Alternative Medicine: The Christian Handbook, New Edition Available

Main Category: Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine
Article Date: 20 Mar 2007 - 7:00 PDT

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Christian Medical Association is pleased to announce their latest "Medically Reliable and Biblically Sound" publication Alternative Medicine: The Christian Handbook Updated and Expanded, (Zondervan, 2007) written by Dónal O'Mathúna, PhD and Walt Larimore, MD.

"A much-needed resource for the consumer as well as healthcare providers. The use of alternative medicine is increasing particularly among Christians. Over $4 billion is now spent annually in the United States on herbal remedies. This unique resource is an invaluable tool in sifting through the go! od, the bad and the ugly of alternative and complementary medicine," says David Stevens, MD, CEO of the 17,000 member faith-based organization, Christian Medical Association. "If the Church ever needed a trusted voice on health issues - we need it now."

In a CMA member survey, an evidence-based, faith-based resource on alternative medicine was by far the most sought-after resource.

"This area of medicine is hampered by unclear information and contradictory claims. Decisions to use any therapy or remedy should be based on the best evidence available. The book provides that evidence in ways that those without professional training can grasp. As the same time, enough details are given to make the book useful for health care professionals," notes co-author Dónal O'Mathúna, PhD.

Alternative Medicine: The Christian Handbook was one of the first comprehensive guidebooks to nontraditional medicine written from a distinctively Christian perspective. The updated and expanded edition discusses the latest developments in alternative medicine combining the most current research with an easy-to-use format. This book reviews over one hundred therapies, remedies and supplements, explaining the available research on each approach. In addition they examine, where relevant, the spiritual beliefs underlying certain therapies and look at them in light of traditional Christian values. The problems of quackery and fraud are discussed, and tips given on how to avoid them. The role of faith and prayer in health and well-being is! also examined, along with new research on these topics. The book is divided into three main divisions: Evaluating Alternative Medicine; Alternative Therapies; and Herbal Remedies, Vitamins, and Dietary Supplements.

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.

To schedule an interview with the authors, please contact Margie Shealy at (423) 844-1047 or by e-mail: margie.shealy@cmda.org. To order Alternative Medicine: The Christian Handbook or other helpful resources, call 888-231-2637. Additional information on health and bioethical issues can be found online at http://www.cmda.org.

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