We often hear that alternative medicine is superior to classical medicine, for it treats us holistically, both the physical body and the immaterial part of our nature. Although such an approach seems desirable, it is precisely this aspect that opens the door to spiritual views incompatible with Christianity. Many forms of alternative medicine speak of a divine essence we allegedly possess, of a vital force that we can manipulate, of spiritual beings that can help us, and other such views closely related to Eastern religions and New Age thought. In their desire to find healing at any price, Christians often resort to these methods without realizing the spiritual danger involved. For Christians who want to live consistently with their faith, this book is intended to raise awareness of the hidden beliefs of alternative medicine.

In recent years, many have come to believe that Western medicine has lost contact with 'holistic' conceptions of health as encompassing physical, emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual dimensions. 'Spiritual' may imply religious or faith-based values or experience, but also non-material factors such as an appreciation of natural beauty, art, music, moral values or beliefs from which a person draws meaning and a sense of transcendence. Equally, many people are unaware of a spiritual dimension to life and health until illness or trauma strikes. However, coming to terms with life events, deriving meaning from them and incorporating them into their life philosophy may then be experienced as a deep spiritual crisis, with ramifications in their wider health, and implications for the health professionals who treat them. This book considers the meaning of holistic health care, and explores the spiritual dimension of health through the narratives of fictional and non-fictional patients. It discusses how to discern when a patient's distress has a spiritual dimension, the implications of this for health professionals, and ways in which spiritual factors can be addressed and discussed within healthcare. 'When it comes to questions about meaning and purpose, such as what is the point of all this?A", or why is this happening to me?A", when we meet patients in the depths of despair at the prospect of imminent death, when we ourselves feel hopeless and overwhelmed in the face of an avalanche of human suffering, then we begin to struggle. We do not know what we could do, nor even what we should do. Our professional training doesn't help. We are stuck. With this beautiful book, Mabel Aghadiuno comes to our rescue.' - Christopher Dowrick in his Foreword

The most complete resource of its kind on alternative medicine• Herbal remedies, dietary supplements, and alternative therapiesTheir specific usesWhich ones really work (and which ones don’t)What to watch out for• Christian versus non-Christian approaches to holistic health• Clinically proven treatments versus unproven or quack treatments• Truths and fallacies about supernatural healing• Ancient medical lore: the historical, cultural, and scientific facts• And much, much moreAlternative Medicine is the first comprehensive guidebook to nontraditional medicine written from a distinctively Christian perspective. Keeping pace with the latest developments and research in alternative medicine, this thoroughly revised edition combines the most current information with an easy-to-use format. University lecturer and researcher Dónal O’Mathúna, PhD, and national medical authority Walt Larimore, MD, provide detailed and balanced answers to your most pressing questions about alternative medicine—and to other questions you wouldn’t have thought to ask.Also includesTwo alphabetical reference sections:Alternative therapiesHerbal remedies, vitamins, and dietary supplementsA description of each therapy and remedy, an analysis of claims, results of actual studies, cautions, recommendations, and further resourcesHandy cross-references linking health problems with various alternative therapies and herbal remedies reviewed in the book

Spirituality and healthcare is an emerging field of research, practice and policy. Healthcare organisations and practitioners are therefore challenged to understand and address spirituality, to develop their knowledge and implement effective policy. This is the first reference text on the subject providing a comprehensive overview of key topics.

We often hear that alternative medicine is superior to classical medicine, for it treats us holistically, both the physical body and the immaterial part of our nature. Although such an approach seems desirable, it is precisely this aspect that opens the door to spiritual views incompatible with Christianity. Many forms of alternative medicine speak of a divine essence we allegedly possess, of a vital force that we can manipulate, of spiritual beings that can help us, and other such views closely related to Eastern religions and New Age thought. In their desire to find healing at any price, Christians often resort to these methods without realizing the spiritual danger involved. For Christians who want to live consistently with their faith, this book is intended to raise awareness of the hidden beliefs of alternative medicine.

This book tells the surprising story of how complementary and alternative medicine, CAM, entered biomedical and evangelical Christian mainstreams despite its roots in non-Christian religions and the lack of scientific evidence of its efficacy and safety.

Explores the extraordinary technique that put authentic healing into the hands of health care providers • Examines the relationship between expanded levels of consciousness and the healing process • Contains healing exercises for treating common ailments such as stomachaches and back pain, and practices for managing chronic stress • Based on transcribed audiotapes of lectures by medical intuitive Dora Kunz (1904-1999), with commentary by Dolores Krieger Since 1972 Therapeutic Touch has been taught in hospitals and at universities to tens of thousands of health care professionals. The Spiritual Dimension of Therapeutic Touch provides an intimate glimpse into the life work of Dora Kunz (1904-1999), medical intuitive and fifth-generation clairvoyant, who used her gifts to reach out to others in her capacity as healer and teacher. During their years of research and healing practice together, Dolores Krieger and her mentor, Dora Kunz, found illness to be caused by specific subtle energy imbalances. The Spiritual Dimension of Therapeutic Touch teaches how to rebalance the body’s energy through touch, visualization, and a spiritual acceptance of life’s inevitable cycle. These exercises can be used both to heal physical pain and to achieve mental and spiritual peace. The authors also examine the important interconnected relationship between healer and patient. The book includes never-before-transcribed lectures by Dora Kunz, with commentary from Dolores Krieger, exploring expanded levels of consciousness as they relate to the healing process.