Malignant Medical Myths

Ads and advice from authorities on drugs, diet, exercise, alcohol, radon, mammograms, and water fluoridation are often wrong and commercially motivated. Find out why by learning how clinical trials are corrupted.

“Clear medical explanations . . . will bring comfort to those readers and their loved ones facing a cancer diagnosis” (Publishers Weekly). A Finalist for the Lane Anderson Award for Science Writing Alanna Mitchell explores the facts and myths about cancer in this powerful book, as she recounts her family’s experiences with the disease. When her beloved brother-in-law John is diagnosed with malignant melanoma, Alanna throws herself into the latest clinical research, providing us with a clear description of what scientists know of cancer and its treatments. When John enters the world of alternative treatments, Alanna does, too, looking for the science in untested waters. She comes face to face with the misconceptions we share about cancer, which are rooted in blame and anxiety, and opens the door to new ways of looking at our most-feared illness. Beautifully written, Malignant Metaphor is a compassionate and persuasive book that has the power to change the conversation about cancer. “Mitchell’s research is rooted in science, while her writing remains grippingly personal.” ―Quill & Quire

"In this book, I have described significant patterns in the life histories and emotional responses of cancer patients, which suggested to me the notion of a “Cancer Personality”; and then I came to know where the real “Cancer” in our society is. There should be a certain “resonance” between therapist and patient as a decisive factor in psychotherapy which triggers the natural healing process. Thus my basic interest is in “paranormal phenomena” while dealing with cancer and heart patients simply because evolution in ‘Biology’ is outdated, now the talk is about ‘evolution of consciousness’. Changing the patient’s belief system about cancer and the belief systems of the patient and the physician are crucial to the success of the therapy and can be used effectively to support the patient’s potential for selfhealing."

Providing a comprehensive overview, this text includes practical, clinically relevant coverage of complementary and alternative medicine, with commentary by well-known experts, descriptions of recent medical advances, case studies, and the history and philosophy of each discipline, along with indications, contraindications, practical application, and clinical trials for each topic. Research is critically reviewed, with examples of exceptional and flawed studies. You’ll gain an understanding of the most commonly used alternative therapies, as well as those most likely to be integrated with conventional medical treatment. More than 200 photographs and illustrations and 15 new line drawings clarify the material and make learning easier. A highly readable style simplifies complex concepts and keeps the material interesting. Current, research-based information explores the efficacy of many therapies so you can make decisions with confidence. Healing methods are emphasized, rather than systems. A topical organization lets you use what you need for your own practice, without having to read through extraneous detail. Chapter openers show why the content of the chapter is important, what is covered, and what objectives will be met. Features include: Why Read this Chapter? Chapter at a Glance Chapter Objectives An Expert Speaks boxes highlight the personal experience of well-known researchers and practitioners in each discipline, discussing the historical context of research, current contributions, and future directions. Critical Thinking and Clinical Application Questions show real-world situations so you can test and apply your knowledge. Points to Ponder help you tie together and interpret facts. A Closer Look boxes expand upon case study reviews and clinical application examples. Learning Opportunities suggest activities for interacting with health care professionals. Summary tables show outcomes from important clinical trials at a glance. Appendices provide information on CAM resources and contacts. A free Evolve companion website includes regular updates of content, student activities, and full-color images. Three new chapters: Reiki describes this popular CAM therapy and how it can be used along with related ethical and legal issues. Measurement of the Human Biofield explores cutting-edge technology and research into the biofield as well as theories about the implications of mind-body regulation. The Future of Ethnomedicine offers views of health and sickness from around the world, including perspectives that differ from traditional instruction and media portrayals. Includes the latest information on professional licensing. Seven new interviews are included, plus updates to previous interviews.

The nature of scientific activity has changed dramatically over the last half century, and the objectivity and rigorous search for evidence that once defined it are being abandoned. Increasingly, this text argues, dogma has taken the place of authentic science. This study examines how conflicts of interest—both institutional and individual—have become pervasive in the science world, and also explores the troubling state of research funding and flaws of the peer-review process. It looks in depth at the dominance of several specific theories, including the Big Bang cosmology, human-caused global warming, HIV as a cause of AIDS, and the efficacy of anti-depressant drugs. In a scientific environment where distinguished experts who hold contrary views are shunned, this book is an important contribution to the examination of scientific heterodoxies.

Hailed as the "patron saint of farmers' markets" by the Guardian and called one of the "great food activists" by Vanity Fair's David Kamp, Nina Planck was on the vanguard of the real food movement, and her first book remains a vital and original contribution to the hot debate about what to eat and why. In lively, personal chapters on produce, dairy, meat, fish, chocolate, and other real foods, Nina explains how ancient foods like beef and butter have been falsely accused, while industrial foods like corn syrup and soybean oil have created a triple epidemic of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The New York Times said that Real Food "poses a convincing alternative to the prevailing dietary guidelines, even those treated as gospel." A rebuttal to dietary fads and a clarion call for the return to old-fashioned foods, Real Food no longer seems radical, if only because the conversation has caught up to Nina Planck. Indeed, it has become gospel in its own right. This special tenth-anniversary edition includes a foreword by Nina Teicholz (The Big Fat Surprise) and a new introduction from the author.

Cholesterol and The French Paradox, shows you how to deal with your cholesterol, and how to avoid heart disease.

Mind-Body and relaxation research emphasise mind-body interactions with intended benefits that include relaxation and emotional well being. Mind-body and relaxation therapies have been shown to be effective in many cases of chronic conditions, rehabilitation, stress reduction, increasing immunity, reduction of muscular system tension, lowering blood pressure, arthritis and increasing mental well-being. This new book presents recent and significant research in the field.