Toward an Integrative Medicine: Merging Alternative Therapies with Biomedicine [Paperback]

A comprehensive overview of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the U.S., as well as a sharp analysis of how CAM is changing as it enters the mainstream of biomedicine.This book chronicles the transformation of the holistic health movement as it increasingly influences the delivery of health care in America. He describes the battle for legitimacy by alternative therapeutic practitioners, and the increasing interest by the biomedical profession in the possibilities of a complementary and integrative medical system. Baer shows ironically, how the holistic movement may ultimately become more limited as it gains acceptance and is integrated into mainstream medicine.This book chronicles the transformation of the holistic health movement over the past three decades, as it increasingly influences the delivery of health care in America. In it, he describes the battle for legitimacy by alternative therapeutic practitioners, and the biomedical profession's increasing interest in the possibilities of a complementary and integrative medical system. Baer examines a variety of professionalized and lay heterodox therapeutic systems, including chiropractors, naturopaths and acupuncturists, homeopaths, bodyworkers, and lay midwives. He shows, ironically, how the holistic movement may become more limited as it gains acceptance and becomes integrated into mainstream, professional medicine. This book is a valuable resource for instructors, students, professionals and others interested in public health issues, health policy, medical studies, health economics, medical anthropology and sociology.Chapter 1: The Rise of the Holistic Health/New Ageism as a Popular Movement Chapter 2: The Growing Interest of Biomedical Physicians and Nurses in Alternative Medicine Chapter 3: Legitimizing Heterodox Medical Systems: Chiropractic, Naturopathy, and Acupuncture Chapter 4: The Drive for Professionalization: Homeopathy, Herbalism, Bodywork, Body/Mind Therapy, Psychic and Spiritual Healerlă‰