Alternative Medicine Sourcebook, 2d ed.

Matthews DD, ed. Detroit, MI 48226, Omnigraphics, 2002, hardcover, 631 pp, ISBN: 0-7807-0605-0, $78.

For people interested in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), Omnigraphics has just released the second edition of the Alternative Medicine Sourcebook. This large volume contains 9 parts, 66 chapters, a preface, and an index. The material in this volume was obtained from publications, periodicals, and documents from federal agencies, various organizations, and specific individuals. A note in the preface on the selection criteria for the materials, however, would have been helpful.

Part 1, "Introduction," contains 3 chapters: "Are You Considering Complementary and Alternative Medicine?," "Selecting the Best Alternative Medicine Program," and "Physicians' Attitudes Toward Alternative Medicine." Part 2, "Alternative Medical Systems," offers a chapter on the major domains of CAM followed by 9 chapters covering acupuncture, ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, chiropractic medicine, herbal medicine, homeopathy, traditional healing practices (from the Native Law Center of Canada newsletter), naturopathy, and yoga. Part 3, "Mind-Body Interventions," has chapters on biofeedback, guided imagery, hypnosis, meditation and relaxation, and prayer. Part 4 addresses dietary interventions and includes information on dietary therapy; dietary supplements; folate; magnesium; selenium; St John's wort; vitamins A (and carotenoids), [B.sub.6], [B.sub.12], D, and E; zinc; detoxification; and fasting.

Part 5 has 11 chapters on "other alternative therapies," including the Alexander technique, aromatherapy, art therapy, bioenergetics, chelation, dance therapy, massage, Qigong and t'ai chi, reflexology, Reiki, and Rolfing. Part 6 has 6 chapters describing CAM interventions for cancer, diabetes, hepatitis C, headache, menopause, and pain. Part 7 focuses specifically in CAM interventions for cancer and includes chapters on "questionable cancer therapies," 714-X, antineopastons, Cancell, bovine and shark cartilage, coenzyme Q10, hydrazine sulfate, Laetrile/amygdalin, and mistletoe. Part 8 is titled "Skeptical Points of View" and has chapters on magnet therapy, therapeutic touch, and avoiding "quackery." Part 9 functions as a series of appendixes offering a glossary of CAM-related terms, resources for acupuncture, a list of clinical homeopathy programs, general information about the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and a document about the Alternative Health Benefit Services organization.

The chapters vary considerably in their length, depth of coverage, and research support for their statements. For example, chapter 3 offers a reprint of a peer-reviewed article from Integrative Medicine describing a research study in which 138 physicians were surveyed about their attitudes toward and use of CAM. The material covers 10 pages and has 18 references. In comparison, chapter 34 offers a 3-page fact sheet from the Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy without any supporting references, and chapter 66 consists of an undated 2-page document about the Alternative Health Benefit Services organization from the organization. Documents in the book offer suggestions for evaluating the safety and effectiveness of a CAM intervention, examining the expertise and qualifications of a CAM provider, and evaluating the quality of services delivered. Readers are encouraged to use these same approaches when assessing the contents of this volume.

Jan Bruckner, PT, PhD
Widener University
Chester, Pa

Dr Bruckner is Associate Professor in the Institute for Physical Therapy Education.