Healing Joint Pain Naturally

June 15, 2001
Here are two new titles offering natural or holistic approaches to the treatment of arthritis. Alternative health writer Brown (Nature's Pharmacy) uses her research and her own bout with arthritis and fibromyalgia to argue that arthritis can be reversed. Her theory is that joint disease is caused by poor nutrition, the build-up of toxins in joints, stress, and energy blockage. Brown describes how she rejected conventional medicine's treatment anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone, and surgery and instead, after some research, began a trial-and-error, self-treating "eclectic protocol" that included fasting, detoxification with niacin, supplements, clay packs, diet, yoga, and relaxation. She provides detailed chapters on these and other therapies such as homeopathy, acupuncture, and copper bracelets for gout, arthritis, and the soft-tissue rheumatic diseases. Brown also lists over 23 pages of references to papers and books on both conventional and alternative medicine. Much of the information Brown offers is not new, and some of it is incorrect or flawed by her interpretation. For instance, she describes fibromyalgia as an autoimmune disease, but the American College of Rheumatology does not classify it as autoimmune or inflammatory in nature. Furthermore, by her own admission, she developed a plan by trial and error that worked for reasons she cannot pinpoint. Not an essential purchase. Ivker, a clinical professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, past president of the American Holistic Medical Association, and alternative health author (Self-Care Guide to Holistic Medicine) joined with naturopath Nelson to develop a holistic self-care program, the "Arthritis Survival Program," that offers "therapeutic options for treating, preventing, and possibly curing osteoarthritis." In a clear and readable style, the first chapter, "The Quick Fix," outlines the essentials of the program and describes herbs and vitamins that can relieve arthritis pain immediately. With Chapter 4, the book goes into the details of the program, addressing the multiple causes of arthritis (unhealthy diet and nutrition, poor sleep, stress, inactivity, environmental causes, negative beliefs and attitudes, etc.). True to their holistic approach, the authors offer chapters dedicated to "Healing Your Body," "Healing Your Mind," and "Healing Your Spirit." These chapters and the worksheets for symptoms, advice on supplements, a Wellness Self-Test, menus, and recipes reinforce the concise information found in Chapter 1. The authors are not reluctant to suggest that there are times when conventional or alternative professional practitioners need to be consulted for care and assistance in safely and effectively using some therapies. These two books handle the healing process similarly, but Ivker and Nelson's training and credentials make them more qualified to interpret and apply available evidence. Recommended for consumer health collections. Lisa McCormick, Health Sciences Lib., Jewish Hosp., Cincinnati

Copyright 2001 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.