In this groundbreaking handbook, Dr Andrew Weil - international bestselling author - explains the principles and practice of conventional and alternative medicine and presents an intelligent and persuasive philosophy of health, treatment and healing. Dr Weil presents the full spectrum of alternative healing practices, including holistic medicine, homeopathy, osteopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture and Chinese medicine, outlining their differences from conventional approaches and assessing their strengths and limitations. Some problems call for drugs or surgery, whereas others cannot be treated by allopathic medicine and benefit from alternative treatments. Drawing on his vast clinical and personal experience, Dr Weil argues that we need to choose wisely among the available forms of medicine - to take control of our health and our health care.