information very interesting. However, be warned that they frequently say, "more research is needed." It is needed. But it's frustrating for those who want answers right now.

[Samantha Penrose · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book gives a brief, introductory overview of herbs and supplements, mind-body medicine, energy therapies, hands-on therapies, and "other" alternative practices (ayurveda, homeopathy, naturopathy, and traditonal chinese medicine). They also offer general tips for healthy living such as a proper diet, regular excercise, relaxation, and a good social network.
Its a good intro to such topics, but as can be expected from the Mayo clinic, everything is discussed from the conventional western medicine standpoint. While information is given on uses of alternative practices in other countries, the mayo clinic maintains a skeptical opinion on anything that is less than traditional or scientific. They repeatedly bring up the fact that only small, unrelyable studies have been done on different subjects...even though some of these "questionable practices" have been used successfully for centuries....
All in all, its not a bad read, but ceratinly not the final word on the subject of integrative and/or alternative health care practices...a good starter book.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually read this twice and could see using it as a bit of a reference guide for this subject. As you might expect, Mayo is very cautious about endorsing anything that "may" help, but isn't proven scientifically. They do however have a helpful red light/green light symbol regarding the techniques, etc. that they disapprove/approve of. Covers supplements and a wide variety of techniques (meditation, yoga, prayer and more) that people use in an attempt to live better with a reasonably good coverage and lack of bias. They also tackle a number of conditions such as arthritis and stress and then present coping strategies that may be useful.

[Carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mayo Clinic is a reliable, trusted source for all things medicine. This book gives an overview of supplaments, alternative therapies, common therapies, and different approaches to certain illnesses - and if any of them have the evidence to hack them up. Very informative for those with an interest or curious about some alternatives out there that might be worth pursuing.

[ELDEE · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a home health book and gives a brief informative cover of health conditions and home remedies. I did not learn much to add to my knowledge base. It is basically a book that would be good to refer to in the home and then tells you when to contact a doctor, etc.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very creative ways to think about alternative treatments for a wide range of medical issues.

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reference book was very will organized and visually appealing.

I did not realize that this book was updated and revised in 2010.

There is an abundent amount of information contained in the book, but as our health changes and the healthcare system changes, so much of the information was outdated. I plan on obtaining the revised additional. It will be interesting to see the changes made.

When published in 2007, the book stated that $36-47 billion is spent yearly on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). I can only imagine what those numbers are in 2012. Mainstream (traditional) medicine would be acting wisely if they opened their treatment options up and included alternative medicine. The money maker may be shifting.

A few definitions that I picked up that I think are important:

Complementary Medicine - unconventional treatment in addition to treatments by your doctor (traditional medicine).

Alternative Medicine - used in place of traditional medicine.

Alternative medicine has become a catch all phrase to reference both althernative and complementary medicine.

Traditional/conventional medicine and alternative medicine is known as integrated medicine.

I don't want to live longer than I'm meant to, but I want to feel the best I can while I can. Traditional medicine has carried too many negative side effects for me. I have strongly turned to other options. My only concern is that many people think the other options are "safer" and that to me is a false sense of security. You have got to do your homework no matter what. Sometimes it is very frustrating, but "knowledge is power" when it comes to your own health.

I cannot wait to read the updated book.

[France · Rating 4 out of 5]

J'ai toujours été impressionnée par l'approche de la Clinique Mayo située aux E.U. Je ne suis donc pas surprise par la qualité de ce guide. Il y a plein d'information pratique sur une foule de choses, le cancer entre autre. Je le conseille à tout le monde ne serait-ce que pour explorer des alternatives aux médicaments prescrits à outrance par les médecins."

[Malek · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an extremely helpful book in terms of understanding what alternative approaches to overall wellness exist and how they are being integrated with traditional western medicine. The narrator was factual and thorough, if not entirely engaging. At times the material could be a bit slow-moving (the very exhaustive supplements section comes to mind). Overall very helpful though.

[Larry Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great reference

[Victoriaalee1 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mayo Clinic should stick to "Conventional Medicine".....

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not enough information is included in this expensive book.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a good basic reference guide for research on different herbs and vitamins.

[Ann Tracy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ended up just skimming through this and was a bit disappointed. Just didn't learn anything new.

[Lindsay Jarvis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very vague... It seemed almost pointless to read. There are much better books about alternative medicine out there, i.e. by Tieraona Low Dog.

[Beckie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm told this book needs to be updated, but I found it to be an informative introduction to supplements, herbs, and integrative therapies.

[Teshamae · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not very alternative. I was very disappointed.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overview of many different forms of integrative (alternative) medicine.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book for the layperson learning how to navigate alternative therapies.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like that there is a 'what the research says' about each item

[Agegnehu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Introductory book on alternative medicine.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good quick overview of various alternative practices. I borrowed it from the library, and was looking at a 2010 edition in 2017. Nutrition science is not stagnant, so I expected several of the "needs more research" items to be outdated; however, the way in which the authors explained the background research on different treatments (I.e. Many studies but mostly small groups or with conflicting evidence or conclusive for one use but not another) was helpful even with an old copy. The book is written in the spirit of scientific curiosity and explanation rather than with prejudice for or against alternative treatments. I thought they did a good job. I was also happy to see the simple red, yellow, and green lights further explained for each item, stating in some cases that though no proof of effectiveness had been found, the risks are low and the decision therefore lies with the reader. They simplify for readability without oversimplifying.

The lack of stars is simply because the book is now partially outdated, so I couldn't recommend it to everyone.

[Martha]

red lights, amber lights, green lights a multitude of complementary practices & supplements; no new info