Health is the most important factor in life. Money & Career, positively come next. Majority of the persons go in for
the conventional system of medicine, in spite of its known side effects. But, there are several promising alternative treatments for prevention & cure which, with the advice of the professionals, can be useful for our health problems. The first Chapter of the book provides, general basic information about the alternative medicine system. The authors have listed, the most popular therapeutic systems covered under it, viz. Acupuncture, Aromatherapy, Chiropractic Manipulation, Herbs & Supplements, Homeopathy, Hydrotherapy, Massage, Mind-Body Therapies (i.e. Biofeedback, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Guided Imagery, Meditation & the Relaxation Response), Tai Chi, Yoga. Rest of the twelve Chapters, discuss about several specific chronic health problems (& also indicate those products & services, which should be avoided, & those which cause improvements), e.g. easing discomfort from joint pain; getting relief from back pain & neck pain; getting satisfactory sleep; solving problems of depression & anxiety; getting relief from premenstrual syndrome; making menopause comfortable; reviving male sexual function; improving functioning of Prostate gland; preventing heart disease & stroke; boosting function of brain; prevention & treatment of cancer & the points for longevity. Full details of the references & articles, have been given in the Appendix, which provide the back up for the prescriptions given in the book, for each of our health problems. In general, the alternative system costs less than the conventional medicine, & has less side effects. The Conclusions in this book, are based on long research done by the authors. In each of the Chapters, they have given recommendations for changes in life style, & the author's "Discriminating consumer's guide", analyzes the most popular alternative treatments into four categories viz. highly recommended, recommended, acceptable, not to be used. End of each of these Chapters gives "The Complete Prescription", which gives the best combination of the conventional & alternative medicine, for the particular problem.
The final Chapter gives a guide to the supplements & therapies, for helping us to remain healthy in life. There is yet nothing in this world, which can stop aging, & rejuvenate us back to our youth. The authors advise ten therapies, for keeping our body fit as long as possible. These are, viz. cardiovascular exercise for reducing risks of several diseases by walking, swimming etc.; Weight training for keeping the ability to lift bags & walking the steps etc., in consultation with a physical therapist; taking proper diet (& not prepared items etc.) e.g. fruits, vegetables, whole grains etc.; having a proper sleep in the night (since it recharges our batteries & keeps our reflexes sharp), scheduling our timings for sleep & taking the help of the physician if required; remaining engaged in life & volunteering for paid or unpaid works, taking classes, travel etc., good social network of friends, & balancing these with relaxation & meditation etc.; using folic acid in diet e.g. black eyed peas, cooked spinach etc. & supplements; fish oils (Omega-3 fatty acids) are good for heart & brain; Calcium has many disease preventing qualities & we should take from diet (& supplements) e.g. soy products, leafy greens etc.; Vitamin D required for proper absorption of Calcium & prevention of several diseases, should be taken; Light therapy i.e. having a healthy dose of direct sunlight with care to avoid excess sun light.
This abstract writer has taken recourse to Homeopathy, Meditation & Yoga for many years, with very good results for himself & his family, & would also advise the readers to go in for these systems. This book is essentially a practical, frendly guide book for all of us, who are seeking prevention or treatment of some of the chronic problems. We can live a healthy life, by having a combination of conventional & alternative treatments. Of course, the authors caution us to first seek proper medical care, & have the treatments under the guidance of qualified professionals.