Médecines d'ailleurs

What form does care take around the world? That is area explored by this beautiful and richly illustrated book. Its author, an emergency physician, takes us on a journey of discovery, in search of doctors, shamans, herbalists, bone-setters, masseurs, who care, save lives, deliver babies... Prepare to be enthralled by not only the beauty of the numerous photographs, but also the profound humanism of these men and women who dedicate their lives to the care of others, the diversity of the treatment methods, often provided with scant resources, but an abundance of confidence and devotion... Without passing judgement, Dr Bernard Fontanille introduces us to the wide range of medical practices of our fellow man, based on the use of the word of God and past experience to establish a bond of trust with the patient. Medicine which is often empirical, occasionally outdated, but which bears witness to the wonderful ability of man to adapt and evolve. Each chapter depicts a different destination, carer, skill, from India to South Africa, from China to Brazil, passing by Japan and Nepal en route. This stunning book is sure to make us reflect on our own practices. We might also wonder whether we could learn something from this medicine from afar?