num_pages: 176
description: Spells and incantations, herbs and acupuncture needles all have a role to play in this book, wherein it is argued that every type of medicine has its own validity. There is no attempt to prove the superiority of any particular medical system, but rather a sympathetic examination of all the healing arts. The authors ask fundamental questions such as: What is illness? What effect does the mind have on the body? Why do placebos so often work? They describe the ancient Chinese art of acupuncture and the Indian medical system of Ayurvedic as it is practised in India today. They draw a surprising comparison between a Navaho healing ceremony and the rituals of a modern Western hospital. Therapies such as herbalism, homeopathy, biofeedback, hypnotism, osteopathy and chiropractic are also illuminatingly discussed. This is a fascinating introduction to all medical systems, ancient and modern, scientific and complementary. It will appeal to everyone interested in the state of medicine and health today.
language: English
title: Healing Arts: A Journey Through the Faces of Medicine
publisher: Guild Publishing