Edzard Ernst Boeken

Provides an examination and judgement of more than thirty of the most treatments in alternative medicine, such as acupuncture, homeopathy, aromatherapy, reflexology, chiropractic and herbal medicine.

Alternative medicine (AM) is popular; about 40% of the US general population have used alternative treatment in the past year, and in Germany this figure is around 70%. The global market is expected to reach nearly US $ 200 billion by 2025, with most of these funds coming directly out of consumers’ pockets. Consumers are bombarded with misleading and false information on AM and therefore prone to making wrong, unwise, or dangerous therapeutic decisions, endangering their health and wasting their money. This book is a reference text aimed at guiding consumers through the maze of AM. This second edition includes over 50 additional treatments as well as updates on many others.

Misleading information about alternative medicine often targets cancer patients, offering false hope and expensive treatments that promise cures without side effects. This book critically examines the fallacy of alternative cancer cures while highlighting the beneficial role of alternative medicine in enhancing the quality of life for those battling cancer. It provides a balanced perspective, emphasizing the importance of informed choices and supportive care in the journey of cancer treatment.

So-called alternative medicine (SCAM) is popular and therefore important, no matter whether we love or loathe it. Consequently, an impressive number of books about SCAM are already available. Most of them, however, are woefully uncritical, overtly promotional and dangerously misleading. Not so this one! This book was written by someone who received SCAM as a patient, practised SCAM as a doctor, and researched SCAM as a scientist. It provides an insider's perspective by covering aspects of SCAM which most other books avoid, and by questioning the many tacitly accepted assumptions and wild extrapolations that underpin SCAM. The text is factual, occasionally dosed with a touch of humour or satire. The aim is not only to inform but also to entertain. It is written principally for members of the general public who have an interest in healthcare and are tired of the promotional counter-knowledge produced by SCAM enthusiasts. It is an exercise in critical thinking that might prevent you from wasting your money on (or endangering your health with) bogus treatments.

"Prince Charles has entertained a long-standing love affair with alternative medicine. This book describes his passion as it developed during the last 40 years. The Prince's beliefs, opinions, and ambitions are critically assessed against the background of the scientific evidence. In most instances, the contrast could not be starker. Thus, Charles' tenacious promotion of unproven, disproven, and occasionally harmful alternative therapies turns out to be little more than the pipe dream of a self-declared enemy of the Enlightenment. The book portrays our future king, reviews the evidence on alternative medicine, and inspires critical thinking." -- Back cover

The book delves into the lives of around 40 pioneers of alternative medicine, such as Hahnemann, Still, and Schulz, highlighting their unique journeys toward innovation. Each individual's story reveals the unconventional paths they took and the defining traits that contributed to their groundbreaking contributions. By examining their experiences, the book uncovers common themes that shaped the development of various alternative healing practices.

In the US, chiropractic's country of origin, most chiropractors carry the title 'doctor' and many consumers believe they are medically trained.Despite this high level of acceptance, chiropractic is wide open to criticism.

King Charles has entertained a long-standing love affair with alternative medicine. This book describes his passion as it developed during the last 40 years. The King's beliefs, opinions, and ambitions are critically assessed against the background of the scientific evidence. In most instances, the contrast could not be starker. Thus, Charles' tenacious promotion of unproven, disproven, and occasionally harmful alternative therapies turns out to be little more than the pipe dream of a self-declared enemy of the Enlightenment. The book portrays our king, reviews the evidence on alternative medicine, and inspires critical thinking. Revised edition including new material.

Die Popularität alternativer Medizin in Deutschland spiegelt sich in der breiten Anwendung verschiedener Behandlungsmethoden wider. Das Buch untersucht die Wirksamkeit von Antioxidantien, Aloe Vera, Kinesiologie und Reiki sowie diagnostische Ansätze wie die Zungen- und Irisdiagnose. Zudem werden die Erfolge von Geistheilung, autogenem Training und Hypnotherapie kritisch beleuchtet, um ein umfassendes Bild der alternativen Heilmethoden und deren tatsächlichen Nutzen zu vermitteln.

Professor Edzard Ernst beleuchtet in seinem Buch die Aspekte von Scheinmedizin, die oft ignoriert werden. Mit Insiderwissen, wissenschaftlichen Fakten, Humor und Satire bietet er eine informative und unterhaltsame Lektüre für alle, die sich für evidenzbasierte Bewertungen alternativmedizinischer Methoden interessieren.