Table of Contents

Acupuncture; ageing and old age; alcohol and drugs; alternative and complementary medicine; amthroposophical medicine; aromatherapy; astrological healing; ayurvedic medicine; biomedicine; bodywork; Chinese medicine; chiropractic medicine; Christian science; culture-bound syndrome; death; diet and nutrition; disabilities; energetic and magnetic healing; environmental disasters; faith healing; famine; genital mutilation; healers; health care systems; herbal medicine; holistic health and healing; homeopathic medicine; humoral medicine; magnet therapy; meditation; mind/body healing; natural healing; pain; plagues and infectious diseases; reflexology; reiki; suicide; theories of illness; wife beating; yoga.

About the Author

Laura Gaccione is a professional journalist and Associated Press correspondent.

Reviews

"...an easy to read guide that gives insight into how other cultures cope with illness...Recommended for collections concerned with medical anthropology, history, and popular culture." - Library Journal "...this one-of-its-kind encyclopedia meets widespread need in public and academic library collections." - Rettig on Reference (Gale.com) "Of special interest to adults looking for a brief summary of approximately 40 health-related cultural practices seen around the world. All levels." - Choice "This is a comprehensive work on health and illness...a great place to begin researching a paper. Recommended." - The Book Report