NCAHF is a private nonprofit, voluntary health
agency that focuses on health misinformation, fraud,
and quackery as public health problems. Its positions
are based upon the principles of science that under-
lie consumer protection law. NCAHF advocates: (1)
adequate disclosure in labeling and other warranties
to enable consumers to make truly informed choices;
(2) premarketing proof of safety and effectiveness for
products and services claimed to prevent, alleviate,
or cure any health problem; and (3) accountability
for those who violate the law.)
See also Appendix I; FAITH HEALING; SHAMAN.
Azuma N, Stevenson I. “Psychic surgery” in the Philip-
pines as a form of group hypnosis. American Journal
of Clinical Hypnosis31, no. 1 (July 1988):61–67.
Cassileth BR. Alternative medicine handbook: the complete
reference guide to alternative and complementary therapies.
New York: W. W. Norton & Co., 1998, p. 316.
Dein S. “The management of illness by a Filipino psychic
surgeon: a western physician’s impression.” Social Sci-
ence & Medicine34, no. 4 (February 1992):461–464.
Hafner AW, editor. Reader’s guide to alternative health
methods.Milwaukee, Wisc.: American Medical Asso-
ciation, 1993, pp. 69, 335.
psychosomatic disease Physical symptoms and
illness originating from emotional disturbances or
fears, the result of mind-body connection. Psycho-
somatic illnesses are not considered mental ill-
nesses but rather are treated both conventionally
and alternatively, because the symptoms and suf-
fering are real and present.pulse analysis Also called Nadi, a diagnostic pro-
cedure in Ayurvedic medicine based on character-
istics of the radial pulse, including fast, narrow,
feeble, cool, irregular, jumping, excited, promi-
nent, hot, moderate, regular, slow, strong, steady,
soft, broad, and warm.
See also TONGUE ANALYSIS.purifying fruit drinks See DETOXIFICATION; JUICING.purvakarma An oil and steam bath cleansing
therapy used in Ayurvedic medicine.
See also AYURVEDA.purvakarma 131