Today's New Medicine — Integrating Alternative and Conventional Medicine

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Two-thirds of Americans over age 50 are using some form of complementary or alternative medicine, yet only one-third discuss these practices with their doctor, according to a recent study conducted by AARP and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

This trend is transforming medical practices in hospitals and clinics across the country, including Mayo Clinic. Doctors, in partnership with their patients, are turning to practices once considered "alternative" as they treat the whole person — mind and spirit, as well as body; and physicians are learning the importance of asking patients what complementary and alternative practices they use.

"People are seeking greater control of their health and are turning to alternative therapies more and more," explains Brent Bauer, M.D., medical editor in chief of Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine (Time Inc. Home Entertainment, January 2007, $24.95). "We recognized that there's a need for reliable information when it comes to complementary and alternative medicine."

Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine is an easy-to-understand guide that provides the latest facts about natural and holistic therapies and how they can work with conventional medicine. The book emphasizes talking with your doctor about all complementary and alternative therapies you are using, including dietary supplements. This 192-page book is a reliable guide for safely and effectively incorporating alternative therapies into your daily life.

Inside the book

In the book, Mayo Clinic specialists offer practical advice on the benefits of therapies such as herbal supplements, vitamins and minerals, acupuncture, yoga, meditation and massage, as well as therapies that should be used with caution, or not at all. Also included are easy-to-follow charts, quizzes, health assessments and advice on treating 20 common conditions. A traffic-light symbol indicating a red, yellow or green light, shows at a glance the safety and effectiveness of a variety of herbs and supplements for various conditions.

The book is divided into three easy-to-understand sections:
• Part One: The Best of Both Worlds — looks at how alternative and complementary medicine is making inroads into conventional care, blending the best of nontraditional therapies with the best of high-tech medicine. Also discussed is the important role you play in maintaining good health with the choices you make each day.
• Part Two: Guide to Complementary and Alternative Therapies — examines various forms of alternative and complementary medicine and provides you with the latest information on treatments and how to safely incorporate them into your daily life.
• Part Three: Your Action Plan — covers 20 common conditions and offers advice on treatment and prevention, combining nontraditional therapies with conventional care to achieve optimal health. Important information regarding safety is also discussed. It's important to be smart in how you approach complementary and alternative medicine, and not be fooled by fraudulent claims.

Like conventional medicine, certain therapies work for some conditions and are harmful for others. As complementary and alternative therapies increasingly undergo scientific study, some are being gradually incorporated into mainstream medicine, while others fall out of favor because they're considered ineffective or unsafe. Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine lets you know what works, what doesn't, and what shows promise.

"This book can help lay the foundation for a truly holistic approach to health and wellness," adds Dr. Bauer. "Get the straight facts and always include your doctor's advice in your decision."

To learn more about alternative medicine and what may or may not be of benefit, read Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine. The book is available in bookstores nationwide or by visiting bookstore.MayoClinic.com. Revenue from the sale of this book supports Mayo Clinic programs, including medical research and education.

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About Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is the first and largest integrated, not-for-profit group practice in the world. Doctors from every medical specialty work together to care for patients, joined by common systems and a philosophy of "the needs of the patient come first." More than 3,700 physicians, scientists and researchers, and 50,100 allied health staff work at Mayo Clinic, which has campuses in Rochester, Minn; Jacksonville, Fla; and Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz.; and community-based providers in more than 70 locations in southern Minnesota., western Wisconsin and northeast Iowa. These locations treat more than half a million people each year. To obtain the latest news releases from Mayo Clinic, go to www.mayoclinic.org/news. For information about research and education, visit www.mayo.edu. MayoClinic.com (www.mayoclinic.com) is available as a resource for your health stories.