alternative and holistic

I couldn't disagree more with the reviewer who called this book a rehash of Burton Goldberg's Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide (which I also highly recommend). Yes, the Guide is a wonderful book, and for that matter, Trivieri, the author of this book, also served as the editor and writer for the Guide. But to call his book a "rehash" couldn't be farther from the truth. I have read over a hundred books on the subject of holistic healing/alternative medicine, and never before have I read a book that so wonderfully explains the major therapies of holistic medicine and what it means to be healthy in "body, mind, and spirit," the way Trivieri's book does. The therapies he writes about here are covered in far more depth than in the Definitive Guide, and they are explained in a manner that makes them far more understandable and credible to readers who are unfamiliar with them. The chapter on Yoga alone was an eye opener for me. What I also like about this book are the many studies cited in support of each therapy, as well as the case histories that beautifully illustrate how effective they can be.
It also helps that each chapter contains the authoritative voice of a top expert in each modality.

I rate this book 5 stars because of its combination of comprehensive scholarship and understandability. By all means, buy it if you are at all interested in learning about proven alternatives to drugs and surgery that only treat symptoms, not the causes of dis-ease!

This book is basically just a rehash of Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide by Burton Goldberg, only not nearly as complete or useful as that book. In fact, a careful reading will show that Trivieri's book contains sections that are just rewrites of information from the Guide. The Goldberg book goes into much more detail (including plenty of references to back up the material) and also includes a large section on treating specific health conditions - something Trivieri's book doesn't have at all. Not recommended.

GUIDE TO HOLISTIC HEALING A Review by Chet Day

Larry Trivieri's new book, "Guide to Holistic Health: Healing Therapies for Optimal Wellness," belongs in the library of every serious health student because it provides a thoughtful and comprehensive overview of the major therapies of holistic medicine.

Detailed chapters discuss nutritional medicine, environmental medicine, mind-body medicine, osteopathic medicine, chiropractic, botanical medicine, bodywork, naturopathic medicine, homeopathy, ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, yoga, and other therapies of holistic medicine.

When I finished "Guide to Holistic Health," I felt for the first time that I had a really solid understanding of all the major approaches to health in the holistic healing movement.

Having seen so many of my friends and family members harmed, maimed, or even killed by traditional medicine, I personally maintain a strong bias against the drug, cut, and burn approach. With that said, after finishing Trivieri's book, I felt better about doctors in general because it's obvious more and more physicians are rejecting the status quo approach for methods that are more in tune with the natural rhythms and needs of the human mind and body.

Overall, "Guide to Holistic Health" is well-written, informative, comprehensive, and full of helpful techniques that the serious health seeker can put right to use.