Originally aired on PBS, director Muffie Meyer's The New Medicine is an extremely poignant film, given that it marks one of the last appearances of Dana Reeve—widow of Christopher Reeve—who died from lung cancer shortly after production was completed. Reeve serves as the charming guide to this intelligent study of so-called “alternative” medicine, which promises some of the same results as traditional medicine, but without the exorbitant costs and frequent disruptions to physical and emotional well-being. Many of these treatments are not new (acupuncture, for example, emerged centuries prior to the establishment of the most prestigious Western medical schools), but rather embrace time-honored ideas and practices from Eastern cultures (particularly in the link of mind-body-spirit as single entity). Viewers will hear from physicians as well as meet a handful of patients benefiting from visualization, hypnosis, meditation, and yoga under integrative medical care that combines the best of East and West. The New Medicine will likely not sway those who dismiss non-Western medical traditions, but viewers who approach this with an open mind will find the film to be an insightful and ultimately engaging introduction to the subject. DVD extras include downloadable health care tips. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)
The New Medicine
(2006) 114 min. DVD: $24.95. First Run Features (avail. from most distributors). Color cover. Volume 21, Issue 5
The New Medicine
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