The Skeptic's Guide to Alternative Medicine

By: Steven Novella MD, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Steven Novella MD

Length: 4 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

Energy medicine. Acupuncture. Superfoods. Healing magnets. What does the scientific evidence really say about these and other "alternative medicine" treatments for personal wellness?

How can we know if a natural remedy is safe and effective? How can people become their own best skeptical consumer of health news in the media? Join neurologist and science educator Dr. Steven Novella for a fascinating exploration of these and other important questions about the truths—and myths—behind alternative medicine.

Perhaps the most important skill to have in this brave new world of ever-changing medical news is the ability to evaluate sources and information, and to think critically about how alternative medicine is marketed, regulated, and used. Dr. Novella takes a rigorous, science-based approach in exploring so-called "popular" and "cutting-edge" trends. Armed with this knowledge, listeners will be in a much better position to assess alternative pathways to physical health.

Dr. Novella’s 10 leading-edge lectures will answer such questions as:

• Do magnetic fields really have useful biological properties?
• Why is chiropractic treatment no more effective for pain management than simple physical therapy?
• Can brain games truly make one smarter or help in staving off dementia?
• Can homeopathic remedies, such as those derived from plants and minerals, really cure ailments?
• Does cupping therapy really help to reduce pain and inflammation, while increasing blood flow?

Dr. Novella provides insights on the ever-widening gap between alternative medicine and scientific medicine, giving listeners the confidence they need to become their own best health advocates.

©2019 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC.

True science not fiction.

Makes you think twice about using miracle cures and alternative medicine. Don't believe the hype.

Bringing light to the dark world of alternative medicine

Easily digestible chapters that provide ample data and information without going into too much scientific detail. A look at a broad range of topics that helps educate the reader and set them up for successful decision making.

Alt treatments that do not work

Excellent review about what alternative medicine does not do. I have had so many patients who probably out of desperation and ended up actually worst off trying pseudo science which delayed needed treatment. I suppose we all want miracles but modern medicine has in many diseases done just that. Good audio book !

Misleading.

The short exeurp summarized herbs as medicines and need to be treated as such. Recommends talking to your Doctor for prescription medications you're taking for interactions.

Sounded great. Nope, it's a chapter after Chapter of here, this is whyp they are wrong. Nothing works.

Required listening to every thinking citizen

If you believe in facts, evidence and the scientific method, these set of lectures on the evidence on so called alternative medicine is a joy to listen too and an outstanding learning experience.
Dr Novella is a master in distilling the essential arguments of the believers in the so called alternative medicine field and why you as the consumer should have a critical mind to it's claims.
If you think and believe that opinions matter more than facts and the scientific method is not capable and ill equipped to validate the claims of alternative medicine, then, these lectures, are a major disappointment.

if it worked, it'd just be called medicine

The conclusion is clear from the start (don't trust claims of magic alternative treatments), but this goes into a lot of detail as to *why* these alternative medicine claims are nonsense and how they have no evidence for effectiveness.

Sceptical guide

The Skeptic's Guide to Alternative Medicine by Steven Novella MD, The Great Courses Audible Original narrated by Steven Novella is giving information that encourages critical thinking. To develop critical thinking, you most likely need to have more information than inspiring personal experiences from an individual or group of people. A medical trial is done, be aware of the results, where the trial was held and so on. Incredibly thoughtful and mind changing.

BLUF: Basically all Alternative Medicine is Fake

Save the 4.5 hours. Synopsis: The book quickly covers topics listed below and basically states that they are all fake snake oil with a caveat that very basic Chiropractic could have some benefits.
1. Herbs and Supplements
2. Homeopathy
3. Healing Magnets and other devices
4. Energy Medicine
5. Acupuncture
6. Chiropractic and Manipulative Therapies
7. Brain Training
8. Cutting Edge Treatments

CLINICAL PROOF

Many listener/readers will be disappointed, if not outraged, by Steven Novella’s criticism of alternative medicine and medical treatments. He notes that many such treatments are untested by properly conducted experiment, and replication. He notes many alleged medical treatments and cures either fail clinical tests or are not tested at all.

The public is forearmed by Novella’s critique of alternative medicine. Be skeptical about what your friend, an acquaintance, a mother, a sister, a brother suggests is a remedy for your malady. Be particularly skeptical of an industry unsupervised by the FDA. Everyone should be wary of unqualified medical treatment, prescribed medicines, vitamins, and herbs. Companies in the field of alternative medicine are not in the business for your health. They are in the business of making money.

It seems prudent to suggest one should reserve a measure of skepticism for all purveyors of cures, even medical professionals. As is true of all humans, medical professionals can be seduced by the desire for money, power, and prestige--even at the expense of those who seek care.

some useful and some.dangerous information

cannabis and essential oils are not accepted by many doctors like this, but I know many people that would not be here without them.. he shouldn't dismiss personal testimonials or ancient wisdom