Do You Believe in Magic?

A physician offers an impassioned and meticulously researched exposé of the alternative medicine industry, separating the sense from the nonsense.

A half century ago, acupuncture, homeopathy, naturopathy, Chinese herbs, Christian exorcisms, dietary supplements, chiropractic manipulations, and ayurvedic remedies were considered on the fringe of medicine. Now these practices—known variably as alterna...