ÝÝÝÝÝ For years, I have been quite interested in alternative medicine and holistic healthcare.Ý I am skeptical about some aspects of Western medicine and practices so I wanted to research other possible options--but I did not know where to begin since there are so many types of therapy within holistic healthcare.Ý Thus I wanted to research; information about this topic, reputable organizations and businesses within this field, and if there were particular therapies (such as breath or massage) that were more effective than others for women.Ý Because I am a woman myself, I felt that other women may want to know their options for mental, physical, and emotional well-being beyond Western medicine.ÝÝ 
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World Wide Web SourcesÝÝ 
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* "Herbal Encyclopedia," Yahoo.ÝÝ 
 
http://www.wic.net/waltzark/herbenc.htmÝ 
ÝÝÝThis is an informative site in which it lists various kinds of natural roots and herbs used for medical and health purposes along with how to gather, use, and store them.Ý It also includes recipes for various ailments and chronic illnesses (headaches, back pain, cold...) for both people and pets.Ý Moreover, it isÝa credible site because it does not promote any companies or products.Ý A good reference source forÝorganic medicine.ÝÝ 
[Accessed 20 September 1998].ÝÝ 

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* "Health Pyramid," Yahoo.Ý 

http://www.healthpyramid.com/Ý 
ÝÝThis site is designed for all people--professionals and anyone who is interested in holistic healthcare.  One can access health information for achieving physical, emotional, and spiritual balance.  Since this site was designed by a medical professional, it is a more credible source for health information.Ý 
[Accessed 15 September 1998].Ý 
 

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ 
* "About Living," Yahoo. 
Ý 
http://www.aboutliving.com/ÝÝÝ 
ÝÝ Designed as an interactive site, it provides a public forum for people who are interested in alternative health to share ideas, ask questions, or discuss issues on various topics.Ý It also includes recipes for a healthy diet and various articles about physical and mental well-being such as highlighting reputable health spas and exercise programs.Ý 
[Accessed 15 September 1998].Ý 
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* "Mind/Body Medicine," Yahoo.Ý 

http://www.mind-body.com/Ý 
ÝÝThis site offers an introduction to holistic medicine and information about various therapies (breath, massage, light...).Ý It also provides a "Resource Center" in which one can research information about books,Ý medical professionals, and health stores nationwide.Ý Moreover, it provides a public forum for those interested in discussing health issues, legal and legislative information, and also provides a calendar of events.ÝÝÝ 
[Accessed 15 September 1998]. 
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* "Flower Essence Society," Yahoo.Ý 
ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ  
http://www.flowersociety.org/ÝÝ 
Ý  This site focuses on a specific kind of therapy, aromatherapy.Ý It is a non-profit educational and research organization which is dedicated to flower essence therapy.Ý Their purpose is to promote plant research and provide a network for communication for those teaching, researching, or practicing in this field.Ý It also provides a history of the organization and information on aromatherapy courses.Ý 
[Accessed 20 September 1998]. 
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Other Reference SourcesÝÝ 
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Alschuler, Lisa.Ý "Herbal medicine: what works, what's safe."Ý Patient Care.  V8.  April 1997.  p25-32.  

Andrews, Theodora.Ý A Bibliography on Herbs, Herbal Medicine, "Natural"Ý Foods, and Unconventional Medical Treatment. Littleton, CO: Libraries Unlimited, 1982.Ý  

Carlin, Kate.Ý "Treat the body, heal the mind."Ý Health.  V12.  February 1996.  p86-89.Ý  

Gross, Amy.Ý "Health, spirituality, and common sense."Ý American Health for Women.  V11.  November 1998.  p41-47.Ý  

Lockie, Andrew.Ý The Women's Guide to Homeopathy: the Natural Way to a Healthier Life for Women.Ý New York: St. Martin's Press, 1994.Ý 
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General Comments: 

During the course of research, I found some differences between the kind of information offered by the Web and information available on print sources.Ý When researching on Internet, one should view Web sites with a grain of salt in the sense that anyone has the ability to create one. Thus, the information on any given site may not necessarily be credible, much less true.Ý In contrast to the lack of authority over information accessible on the Web, print sources have some level of control in distributing information that has reputable sources. Thus, I maintained less skepticism while researching information in health/medical magazines and books.Ý 
However, the Internet is a more efficient resource in terms of speed and the limitless amount of information readily available on the Web.Ý Yet, one may also have to filter through much more information in respect to credibly and authority.Ý 
Although there are positive and negative aspects of both resources for information, I would have to prefer online sources because the information available on the Web comes from various sources and people.Ý In other words, one has a diverse spectrum of sources--from professionals to corporations to individuals who create their own sites.Ý 
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