Although many forms of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) have been used for hundreds or even thousands of years, the scientific community has only recently begun evaluating these therapies’ safety and efficacy. Many individuals are drawn to CAM, which often takes a more holistic approach to health than conventional Western medicine, but do these treatments actually work? Or is it simply the placebo effect? Which conditions can be treated with CAM? How are practitioners licensed or regulated?

Books in Greenwood’s Q&A Health Guides series follow a reader-friendly question-and-answer format that anticipates readers’ needs and concerns. Prevalent myths and misconceptions are identified and dispelled, and a collection of case studies illustrate key concepts and issues through relatable stories and insightful recommendations. Each book also includes a section on health literacy, equipping teens and young adults with practical tools and strategies for finding, evaluating, and using credible sources of health information both on and off the internet—important skills that contribute to a lifetime of healthy decision-making.

Features

• Simple Q&A format makes the subject approachable and accessible to readers, allowing them to find specific information quickly and easily
• Guide to Health Literacy section helps readers improve their research and critical thinking skills when finding and evaluating health information
• Case studies provide real-world examples of concepts discussed in the book
• Common myths section dispels popular misconceptions surrounding complementary and alternative medicine and points readers toward detailed and accurate information provided in the main text