Hype or Healing? Evaluating Alternative Wellness Practices

From meditation and acupuncture to hypnosis, ‘quantum’ healing, and Gerson therapy, alternative medicine often blurs the line between science and spirituality. This month lets explore what’s real, what’s ritual, and how the psychology of belief and the placebo effect can serve as powerful — and legitimate — forms of healing. We’ll consider how to approach these practices with both curiosity and critical thinking — recognizing where evidence supports them, why we are drawn to them, and when to be skeptical.

Suggested media to spark conversation:

Books:

• Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body by Daniel Goleman & Richard J. Davidson
• The Magic Feather Effect: The Science of Alternative Medicine and the Surprising Power of Belief — Melanie Warner
• Do You Believe in Magic?: The Sense and Nonsense of Alternative Medicine — Paul A. Offit
• Bad Science — Ben Goldacre
• Trick or Treatment: The Undeniable Facts about Alternative Medicine — Simon Singh
• Conspirituality: How New Age Conspiracy Theories Became a Health Threat - Derek Beres, Matthew Remski, Julian Walker

Documentaries:

• Apple Cider Vinegar (2025, Netflix*not a doc, dramatized series inspired by true events)
• The Alternative Fix (2003, PBS Frontline)
• Heal (2017, Netflix/IMDb)
• (Un)Well (2020, Netflix)

Podcasts:

• (Huberman)
• Placebo Effects Link
• How Meditation Works Link
• (Science Vs.)
• Self-Care Link
• Breath work Link
• Placebo Effect Link
• Chiropractors Link
• Detoxes Link
• Meditation Link
• Hypnosis Link

Please let me know of any podcasts, docs, books, etc that you'd like me to list here!

How does this group work?
Each month we will select a topic to explore. The meetup will be anchored by a set of recommended readings, podcasts, or other media intended to provide theoretical context and a foundation for discourse. Our aim is to foster intellectual engagement, thoughtful dialogue, and collective learning.
Meetups will be in public spaces (bars) where folks can order beverages if they wish.