The aim of this text is to provide a sound academic understanding of the healing therapies, approaches, and systems of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The editors take a two-pronged approach to the subject. They discuss the underlying principles and their relevance to conventional medicine and provide in-depth information on specific therapies for common medical conditions. The book focuses on the CAM therapies most often used and therefore, most likely to effect a physician's practice. Thoroughly referenced, this book is a science-based guide to the wide range of herbal and other CAM therapies and to understanding their application to human health and their interaction with conventional medicine.