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The Skeptic's Guide to Alternative Medicine

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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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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. Alternative & Complementary Medicine Sociology Health Medicine Alternative Medicine Inspiring Suspenseful

Our favorite moments from The Skeptic's Guide to Alternative Medicine

Chapter Three – Lecture Two
  • Chapter Three – Lecture Two
Herbs and Supplements
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Chapter Five – Lecture Four
  • Chapter Five – Lecture Four
Healing Magnets
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Chapter Eight – Lecture Seven
  • Chapter Eight – Lecture Seven
Chiropractic Treatment
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  • Chapter Three – Lecture Two
  • Herbs and Supplements
  • Chapter Five – Lecture Four
  • Healing Magnets
  • Chapter Eight – Lecture Seven
  • Chiropractic Treatment
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About the Professor

Dr. Steven Novella is Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Yale School of Medicine. He earned his MD from Georgetown University and completed his residency training in neurology at Yale University. Dr. Novella is active in both clinical research and in medical education at every level, including patients, the public, medical students, and health professionals. An expert in neuroscience, Dr. Novella focuses his practice on headache medicine. His NeuroLogica blog is considered one of the top neuroscience blogs and covers issues in neuroscience as well as the intersection of science with the media and society. Dr. Novella is also the founder and senior editor of Science-Based Medicine, a medical blog dedicated to promoting the highest standards of basic and clinical science in medical practice. Dr. Novella is president and co-founder of the New England Skeptical Society, a nonprofit educational organization designed to further public understanding of science. As the host and producer of an award-winning science podcast,The Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe, Dr. Novella explores the latest scientific discoveries, the presentation of science in the mainstream media, and public understanding and attitudes toward science.

Critical Thinking Guide • Logical Explanations • Educational Content • Clear Definitions • Applied Scientific Thinking
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Makes you think twice about using miracle cures and alternative medicine. Don't believe the hype.

True science not fiction.

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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.

Bringing light to the dark world of alternative medicine

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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.

Skeptic or closed minded.

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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.

For those who want to be health literate

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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.

Critical Thinking 101

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

Outstanding

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

As expected

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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.

Shared with very alt med family

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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.

Required listening to every thinking citizen

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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.

if it worked, it'd just be called medicine

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