Nature Cures: The History of Alternative Medicine in America

by James C. Whorton

Book Overview

From reflexology and rolfing to shiatsu and dream work, we are confronted today by a welter of alternative medical therapies. But as James Whorton shows in Nature Cures, the recent explosion in alternative medicine actually reflects two centuries of competition and conflict between mainstream medicine and numerous unorthodox systems.
This is the first comprehensive history of alternative medicine in America, examining the major systems that have...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195140710
• ISBN13: 9780195140712
• Release Date: September 2002
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 9.3" x 6.1"

Customer Reviews

Regarding Naturopathy's Essential Science-Ejected Vitalism:

Vitalism is a profoundly science-ejected concept, though many CAM or 'natural health' cabals falsely claim that vitalism survives scientific scrutiny. I quote: "naturopathic medical practice nevertheless is still comprised of distinctive therapies backed by faith in nature [...] detoxification, like all other therapies, is meant to serve the more basic purpose of strengthening the vis medicatrix. Naturopathy still means trusting in nature to cure [...per] 'confidence in the perception of a vital force or life force.' Hence, today's hydrotherapy procedures are justified in terms that Lust, or even Thrall, would commend: hydrotherapy provides 'general stimulation of the vital force' [...] naturopathic medicine thus retains much of the old in its now 'science based natural medicine' [p.291]." When is an article of faith {a purposeful life spirit that runs physiology} unprofessionally / falsely labeled a medical scientific fact? Naturopathy. CAM: there be monsters here. -r.c.

Presents the history of alternative medicine in America

Nature Cures presents the history of alternative medicine in America, showing that the recent rise of alternative medicine actually reflects two centuries of competition between mainstream medicine and unorthodox systems. In providing a running history of alternative medicine, author James Whorton enables readers to analyze the progress, successes and failures of both traditional and alternative treatments.