What works and what doesn't? Who can you trust and who is ripping you off? The truth about the efficacy of alternative medicine is rigorously addressed for the first time by the only scientist qualified to do so: Edzard Ernst, the world's first professor of complementary medicine. After spending more than a decade at the University of Exeter meticulously analyzing the puzzling evidence for and against alternative therapies, this former practitioner of traditional and complementary medicine offers definitive conclusions devoid of all bias. Along with him, this volume is signed by the respected science writer Simon Singh, who brings his scientific knowledge and scrupulous impartiality to this controversial topic. Together they offer us a compelling but honest review of more than thirty of the most popular treatments, including acupuncture, homeopathy, aromatherapy, reflexology, chiropractic, and herbal remedies. A pioneering analysis, the best tool to eliminate doubts and contradictions with authority, integrity and clarity. In their study of complementary and alternative cures, Ernst and Singh strive to reaffirm the primacy of the scientific method in determining public health policy and practice.