Book excerpt: Raso examines the philosophical underpinnings of "alternative" medicine as well as hands-on healing, Qigong, and faith healing. He shows that, whatever the specific philosophy, the common denominator is a rejection of the scientific approach of modern medicine in favor of a belief in paranormal forces that influence the well-being of mind and body. The final section is a firsthand account of Raso's many revealing visits to various "alternative" healthcare practitioners. The book concludes with an encyclopedic glossary of "alternative" healthcare terminology.