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The Skeptic's Guide to Alternative Medicine

By: Steven Novella MD, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Steven Novella MD
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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.

What listeners say about The Skeptic's Guide to Alternative Medicine

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great in-depth and historical information

As someone who has used many types of alternative medicine and now works as a nurse this was great. The approach to the topic is from a medical and scientific model. What I liked most was the encouragement to be a critical thinker about all aspects of health. The history underlying most modalities of alternative medicine. I highly recommend it. The performance was a little dry and may be confusing to someone with little experience or understanding of ‘health’.

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Clear and Balanced

Should be compulsory listening to help avoid the spreading disease of pseudo science. A brilliant analysis always backed up with evidence of the false claims of alternative medicine.

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Fabulous Analytical framework for decision making

As someone who has used Chinese medicine and naturopathy, this was a fabulous course to listen to. It gives you a great framework to understand the chances of a treatment being effective and why it may not be. In an age where “studies show” or “testimonials” often accompany miracle cures this course is really useful.

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excellent

A very good and concise summary of the issues and how to avoid charlatans.

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Science explained simply

This is a well considered scientific review of popular ‘alternative’ medicines. Unfortunately I suspect it is unlikely to be read or understood by its victims. Nonetheless its description of scientific trials, statistical analysis, levels of evidence, and burden of proof should make it a compulsory subject for high school students.

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must listen

Thank you for another great course Dr Novella. Love everything you do and can't wait for the next.

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Important for natural health seekers

As a natural health practitioner with years of experience in this industry i wish i had been exposed to this sooner.

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Mostly on point

Interesting and fairly informative.
Claims often undermined by fallacies of structure, ad-hominem, and assertions without evident backing. While for many instances these could have been footnotes missing in the audiobook version, the consistent application of these fallacies with no references suggests this may have been an oversight from author/editor. Such fallacies remove the weight of the related claims, even if they're actually valid.

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One way to look at it

The information is relevant but only to one side of the story. the author fails to take into consideration that science & trials can also be manipulated and floored. Most studies especially large trials are very expensive and therefore the financial backer, often pharmaceutical, has a targeted outcome.
I’m not in disagreeance with all aspects of the authors writing.
I agree with the authors statement “trust no one”. These days individuals need to be open minded, review scientific literature but also look behind the literature and who is backing it and then come to your informed decision.
If something works for you, it does not matter if it is scientifically proven. Placebo? Maybe it is, does it really matter as long as it works?

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