Alternative medicine books offer a window into another form of therapy. One that isn’t based on a band-aid and symptom-based approach like traditional medicine. Instead, it allows us to use all-natural remedies to heal and achieve better health.
So, what is alternative medicine exactly?
Well, alternative medicine practices often emphasize holistic care, which looks at the individual as a whole, considering:
It looks to address the root cause and explores various therapies, proven by science or not, to achieve improved wellness.
It’s undeniable that from ancient herbal remedies to modern holistic approaches, the quest for health and balance has never been more diverse. As interest in these non-traditional paths to wellness grows, so does the need for reliable, insightful literature to guide the curious and the experienced alike.
This is why we decided to put together our favorite alternative medicine books into one article.
The infamous Dr. Oz has said, “Most allopathic doctors think practitioners of alternative medicine are all quacks. They’re not. Often, they’re sharp people who think differently about disease.”
So, let’s look at our health and disease a little differently.
**Please note: This article is meant as an informational tool for educational purposes - not as a replacement for medical advice. We are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information provided and we recommend consulting a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.
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Below are 15 of our favorite alternative medicine books. They offer insights into common problems and hurdles that face many today as they seek out optimal health.
Healing With Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford is a comprehensive guide that blends modern nutrition with traditional Chinese medicine, offering a detailed look at how food can be used as medicine.
Pitchford's work is an essential read for anyone looking to understand the profound impact of dietary choices on physical and mental health.
And with today’s food industry leaning into pre-packaged and processed foods, this is definitely one worth reading!
A definitive resource for alternative health care, The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine covers a wide array of topics. From disease prevention to the specifics of numerous natural remedies, Murray and Pizzorno provide evidence-based insights.
For those with a scientific and curious mind, this book will broaden your understanding and give you an easy reference for health woes or concerns.
While not exclusively about alternative medicine, The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma looks at how alternative practices like yoga, mindfulness, and somatic therapies can be transformative in treating trauma. It's a must-read for understanding the mind-body connection.
Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom is Northrup's classic work that empowers women to understand their bodies and the symbiotic relationship between their physical health and overall well-being. Incorporating alternative medicine practices, it's a seminal text for women seeking holistic health.
As many of us know, women and men aren’t one and the same, and this book offers insights into how women, specifically, can harness their power and pave their way toward better health.
The Green Pharmacy is Duke's extensive herbal reference, providing various natural remedies for a wide range of common ailments. His evidence-based approach demystifies the use of herbs and offers practical advice for anyone looking to incorporate herbal medicine into their wellness routine.
Again, this one may stray a bit from alternative medicine, but if you’re interested in trauma’s role in the body, The Emotion Code is another one that you should grab.
Dr. Nelson says that emotional baggage, consisting of unprocessed emotions from past negative or traumatic events, can significantly affect one's health, relationships, and well-being.
Within this book, he introduces a method of releasing these trapped emotions using simple techniques involving muscle testing and magnetic energy (something that may prove useful for many who have experienced tough situations or early childhood memories).
The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies explores the traditional use of plants and natural substances for healing.
This book details over 800 beneficial plants and remedies used in alternative herbal medicine. It covers a wide range of topics, including plants commonly found in wild spaces, backyards, and even ones considered weeds.
The Modern Herbal Dispensatory is an extensive resource for anyone interested in creating their own herbal remedies.
This guide provides detailed instructions on how to prepare various forms of herbal medicines. From tinctures and salves to pills and syrups, it makes it accessible for both beginners and more advanced practitioners of herbalism.
Curious about acupuncture? How about starting with acupressure (which follows similar principles)? Michael Reed Gach dives into the art of acupressure, an ancient healing technique rooted in traditional Chinese medicine.
In Acupressure’s Potent Points, Gach provides clear, easy-to-follow instructions and illustrations that help readers locate and stimulate acupressure points on the body. Each chapter is dedicated to a specific ailment.
Ayurveda: The Science of Self Healing is Vasant Lad's introductory text on Ayurveda, providing a clear and concise overview of Ayurvedic principles and practices.
Lad offers practical guidance on incorporating Ayurvedic treatments into daily life; which makes it an essential read for beginners and a reference for experienced practitioners.
In Mindfulness for Beginners: Reclaiming the Present Moment and Your Life, expert Jon Kabat-Zinn introduces readers to the practice of mindfulness, a core aspect of alternative medicine focused on mental and emotional well-being.
The book is designed to guide beginners through the fundamentals of mindfulness practice. It emphasizes the importance of anchoring oneself in the present moment.
In The Complete Guide to Fasting, Dr. Jason Fung and Jimmy Moore explore the history, science, and practical applications of fasting for health. This book is particularly relevant for those interested in metabolic health, weight loss, and diabetes management.
Christina Brown's The Yoga Bible is an exhaustive guide that covers various yoga poses, breathing techniques, and the philosophy behind yoga practice. It's an ideal book for both yoga practitioners and those new to yoga, offering insights into how yoga can contribute to physical and mental health.
Related Article: Have You Heard of Laughter Yoga? Check Out the Top 10 Benefits
With back pain impacting about eight in 10 people, this is an issue worth addressing. In Healing Back Pain: The Mind-Body Connection Dr. Sarno's groundbreaking approach to understanding and treating back pain challenges conventional beliefs by linking physical ailments to psychological factors.
His methods offer a novel perspective on pain management and the power of the mind-body connection. Discover and potentially heal your back pain with this read.
Related Article: Posture Check: Are You Making These Mistakes? 3 Good Posture Exercises to Try
A New York Times Bestseller, The Art of Fermentation is Katz's extensive guide to fermentation, providing practical information on fermenting vegetables, fruits, grains, milk, beans, meats, and more.
Highlighting the health benefits of fermented foods, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in gut health and traditional food preservation methods.
The landscape of alternative medicine is as vast as it is varied. And it offers pathways to healing that resonate with the diverse needs and beliefs of those seeking optimal wellness.
The 15 books we've highlighted serve as gateways to understanding the depth and breadth of this field, from the scientific to the spiritual, the practical to the philosophical.
Discover how you can improve and enhance your health and wellness through the power of all-natural and gentle (and even ancient) medicinal practices.
Read Next: The Rise of Energy Healing Therapies: Beyond Traditional Medicine
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