An introductory text on the philosophy of chiropractic, for both chiropractic students and practitioners and those interested in the practice and philosophy of alternative health care.

A comprehensive summary of the state-of-the-art of the field in clinical practice and research in the second decade of the 21th century Features future directions for research and clinical practice in integrative medicine and aging.

In Candy Gunther Brown's view, science cannot prove prayer's healing power, but what scientists can and should do is study prayer's measurable effects on health. If prayer benefits, even indirectly, then more careful attention to prayer practices could impact global health, particuarly in places without access to conventional medicine.

With up-to-date research, illustrative examples, and a practical approach forindividuals and families, this handbook features an overview of mental healthdisorders, basic strategies for improving as well as preventing mental healthissues, and more.

Public health is of concern to practicing chiropractors, as well as chiropractic students. The vast majority of chiropractors utilize public health concepts every day as an integral part of patient care. For instance, they give advice on risk factors that should be avoided and protective factors to be added by their patients to enhance healing and prevent illness. Pubic health is also part of the curriculum at all chiropractic colleges and is tested by the National Board. No public health textbooks are available that are specifically designed for the chiropractor. Consequently, college instructors are forced to make-do with class notes and generic texts that do not address the specific issues relevant to chiropractic. This book will not only be of interest to chiropractic students, but also practicing chiropractors because it will provide information they can utilize to provide better care by positively intervening with their patients and their communities regarding public health matters.

Of all forms of alternative medicine, chiropractic is the one that is most generally accepted. In the UK, for instance, chiropractors are regulated by statute and even have their own ‘Royal College of Chiropractic’. 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. The claims and assumptions made by chiropractors are far from evidence based. Chiropractic manipulations are of doubtful effectiveness and have regularly been associated with severe adverse effects, including multiple fatalities. The advice issued by chiropractors to patients and consumers is often less than responsible. The behaviour of chiropractors and their organisations is frequently less than professional. This book presents and discusses recent evidence in and around chiropractic in a factual and unemotional manner. It amounts to an evidence-based critique of this profession and discloses the often dangerously misleading information published for the lay audience. It thereby contributes to advancing public health and critical thinking.