Gordon’s book, “Manifesto for a New Medicine,” finds no reason to doubt any alternative therapy. My personal favorite is his discovery that hypnosis can “cure warts, and increase breast size.” (from Bob Park of American Physical Society).

Just seek proper medical attention. The complementary/alternative medicine craze will die inevitably, as the fact that it is useless becomes undeniable. There is no evidence that any of these therapies are helpful, and they may even be harmful.
Rating: 1 / 5

For those open to a broader way of looking at healthcare that combines the best of traditional modern western medicine with alternatives, this book suggests a new way. I found it to be inspiring, insightful and bold. It deserves to be widely read and contemplated – particularly by those in the medical profession and by those who would like to reclaim more control over their lives and their state of health.

Gordon provides an interesting primer on several of the more popular alternative healing modalities, along with examples of what kinds of ailments they may be most appropriate in treating. He also provides many useful and colorful examples of doctors challenging and encouraging patients to change their lives in ways that can profoundly improve health (e.g. through changes in eating, exercise, breathing, relaxation, self-awareness and expression, social-emotional support, etc). How many MDs dare to go here, and what could be more sensible and empowering??!!

And, by the way, he does not – as one reviewer suggests – blindly endorse alternative therapies. He points out that many alternatives can be used to intelligently complement what classic western medine offers. At the end of the day, it’s really about being open to understanding and responding creatively and intelligently to all the factors that influence our health. Self awareness is a key piece of the puzzle. Read it and improve your health and your practice!

Rating: 5 / 5

Jim Gordon’s book is useful for those looking for a complement or alternative to traditional western medical practice. Appointed by President Clinton to chair the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy, he is considered an authoritative figure in the field.

As more and more people become disenchanted with the limitations of “western” medical practice, the need for accurate information on the myriad of non-traditional medical options will become more important. The statement of the first commentator above referring to alternative medical care as a “fad” and a Gordon as a “fraud” is typical of the unwillingness of the medical establishment to even consider non-traditional medical practices, many of which do have academic research to back them up, particularly as preventitive measures. But you can’t blame the medical establishment, including the drug companies, for not wanting to rock their multi-billion dollar boat. After all, there is a lot more money to be made in expensive treatments, such as chemotherapy, surgery, and patentable drugs, than in affordable and natural preventetive methods which intergrate and emphasise lifestyle prevention such as good nutrition and stress management.

It is for those whom the established medical techniques have been a failure that Manifesto for New Medicine will be most insightful.
Rating: 4 / 5