The Skeptic's Guide to Alternative Medicine

De: Steven Novella MD, The Great Courses

Narrado por: Steven Novella MD

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.

Skeptic or closed minded.

This is not an even handed review of alternative medicine. The author presents very good points but is a little one eyed related to topics like chiropractic, cognitive training and acupuncture that are accepted by mainstream modern medicine. This could have been a great book if the object had been a little more even handed.

For those who want to be health literate

Dr. Novella imparts important information in an interesting intonation.

You will stay engaged through the entire audiobook and you will learn how to wade through what is right it wrong.

Critical Thinking 101

While I am already a skeptic and think critically about most topics, I can lean towards the hopeful and credulous when it comes to medicine – not just for myself, but particularly for my animals. This lecture series dives into the details of a variety of modalities and treatments (many of which I pretty much already knew were bunk, but the histories and details are very interesting) and – probably most importantly – addresses how to apply critical thinking to medicine and medical practitioners. And while he's talking about human medicine, everything he discusses can be applied to veterinary medicine as well (most of the specific treatments he covers are also used for animals, and I know a lot of people [including myself] who have spent a lot of money hoping alternative medicine will help their animals).

I recommend listening, even if it can raise your defenses about your favorite alternative treatment(s). At the end of the day, of course, it's only one doctor's research, but if nothing else, his recommendations about critical thinking should be taken to heart.

Outstanding

More relevant now than ever. A.cool dose of rationality in a desert of nonsense that pervades the "wellness" industry.

As expected

I appreciated his dogmatic approach to his position but don't expect any surprises. Nothing is pleasantly refreshing.

Shared with very alt med family

After an hour long discussion about chiropractic and homeopathy, I gifted this audio book to my parents. As they get older, the potential for harm is increasing and I worry about their health.
Although they aren't anti-vax, they trust that super foods, spinal adjustments, and an applied kinesiology-based diet is going to cure their ailblockade.
I've listened through this many times and I really hope that Dr. Novella's master class can break through their mental blockades.

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.