Abstract

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 in diverse local contexts, such as the use of crystals, herbs, cures and charms, potions and lotions.

Ronnie Moore currently Lectures in Medical Anthropology and Sociology in the Departments of Sociology and Public Health Medicine and Epidemiology at University College Dublin. Ronnie’s 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. Stuart’s 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.

“…in this volume, the editors emphasise the interactional and interdependent nature of folk, biomedicine and other alternative and complementary treatments (CAM). Hence, the book will be of value not only to readers who are interested in folk, alternative and complementary medicine but also to those interested in biomedicine. I would recommend the book to many students, teachers, researchers and lay readers.”  ·  Sociology of Health & Illness