"'This is a fascinating and beautiful organized and written manuscript'-Rebecca Lester, Washington University in St. Louis. Folk, alternative and complementary health care practices in contemporary Western society are currently experiencing a renaissance, albeit with features that are unique to this historical moment. At the same time, biomedicine is under scrutiny, experiencing a number of distinct and multifaceted crises. In this volume the authors draw together cutting edge cross-cultural, interdisciplinary research in Britain and Ireland, focusing on exploring the role and significance of healing practices ̮such as the use of crystals, herbs, cures and charms, potions and lotions ̮in diverse local contexts. Ronnie Moore currently Lectures in Medical Anthropology and Sociology in the Departments of Sociology and Public Health, Medicine and Epidemiology at University College Dublin. His research interests include health disparities; health, conflict and ethnic identity; and conflict theory. Stuart McClean is a Senior Lecturer at the University of the West of England, Bristol. His research interests include the resurgence of alternative medicine and healing practices in Western societies, the role of creative arts in health and the global dimensions surrounding health. "--Book jacket.