alternative medicine

the practice of medicine without the use of drugs

may involve herbal medicines or self-awareness or biofeedback or acupuncture

npov Alternative medicine broadly describes methods and practices used in place of, or in addition to, medicineconventional medical treatments. The precise scope of alternative medicine is a matter of some debate and depends to a great extent on the definition of "conventional medicine." Positions on the distinction between the two include those who reject the safety and efficacy of the other, and a number of positions in between.The debate on alternative medicine is complicated further by the diversity of treatments that are categorized as "alternative." These include practices that incorporate spiritual, metaphysical, or religious underpinnings; non-European medical traditions; newly developed approaches to healing; and a number of others. Proponents of one class of alternative medicine may reject others.Detractors from alternative medicine may also define it as "diagnosis, treatment, or therapy which can be provided legally by persons who are not licensed to diagnose and treat illness", although some medical doctor find value using alternative therapies in the practice of "complementary medicine".Many in the scientific community define alternative medicine as any treatment, the efficacy and safety of which has not been verified through peer-reviewed, controlled studies.The boundaries of alternative medicine have changed over time as a number of techniques and therapies once considered to be "alternative" have been accepted by mainstream medicine.

Complementary and alternative medicine - The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine defines complementary and alternative medicine as "a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine". One distinction that the NCCAM makes is that complementary medicine is used in conjunction with conventional medicine whereas alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine. The NCCAM also defines integrative medicine as the combination of "mainstream medical therapies and CAM therapies for which there is some high-quality scientific evidence of safety and !effectiveness"."''Im portantly,? integrative medicine is not synonymous with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). It has a far larger meaning and mission in that it calls for restoration of the focus of medicine on health and healing and emphasizes the centrality of the patient-physician relationship."'' (Snyderman, Weil 2002)

Legality and regulation - Jurisdiction differs concerning which branches of alternative medicine are legal, which are regulated, and which (if any) are provided by a government-controlled Publicly_funded_medicine health service or reimbursed by a Health_insurance private health medical insurance company.A number of alternative medicine advocates disagree with the restrictions of government agencies that approve medical treatments (such as the American Food and Drug Administration) and the agencies' adherence to experimental evaluation methods. They claim that this impedes those seeking to bring useful and effective treatments and approaches to the public, and protest that their contributions and discoveries are unfairly dismissed, overlooked or suppressed. Alternative medicine providers often argue that health fraud should be dealt with appropriately when it occurs.

Contemporary use of alternative medicine -

In the US and UK - A nccam.nih.gov - survey (Barnes et al 2004) released in May 2004 by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, part of the National Institutes of Health in the United States, found that in 2002, 36% of Americans used some form of alternative therapy in the past 12 months — a category that included yoga, meditation, herbal treatments and the Atkins diet. If prayer was counted as an alternative therapy, the figure rose to 62.1%. Another study by Astin et al (1998) suggests a similar figure of 40%.A British telephone survey by the BBC of 1209 adults in 1998 shows that around 20% of adults in Britain had used alternative medicine in the past 12 months (Ernst & White 1999)

Around the world - Edzard Ernst wrote in the Medical Journal of Australia that "''about half the general population in developed countries use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)''" (Ernst 2003),

Rising use of alternative medicine - Eisenburg et al carried out a study in 1998 which showed that use of alternative medicine had risen from 33.8% in 1990 to 42.1% in 1997. In the United Kingdom, a 2000 report ordered by the House of Lords suggested that "limited data seem to support the idea that CAM use in the United Kingdom is high and is increasing"!parliament.the-stationery-offi ce.co.uk.

Medical education - Increasing numbers of medical colleges have begun offering courses in alternative medicine. For example, the University of Arizona College of Medicine offers a program in Integrative Medicine under the leadership of Andrew WeilDr. Andrew Weil which trains physicians in various branches of alternative medicine which "''neither rejects conventional medicine, nor embraces alternative practices uncritically.''" ahsc.arizona.edu In three separate research surveys that surveyed the 125 medical schools offering a MD degree, the 19 medical schools offering a DO degree, and 585 schools of nursing in the United States: 60 percent of U.S. medical schools offering a MD degree teach CAM, 95% of Osteopathic medical school teach CAM, and 84.8% of US schools of nursing teach CAM. (Wetzel et al 1998, Saxon et al 2004, Fenton & Morris 2003)In the UK, no medical schools offer courses that teach the clinical practise of alternative medicine. However, alternative medicine is taught in several schools as part of the curriculum. Teaching is based mostly on theory and understanding alternative medicine, with emphasis on being able to communicate with alternative medicine specialists. To obtain competence in practising clinical alternative medicine, qualifications must be obtained from individual medical societies. The student must have graduated and be a qualified doctor. The medical-acupuncture.co.uk - British Medical Acupuncture Society, which offers medical acupuncture certificates to doctors, is one such example.

Support for alternative medicine - Advocates of alternative medicine hold that alternative therapies often provide the public with services not available from conventional medicine. This argument covers a range of areas, such as patient empowerment, alternative methods of pain management, treatment methods that support the biopsychosocial model of health, cures for specific health concerns, stress reduction services, other preventive health services that are not typically a part of conventional medicine, and of course complementary medicine's palliative care which is practiced by such world renowned cancer centers such as Memorial Sloan-Kettering (see Vickers 2004).

Efficacy - Advocates of alternative medicine hold that the various alternative treatment methods are effective in treating a wide range of major and minor medical conditions, and contend that recently published research (such as Michalsen 2003, Gonsalkorale 2003, and Berga 2003) proves the effectiveness of specific alternative treatments. They assert that a PubMed search revealed over 370,000 research papers classified as alternative medicine published in Medline-recognized journals since 1966 in the National Library of Medicine database (such as Kleijnen 1991, Linde 1997, Michalsen 2003, Gonsalkorale 2003, and Berga 2003).Advocates of alternative medicine hold that alternative medicine may provide health benefits through patient empowerment, by offering more choices to the public, including treatments that are simply not available in conventional medicine.''"Most Americans who consult alternative providers would probably jump at the chance to consult a physician who is well trained in scientifically based medicine and who is also open-minded and knowledgeable about the body's innate mechanisms of healing, the role of lifestyle factors in influencing health, and the appropriate uses of dietary supplements, herbs, and other forms of treatment, from osteopathic manipulation to Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. In other words, they want competent help in navigating the confusing maze of therapeutic options that are available today, especially in those cases in which conventional approaches are relatively ineffective or harmful."'' (Snyderman, Weil 2002) Some physicians are willing to embrace some aspects of alternative medicine.Although advocates of alternative medicine acknowledge that the placebo effect may play a role in the benefits that some receive from alternative therapies, they point out that this does not diminish their validity. Skeptics are confounded by this view and claim that it is acknowledgement of the inefficacy of alternative treatments.

Danger reduced when used as a complement to conventional medicine - A major objection to alternative medicine is that it is done in place of conventional medical treatments. As long as alternative treatments are used alongside standard conventional medical treatments, most medical doctors find most forms of complementary medicine acceptable (Vickers 2004). Consistent with previous studies, the CDC recently reported that the majority of individuals in the United States (i.e., 54.9%) used CAM in conjunction with conventional medicine. (CDC Advance Data Report #343, 2002) Patients should however always inform their medical doctor they are using alternative medicine. Some patients do not tell their medical doctors since they fear it will hurt their patient-doctor relationship. Some alternative treatments however can interfere with regular treatments. An example is the combination of chemotherapy and large doses of vitamin C, which can severely damage the kidneys.The boundary lines between alternative and mainstream medicine have changed over time. Some methods once considered alternative have later been adopted by conventional medicine, when confirmed by controlled studies. Many very old conventional medical practices are now seen as alternative medicine, as modern controlled studies have shown that certain treatments were not actually effective. Supporters of alternative methods suggest that much of what is currently called alternative medicine will be similarly assimilated by the mainstream in the future.The issue of alternative medicine interfering with conventional medical practices is minimized when it is only turned to after the conventional medicine path has been exhausted. Many patients believe alternative medicine can help in coping with chronic illnesses for which conventional medicine offers no cure and only management. It is becoming more common for a patient's own MD to suggest alternatives when they cannot offer a treatment.

Criticism of alternative medicine - Due to the wide range of therapies that are considered to be "alternative medicine" few criticisms apply across the board. For more information about a particular therapy or branch of alternative medicine, including specific criticism, please refer to the following link: List of branches of alternative medicine.Criticisms directed at specific branches of alternative medicine range from the fairly minor (conventional treament is believed to be more effective in a particular area) to incompatibility with the known laws of physics (for example, in homeopathy).Proponents of the various forms of alternative medicine reject criticism as being founded in prejudice, financial self-interest, or ignorance.

Efficacy -

Problems with the label "alternative" - Some doctors and scientists feel that the term "alternative medicine" is misleading, as these treatments have not been proven to be an effective alternative to regulated conventional medicine. However, conventional medicine can overlap with alternative medicine, when and only when the alternative treatment is proven to be effective.Richard Dawkins, professor of the Public Understanding of Science at Oxford University, defines alternative medicine as ''"that set of practices that cannot be tested, refuse to be tested or consistently fail tests"'' (See Diamond 2003).

Lack of proper testing - Despite the large number of studies regarding alternative therapies, critics contend that there are no statistics on exactly how many of these studies were controlled, double-blind peer-reviewed experiments or how many produced results supporting alternative medicine or parts thereof. They contend that many forms of alternative medicine are rejected by conventional medicine because the efficacy of the treatments has not been demonstrated through double-blind randomized controlled trials. Some skeptics of alternative practices point out that a person may attribute symptomatic relief to an otherwise ineffective therapy due to the natural recovery from or the cyclical nature of an illness, the placebo effect, or the possibility that the person never originally had a true illness quackwatch.org.

Problems with known tests and studies - Critics contend that observer bias and poor study design invalidate the results of many studies carried out by alternative medicine promoters.A review of the effectiveness of certain alternative medicine techniques for cancer treatment (Vickers 2004), while finding that most of these treatments are not merely "unproven" but are proven not to work, notes that several studies have found evidence that the psychosocial treatment of patients by psychologists is linked to survival advantages (although it comments that these results are not consistently replicated). The same review, while specifically noting that "complementary therapies for cancer-related symptoms were not part of this review", cites studies indicating that several complementary therapies can provide benefits by, for example, reducing pain and improving the mood of patients.Some argue that less research is carried out on alternative medicine because many alternative medicine techniques cannot be patented, and hence there is little financial incentive to study them. Drug research, by contrast, can be very lucrative, which has resulted in funding of trials by pharmaceutical companies. Many people, including conventional and alternative medical practitioners, contend that this funding has led to corruption of the scientific process for approval of drug usage, and that ghostwritten work has appeared in major peer reviewpeer-reviewed medical journals. (Flanagin ''et al.'' 1998, Larkin 1999). Increasing the funding for research of alternative medicine techniques was the purpose of the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Alternative MedicineNational Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. NCCAM and its predecessor, the Office of Alternative Medicine, have spent more than $200 million on such research since 1991. The German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices Commission E has studied many herbal remedies for efficacy. csicop.org

Safety - Critics contend that "dubious therapies can cause death, serious injury, unnecessary suffering, and disfigurement" quackwatch.org and that some people have been hurt or killed directly from the various practices or indirectly by failed diagnoses or the subsequent avoidance of conventional medicine which they believe is truly efficacious valleyskeptic.com. Alternative medicine critics agree with its proponents that people should be free to choose whatever method of healthcare they want, but stipulate that people must be informed as to the safety and efficacy of whatever method they choose. People who choose alternative medicine may think they are choosing a safe, effective medicine, while they may only be getting quackeryquack remedies.

Delay in seeking conventional medical treatment - They state that those who have had success with one alternative therapy for a minor ailment may be convinced of its efficacy and persuaded to extrapolate that success to some other alternative therapy for a more serious, possibly life-threatening illness. For this reason, they contend that therapies that rely on the placebo effect to define success are very dangerous.

Issues of regulation - Critics contend that some branches of alternative medicine are often not properly regulated in some countries to identify who practices or know what training or expertise they may possess. Critics argue that the governmental regulation of any particular alternative therapy does necessitate that the therapy is effective.

See also -

Famous people in alternative medicine

History of alternative medicine

Terms and concepts in alternative medicineSkeptical terms:

Pseudoscience

Quackery

Snake oil

References -

Dictionary definitions -

best-home-remedies.com - Alternative Medicine

cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk - Complementary medicine

ahsc.arizona.edu - Integrative Medicine: "Program Goals-Train physicians to combine the best ideas and practices of conventional and alternative medicine."

Journals dedicated to alternative medicine research -

Alternative therapies in health and medicine. Aliso Viejo, CA : InnoVision Communications, c1995- NLM ID: locatorplus.gov - 9502013

Alternative medicine review : a journal of clinical therapeutic. Sandpoint, Idaho : Thorne Research, Inc., c1996- NLM ID: locatorplus.gov - 9705340

biomedcentral.com - BMC complementary and alternative medicine. London : BioMed Central, 2001- NLM ID: locatorplus.gov - 101088661

Complementary therapies in medicine. Edinburgh ; New York : Churchill Livingstone, c1993- NLM ID: locatorplus.gov - 9308777

ecam.oxfordjournals.org - Evidence based complementary and alternative medicine

openmindjournals.com - Evidence Based journal of Integrative medicine

jintmed.com - Journal of Integrative medicine.

catchword.com - The journal of alternative and complementary medicine : research on paradigm, practice, and policy. New York, NY : Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., c1995- NLM ID: locatorplus.gov - 9508124

Journal of alternative & complementary medicine. London : Argus Health Publications, c1989- NLM ID: locatorplus.gov - 9883124

liebertpub.com - Journal for Alternative and Complementary Medicine

Research articles cited in the text - # Astin JA "Why patients use alternative medicine: results of a national study" ''JAMA'' 1998; 279(19): 1548-1553# Barnes P, Powell-Griner E, McFann K, Nahin R. "Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Adults: United States, 2002." ''Advanced data from vital health and statistics'' 2004; Hyattsville, Maryland:NCHS nccam.nih.gov - Online# Benedetti F, Maggi G, Lopiano L. "Open Versus Hidden Medical Treatments: The Patient's Knowledge About a Therapy Affects the Therapy Outcome." ''Prevention & Treatment'', 2003; 6(1), journals.apa.org - APA online# Berga SL, Marcus MD, Loucks TL. "Recovery of ovarian activity in women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea who were treated with cognitive behavior therapy." ''Fertility and Sterility'' 2003; ''80''(4): 976-981 fertstert.org - Abstract# Downing AM, Hunter DG. "Validating clinical reasoning: a question of perspective, but whose perspective?" ''Man Ther'', 2003; 8(2): 117-9. PMID 12890440 sciencedirect.com - Manual Therapy Online# Eisenberg DM. "Advising patients who seek alternative medical therapies." ''Ann Intern Med'' 1997; 127:61-69. PMID 9214254# Eisenberg, DM, Davis RB, Ettner SL "Trends in alternative medicine use in the United States 1990-1997." ''JAMA'', 1998; 280:1569-1575. PMID 9820257# Ernst E. "Obstacles to research in complementary and alternative medicine." '''Medical Journal of Australia'', 2003; 179(6): 279-80. PMID 12964907 !http://www.mja.com.au/public/i ssues/179_06_150903/ern10442_f m-1.html? MJA online]# Fenton MV, Morris DL. "The integration of holistic nursing practices and complementary and alternative modalities into curricula of schools of nursing." ''Altern Ther Health Med,'' 2003; 9(4):62-7. PMID 12868254# Flanagin A, Carey LA, Fontanarosa PB. "Prevalence of articles with honorary authors and ghost authors in peer-reviewed medical journals." ''JAMA'', 1998; 280(3):222-4. ? jama.ama-assn.org - Full text# Gonsalkorale WM, Miller V, Afzal A, Whorwell PJ. "Long term benefits of hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome." ''Gut'', 2003; 52(11):1623-9. PMID 14570733# Gunn IP. "A critique of Michael L. Millenson's book, Demanding medical excellence: doctors and accountability in the information age, and its relevance to CRNAs and nursing." ''AANA J'', 1998 66(6):575-82. Review. PMID 10488264# Kleijnen J, Knipschild P, ter Riet G. "Clinical trials of homoeopathy." ''BMJ'', 1991; 302:316-23. Erratum in: ''BMJ'', 1991;302:818. PMID 1825800 # Larkin M. "Whose article is it anyway?" ''Lancet'', 1999; 354:136. thelancet.com - Editorial# Linde K, Clausius N, Ramirez G. "Are the clinical effects of homeopathy placebo effects? A meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials." ''Lancet'', 1997; 350: 834-43. Erratum in: Lancet 1998 Jan 17;351(9097):220. PMID 9310601# Michalsen A, Ludtke R, Buhring M. "Thermal hydrotherapy improves quality of life and hemodynamic function in patients with chronic heart failure." ''Am Heart J'', 2003; 146(4):E11. PMID 14564334# Saxon DW, Tunnicliff G, Brokaw JJ, Raess BU. "Status of complementary and alternative medicine in the osteopathic medical school curriculum." ''J Am Osteopath Assoc'' 2004; 104(3):121-6. PMID 15083987# Snyderman R, Weil AT. "Integrative medicine: bringing medicine back to its roots." ''Arch Intern Med'' 2002; 162:395–397. # Tonelli MR. "The limits of evidence-based medicine." ''Respir Care'', 2001; 46(12): 1435-40; discussion 1440-1. Review. PMID 11728302 ncbi.nlm.nih.gov - PMID: 11863470# Vickers A. "Alternative Cancer Cures: "Unproven" or "Disproven"?" ''CA Cancer J Clin'' 2004; 54: 110-118. caonline.amcancersoc.org - Online# Wetzel MS, Eisenberg DM, Kaptchuk TJ. "Courses involving complementary and alternative medicine at US medical schools." ''JAMA'' 1998; 280(9):784 -787. PMID 9729989 # Zalewski Z. "Importance of Philosophy of Science to the History of Medical Thinking." ''CMJ'' 1999; 40: 8-13. bsb.mefst.hr - CMJ online

Other works that discuss alternative medicine -

Diamond, J. ''Snake Oil and Other Preoccupations'' 2001 (ISBN 0099428334), foreword by Richard Dawkins reprinted in Dawkins, R. ''A Devil's Chaplain'' 2003 (ISBN 0753817500).

cwru.edu - WHERE DO AMERICANS GO FOR HEALTHCARE? by Anna Rosenfeld, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

Planer, Felix E. 1988 ''Superstition'' Revised ed. Buffalo, New York: Prometheus Books

Hand, Wayland D. 1980 ''Folk Magical Medicine and Symbolism in the West'' in ''Magical Medicine'' Berkeley: University of California Press, pp. 305-319.

Phillips Stevens Jr. Nov./Dec. 2001 ''Magical Thinking in Complementary and Alternative Medicine'' Skeptical Inquirer Magazine, Nov.Dec/2001

Illich I. Limits to Medicine. Medical Nemesis: The expropriation of Health. Penguin Books, 1976.

Dillard, James and Terra Ziporyn. ''Alternative Medicine for Dummies''. Foster City, CA: IDG Books Worldwide, Inc., 1998.

External links -

General information -

nccam.nih.gov - The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine - US National Institutes of Health

nlm.nih.gov - Complementary and Alternative Medicine on PubMed - Alternative Medicine Research Database

Advocacy -

noah-health.org - Consumer focused alternative medicine information - in English and Spanish

rosenthal.hs.columbia.edu - Complementary and alternative medicine information - Columbia University supported and ad-free

wholehealthmd.com - WholeHealth Networks' CAM education website - created by practicing MD's

goldbamboo.com - Traditional and Alternative Medicine - both clinical and alternative health perspectives

!chinese-school.netfirms.com - Alternative Medicine: Chinese medicine

hands-on-london.com - Alternative Medicine: Osteopathy

circleofhealers.com - Circle of Healers - Alternative Medicine News and Resources

!tutorials.naturalhealthperspec tive.com - A History of Western Natural Healing Practices

autopenhosting.org - What is Medicine? - Historical perspective of various modes of medicine

? dailystar.com - "Weil's integrative medicine gathering steam", by Carla McClain, ''Arizona Daily Star'', Published: 01-20-2004

!health.dailynewscentral.com - Alternative Medicine Becoming Mainstream

alternativehealth.co.uk - Alternative Health & Complementary Medicine UK Directory

althealthinfo.com - Alternative Medicine and Natural Health Information and news on alternative medicine

Critiques -

skepdic.com - Skeptic's Dictionary: Alternative Medicine

canoe.ca - Alternative medicine: A Skeptical Look

quackwatch.org - Quackwatch: Your Guide to Health Fraud, Quackery, and Intelligent DecisionsCategory:Alternative medicine!*0Category:PseudoscienceCatego ry:Protosciencear:طب !بديلda:Naturmedicinde:Alte rnativmedizinet:Alternatiivmed itsiines:Medicina? complementaria y !alternativako:대체의학it:M edicina? alternativahe:רפואה !אלטרנטיביתnl:Alterna tieve? !geneeswijzeja:代替医療no:A lternativ? medisinpl:Medycyna niekonwencjonalnapt:Medicina !alternativaru:Альтерна тивная? !медицинаfi:Vaihtoehtoi nen? !hoitomuotosv:Alternativmedicin uk:Альтернативна? медицина

Individualized Nutriton Program
Scientifically develo[ped program to provide you with a customized nutritional program consistingofn personalized and bio matched multi vitamins and minerals, supportive foods, avoidance foods, and style of exercise -all of these assist in maintaining a youthful, energized, healthy life.
http://www.signaturesupplements.com/

Reid Winick, DDS
Holistic/Biological Dentistry
http://www.reiddds.com/

Skylark Books
Anthroposophy books, Bach flower remedies, astrology books and software, Weleda health and beauty products, homeopathy, and more....
http://www.skylarkbooks.co.uk

Aloe Vera - in harmony with nature
In harmony with nature - aloe vera gel, aloe vera juice, body care, hair care & skin care products with certification, directly of imorteur.
http://www.aloevera-produkte.org

China Acupuncture & Herbal Clinic
From this website, you can get information about Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture......
http://www.china-acupuncture.net/

Obtin.net Advanced Internet Resources
Search and browse our online featured sites with quality articles directory. A lot of topics with free first-class content that served many till now.
http://www.obtin.net

People Against Cancer
People Against Cancer is a non-profit public interest group. We help people to find the best cancer treatments through our Alternative Therapy Program.
http://www.peopleagainstcancer.com/

Natural Hygiene Clinic
olonic irrigation, colon hydrotherapy, detox programs, natural diet and nutrition to restore your health. Basic, intermediate and advanced colonic training.
http://naturalhygieneclinic.co.uk/

Thomas' Acupuncture Clinic
I am a native German, but practice since 25 years acupuncture in Japan, where I run one of the VERY few clinics run by western foreigners
http://www.einklang.com/

National Organization For Empowering Caregivers
Empowering Caregivers, www.care-givers.com was created to provide a safe, nurturing place for all family caregivers as well as professionals on an emotional and spiritual level. Expert columns feature well-known individuals in the fields of caregiving, self-help and empowerment. There is a monthly newsletter; journal exercises the Empowering Caregivers Community, which offers scheduled chats and forums/message boards. There is a caregiver’s spotlight, which honors a caregiver and caregiving site each month, inspiration, a wealth of resources, gear for purchasing and more. The site is an opportunity for all caregivers to move into forgiveness, to heal and open to the most important healing power there is: LOVE. Empowering Caregivers is under the umbrella of the National Organization For Empowering Caregivers,(NOFEC) www.nofec.org..
http://www.nofec.org/

Earthwalk-USA
A comprehensive holistic health company specializing in alternative modalities, classes and full body alignment.
http://www.earthwalk-usa.com/

Tech Valley MBS
Through our MBS family of websites and educational conferences that promote holistic and integrative health care concepts, we hope to empower individuals on their personal paths of wellness, self-healing, and spiritual wholeness. Our vision is to enhance the quality of life for the individual, thereby improving the health and wellness of the individual, their families, and the communities in which they live.
http://www.techvalleymbs.com/

Beth Clay
Is an internationally recognized expert in business development and health policy. During a dozen years of service in the United States Government, including five years leading the health care oversight activities for the House of Representatives’ Committee on Government Reform, Ms. Clay proved her mettle and dedication to the ideals that make the United States a powerful and compassionate democracy.
http://www.bethclay.com/

Living Successfully Radio
An award winning talk show offering options for success life. Bob Keeton shares unique conversations with leading thinkers in the areas of work, money and relationships.
http://www.livingsuccessfully.com/

Total Wellness Centre
Total Wellness Centre specializes in traditional Chinese medical treatments including Acupuncture, herbal remedies, Chiropractic, Japanese Shiatsu massage, and Pilates. We treat a wide variety of issues with a special focus on female and male infertility and reproductive health.
http://www.totalwellnesscentre.ca/

60s & Further
A Spiritual Garden that Rock N Rolls featuring a portal frrom the 60s into the Beyond. Handmade and imported products, links, articles, awesome galleries, book stores, 60s music stores, a whole universe of hippie ideals and the preservation of passion and innocense. Your Host: LionHeart-Under Arizona Skies
http://www.60sfurther.com/

DR.D.IAN MCDONALD
JAPANESE ACUPUNCTURIST MEDICAL DOCTOR COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE TOYHARI JAPANESE ACUPUNCTURIST
http://drdart.co.nz/

The Office of Dr. Jamileh Naddaf
Dr. Naddaf combines state-of-the-art technology with natural Eastern and Western treatment procedures to achieve non-invasive, optimal results for her patients. She has an enviable record in treating the difficult cases - cases that are hard to diagnose, treat or manage. Health Solutions represents clarity and results. Dr. Naddaf specializes in solving health problems that have been hard to solve. She accomplishes this routinely by using an extremely personalized and targeted approach to each individual patient. In this way, guesswork is removed, time is saved, and money is well-spent.
http://www.healthsolutionssource.com/

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
The Combined Health Information Database contains information on alternative medicine research not available in other government databases. Site is updated by the NCCAM and its clearinghouse staff.
http://nccam.nih.gov/

Alternative Health News Online
Medical journalist Frank Grazian presents a variety of alternative, complementary and preventive health traditions including Chinese medicine, aryuvedic, holistic, natural and Western.
http://www.altmedicine.com/

University of Pittsburgh
Comprehensive site for Pitt. Well maintained and a fine resource for Alumni and prospective students.
http://www.pitt.edu/