Complementary-Therapy Books

Typical Pema Chodron. I have learned so much from this woman and her beautiful soul. She makes difficult subjects so very palatible. I could learn anything from her. When really stressed out, hearing her voice on any of her cds just brings me right back to center and allows me to focus and learn and "stay in the moment". A truly talented voice for the Buddhist way of life. Finding her was a turning point in my spiritual journey.

I first was introduced to Pema Chodron through the audio program "Awakening Compassion" - another great work. I then picked up a few books and "Good Medicine". The audio adds a fuller dimension to the message. You get a sense for how sincere and down to earth she is and this lends validity to the practice that you don't /can't pick up on from the books alone. This audio program is highly recommended! In contrast to "Awakining Compassion", I think the quality of the recording is much better - although the message and entertainment are excellent in both.

Pema Chödrön believes we learn true compassion when we open our hearts and minds to a relationship with our own pain. This opens a doorway for compassion to be shown to others and can foster conflict resolution in situations that seemed impossible before learning "Tonglen."

"Difficulty as a way to achieve enlightenment" sounds quite correct and pain in life is almost inescapable. There are ways to lessen the pain of life when learning lessons and the faster we learn, the less emotional pain we may experience.

What is it that people truly learn from meditation? In this CD set we learn to make friends with ourselves, in order to learn true happiness. As we realize transitory elements of life do not bring long-term satisfaction, we enter a place where we transmute pain into love. Many artists find this healing and you can also learn to take negative experiences and mold them into a spiritually healing experience. It depends on how you look at your life in general.

The CD Set includes discussions about breathing techniques, meditation, tonglen practice, compassion, open-heartedness and the practice of mindfulness. An interesting discussion on "maitri" as the root of happiness is enlightening. The second CD guides you through a tonglen session and explores true stories of how tonglen helped people in everyday life.

Pema Chödrön shows you how to use your experiences to learn compassion towards others. She has a delicate and humorous repoire with her audience, making this CD set very enjoyable to listen to as she teaches you principles for enhancing your life with Tonglen Meditation.

~The Rebecca Review

This two cassette tape series of the Tibetan Buddhist teaching of Tonglen is a wonderful companion to the various other tapes and books by Ane Pema Chodron. Her delightful manner creates a welcomed ease for the student when listening to and working with the depth of her teachings and the honored Tibetan lineage she so effortlessly expesses. Having a "beginner's mind," I have enjoyed using these particular tapes to begin my own Tonglen practice as part of my daily commute into San Francisco by bus. All of Pema Chodron's tapes are great personal journeys,each the gift of an individual and self-paced retreat. This series is similar to her Noble Heart series in terms of pacing and format, but gently focusses on the singular practice of Tonglen. This practice has changed me in ways I am only beginning to understand. Until I can run away to Gampo Abbey to study, I will ride my bus in the early morning and breathe in and out.

This is an excellent book that talks above all about unconditional friendship towards one's self as the basis of compassion for authors. In a Christian context, this comes across in the words of Jesus, "love you neighbor AS yourself." What this offers beyond this fine piece of advice are the techniques to get you there.

While this book is presented in a Buddhist context, it could be used by anyone whether you are a Buddhist or not. The information is universal and the down-to-earth style of Pema Chodron is easily understandable. She has an excellent sense of humor and positions ideas in a way that is easily digestible for a Westerner.

Technically, Pema Chodron is a Tibetan Buddhist nun, but this recording and many of her others have a very practical focus for the average person. It is difficult for me to believe that her tips, insights and these exercises won't be useful for anyone who wants a deeper connection to their heart.

The overall idea behind this audio is that growth lies in the direction of fully participating in each moment with as much awareness as possible. This means seeing pain or other difficult states as an invitation to what is called soul in the West. By "showing up" in each moment, we develop a deep compassion toward ourselves and a felt sense of our connection to others.

In a more technical sense, the focus of this audio is on Tonglen meditation and related practices. While it is presented in a Buddhist context, much of the esoteric or unusual cultural trappings have been removed from around the essentail points and teachings.

These practices really are effective and as someone who works with people struggling with all kinds of problems, I find that these are effective techniques. I also teach meditation and have reviewed many resources on these kinds of topics. In fact, you can see more on my profile.

While Tonglen in its most complex form is an advanced practice, this CD is a good start in that direction. I would suggest learning minfulness and metta meditation first, but you don't necessarily have to. This is also an encouraging CD for those in pain.

If you are specifically interested in Tibetan Buddhism and are just getting started, I would also recommend Fundamentals of Tibetan Buddhism and Buddhism: A Concise Introduction. These will provide just enough context to make this CD even more meaningful. The The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living and Destructive Emotions: A Scientific Dialogue with the Dalai Lama are also complimentary resources.

This is a wonderful easy read about the history of western herbalism. It is very thorough without becoming dry or overbearing, and is written in a very pleasant style.

This book is a must read for anyone interested in medicine and/or herbal medicine. It covers an incredible amount of history, presented in a very easy to read and engaging style. I couldn't put it down!

Ms. Van Der Zee has written a book that is quite fascinating! For me this particular book was required reading, but Im actually glad that it was because I learned a great deal about the history of herbal and general medicine throughout the millenia. The history and facts are interesting and higly readable. Ms. Van Der Zee makes you want to keep reading. Green Pharmacy is a book that is not only a "must read" but a definite "must own".

Green Pharmacy is one of the best books to read on the history of Herbalism and its connections to medical treatments. I liked it because it clearly explains how the principal constituent when isolated for conventional medicinal purposes, can cause harmful side effects. The book reveals that using herbs as a whole plant is more beneficial. A very educational book.

The sick and suffering in the USA who are appalled by current high prices for their medication will be amazed to learn this struggle has been unceasing throughout human history. Barbara Griggs describes how for many centuries inexpensive herbal remedies were fostered by women who were unable to afford the costly medicines or services of established doctors. For current times, the author explains,"The quiet revolution which is gradually bringing plants back to centre-stage is patient rather than doctor-driven. It is patients who may be bankrupted by the cost of medical treatment, if they are not lucky enough to be clients of a generous national health service"pg.369 An outraged public is making this a major concern of the presidential election. To intelligently deal with our current medical dilemma, read and absorb this studiously prepared history of ways of healing.

This author is just outstanding. I bought my first book Crystal Power, Crystal Healing by him and never found a need for another. Even tho I looked at times I never found one that was so clear, intelligently written and epecially important ILLUSTRATED! The photos of the stones are crucial and many dont have them. The other thing is that he covers the physical, mental and spiritual ways the stones can affect you. I have made some discoveries of my own beyond the first book, but it gave me an excellent platform from which to start. I was excited to see this book as it deals in more detail with alot of phyical issues. I have an autoimmune muscle disorder and found muscle recommendation and much to help deal with immunity and stress to help.
Another book at the library here that was lost in the flood this summer suggested time in stone circles so I began to experiment this way for sleep. I am sorry I cannot remember this author but do try circles.

This book is a nice addition to my library. I find it well written and clear with good explanations of the dis-ease. I always find it interesting when testing using crystals in healing that the "healee" usually picks stones related to their complaints. This book seems to match up stones and dis-ease nicely.

Crystal and gem collecting has been my hobby since 1981. Michael Gienger has written some of the best books on using crystals that I have ever come across. Crystal Power, Crystal Healing: The Complete Handbook Healing Crystals: The A - Z Guide to 430 Gemstones. This new book is another "gem". His explanations of everything from cancer to insect bites is clear and insightful. The crystals he recommends most are some of the most affordable and under-rated stones, such as heliotrope and agates. This is a very practical hands-on book. Gienger tells which 24 healing crystals would be essential in a travel kit, adds another 24 (48 total) to make a good small home kit.
Finally, he adds another 42 (90 total) healing crystals that comprise a large home kit. Included are clear color photos for each crystal.
I have tried some of the remedies and they have worked very well.
I am especially grateful for his simple method of relieving neck pain and tension with an amethyst druse. My neck felt better than it had in years. The three simple treatments I did myself in few minutes one evening, lasted over a week.

He is logical, scientific and spiritual!!! I wouldn't like to write too detailed since it's irritating for some people like me to read on and on a review. This book and his "Crystal power, Crystal healing" are deffinitely recommended. When I want to try crystal healing, first thing I do is refer to his books then may be many other healing books I own...
This book and his "Crystal Power, Crystal Healing" is still the best crystal healing books out of many in this field I bought in past!

An extremely useful and well written guide to treating specific health problems using minerals and crystals. I consider this text to be one of the best references in my library on "New Age" therapies. The author's approach to this subject is refreshingly scientific compared to the many previously written books on crystal healing, that contain mostly "New Age" fluff. I highly recommend this book on crystal healing by Michael Gienger.

This book gives great insight into body function and what your body needs from food. Also practical info on body types, food and supplements for the different body types. Dr. Fuller's work has influenced our personal lives and our business, The Wellness Workshop, Whole Food Lifestyle & Detox Coaching. Celeste Davis, www.thewellnessworkshop.org

Dr. Fuller has taken her many years of clinical experience and shared them in a way that explains enzymes and their importantance in our daily diet. It will be easier for me to help my patients become healthier and stay healthier with Dr. Fuller's book. Thank You Dr. Fuller.

When trying to re-order this book through another company I was told the book would not be re-printed. Please everyone who can, get a copy of this book some where, some how, read it, then please put pressure on the publisher. This book must be available to the public!

This is the most comprehensive book on food enzymes I have read to date. It includes a body typing based on body shape, personality, and potential health problems and how they relate to digestive needs and imbalances and how to correct using foods and enzymes. Easy for the layman and a boon for the practitioner.

I've read several books on enzymes and have been using them in my acupuncture practice about a year. I've had great success treating chronic inflammation, sinusitis and acid reflux.

One of my patients had sinusitis so bad he couldn't smell anything. After taking anti-inflammatory enzymes a few weeks, he can now smell things he hasn't smelled in years.

Enzymes can be used to prevent and treat cancer, atherosclerosis, parasites and candida. Many people suffer from inadequate digestion, leading to malnutrition. When you take a high quality enzyme supplement, you will digest your food for a change and feel amazingly better.

A deficiency in lipase can cause a person to be unable to lose weight. Lipase digests fat and you must have enough to burn your body fat. Taking supplemental lipase between meals will allow the enzymes to be absorbed into your bloodstream to dissolve fat deposits of all sorts, including in your arteries. (atherosclerosis)

Protease digests protein. The outer coating of cancer cells is made of a very thick protein. If you take supplemental protease, your immune system will utilize it to dissolve the protein coating on cancer cells.

Chronic ear infections can be cleared up with protease. The infection is caused by a virus. The virus has a protein coating that can be dissolved so the immune system can eradicate it.

This book is truly amazing. This is by far the most thorough and easily applied information on enzymes I have found. The author makes wild curative claims for enzymes and I can verify she is only stating facts!

One man's opinion:
A heady, fantastic read for those who are open to the broader viewpoint. To me, the book says basically that we need to evolve away from hating, disliking, shunning or rejecting certain ideas, people, places, and so on. We need to become whole. Jesus said we should "love one another," and I believe Paul Twitchell said, "Never find fault, never criticize." One reason for this is, as Healing Power points out, things we reject/hate just show up in our lives as illness. They show up so we can confront them - because we must! Life wants us to become whole, loving, enlightened - however you like to put it.
And there's much more here. Highly recommended - along with The Flute of God, another major, more-than-inspiring book.

Now I don't need to write my book anymore. It is already written, and probably much better...
Rather than blocking or destroying illness, we can learn from it. Paradoxical, yes. Give a minute of your thoughts to this affirmation. Our body is just showing us the way we were unable to follow in our free consciousness. Learn from your illness, then your illness becomes useless and fades away. Illness represents the last opportunity for evolution. Whatever you do for healing, pay simultaneous attention to the only true healing. Take the challenge!

This book is for the brave few, who want to know why something happens to them , why they get diseases, how to interpret them, and more importantly to take ownership and responsibility for their illness, rather than blaming germs, viruses, genes and the like.

The style of the authors is about the best that I have ever read, honest, blunt, and to the point.

A must book for the few people who are ready to look within.

This book is for select few, who are willing to see reality as reality - not fantasy. It deals with how mental inclinations lead to illness and shows means to have power over illness

For those who find meaning in the books of Louise Hay and other "heal yourself" thinkers, this seminal work may come as a surprise. Originally published in German in 1983, it is in fact the forerunner of many books written in the '90s about the mind/body connection. Deeper and more powerful than the more popular works, it is a perfect gem. When you read about the influence of the mind on our various body systems, you will instantly recognize the symptoms and connecting psychology of your friends, your family, and even yourself. There's more than theory here, too - you'll find questions that will have you re-examining every concept you ever had about illness.

I borrowed this book to read before I became a Reiki I Practitioner, after reading it I bought it so I had one of my own to re-read again at a future date plus to use as a reference guide. This is an absolute must read for anyone wanting to try Reiki. Very good information, very well written, easy to understand... Perfectly done!

A masterful piece by Master McKenzie on the practice of Reiki, showing it to be what it is, a Beautiful Healing System of Transformation. Both I, and a friend enjoyed the book immensely, and I plan to purchase my own copy soon.

A great reference for those just getting started in reiki, as well as a fine text for those needing reiki treatment. Good explanation of the intangible elements of energy work. I recommend this book to all with an inkling toward reiki!

I've read many books about Reiki and give this one to my own Reiki I students. It had good, solid information and is written in a clear, understandable style. It also conveys the peace and wonder of Reiki's healing energy. It is an excellent investment for anyone who wants to learn more about the practice of Reiki.

I am a Reiki Master Teacher and am now using this book for all my Reiki I students as a gift. This beautifully designed book provides the basics and details of Reiki in a clear, uncluttered way for someone who is totally new to Reiki.

Ms. McKenzie leaves out personal opinions and gives you clear information in an artful, loving, tastefully presented book that is a treasure to read and own.

A lovely gift for anyone interested in the healing arts - and give one to yourself! ...

I liked how easy the healing methods are to perform. The pictures made it very clear. The books describes some very important processes to keep in mind, however seeminly obvious, that are often overlooked or forgotten over time. There is so much information put into this book, even the glossary is a book in itself. Some of the information is a bit over my head; I can only hope to understand more the next time I pick it up.

The book is easy to read, understand and administer. I believe it is a MUST for anyone that is in the healing profession. Teaching a variety of seminars and classes I have now made this a requirement for all my students. The basics are there in a way that even the beginner can understand and use immediately. Common sense and caveats that are many times forgotten or never spoken about in classes and healing situations are explained and given in very clear directions. Thank you, Starr Fuentes, for creating this wonderful manual that all walks of life and professions can utilize. Every home should have one...it's the first aid kit of today.

I am so grateful for the Healing with Energy book. Grateful for the gifts from a Master healer written in simplicity and clarity.
Grateful for the practical techniques making every healing session more powerful and creative.

I have studied Light, magic and healing with Starr Fuentes before, and this book making it easier for me to take the spiritual teachings and downloads and manifest them as a healer on the physical plane.
My favorite teachings in this book is the work with the four elements, and being re-minded to take myself out of the way so in full presence the source can heal through our physical vessel.

in Love, Light and Gratitude,
Keren-Or Atari

An artist and lightworker I was drawn to the work of Starr Fuentes. When I opened Healing With Energy for the first time and began reading the acknowledgements I felt a surge of energy entering my crown chakra. Instantly I knew that I was receiving an energetic empowerment. Empowerment - that's a great word to use to describe Healing With Energy. It is readily apparent that Fuentes has synthesized a vast body of knowledge to bring forward this book. Healing With Energy assumes a familiarity with basic metaphysical healing concepts and offers information for the next level, going well beyond chakra basics. Within its pages are many simple, subtle treasures which when integrated can enable a tremendous leap forward in one's ability to work with energy and connect to Source. It radically expanded my perspective on healing, touching on concepts that I'd never heard mentioned before. I'm grateful that I was able to find so much useful information in one place.

Starr Fuentes is most definitely a Master Healer whose book sends its own energy through to the reader. I immediately began perusing and then reading the book upon receipt. I had been working on and with my 94 year old mother who, due to too many months of antibiotics from a series of geriatric and dental problems, developed a severe yeast infection which included blood. I had been working with her that day at her home after visiting the gynocologist,and then continued when I returned to my home. But something was not going right for me. The energies were not as potent as usual. I then picked up Starr's book again and was led to a series of pages and short descriptions of different energy positions for my hands. I did this, called mom to find out how she was doing. She stated that within the past twenty minutes or so she suddenly felt much easier. Later that evening she called to tell me the discharge did not have any red-orange color at all. She was not to begin the usual medical treatment for this condition at all until her bedtime later that evening.

I also used this book to ease my own arthritic joint pain on my left hand and amazingly, it worked on that too! It is so very difficult for a healer to self heal, but with HEALING WITH ENERGY it is much earier to do so.

I have been looking for information on skin tags for many years. This is the only source that I have found with detailed information and it relates skin tags to diabetes. It correlates with my observations and makes sense. There is much else in this book, but this one thing made it worth the cost for me.

Finally! A book that has everything I need- all in one. This is probably the most complete book dealing with a combination of science and nature. And as an added bonus, the Healing Tools section, which deals with nutritional supplements and herbs, is a fantastic resource. The Cadillac of books dealing with this area is finally here! Thank you Mr. Rister!

This is the natural health book no one should be without. The author writes compassionately and comprehensively about over 300 conditions. He seems to have the attitude "If this medicine didn't work for you, here's something that will." I know we will be using this book for a long time to come.

This book is sensibly scientific.

Some complentary health writers will tell you doctors are evil. This writer doesn't. He quotes doctors and acknowledges their help in writing this book. He says this book isn't about alternative medicine, because there is no alternative to medicine in a health emergency and nobody should try to do diagnosis for him- or herself. Nonetheless, he recommends chiropractors, herbalists, massage therapists, aroma therapists, homeopaths and other kinds of healing practitioners for specific diseases.

This book discusses lots of diseases that can be cured with non-medical means. Thas is, they can be treated with non-medical means once a health professional, meaning a doctor, has confirmed that you are treating the right disease. Most of the thousands of recommendations in this book are products you can use and practices you can do entirely on your own. Unlike some writers who seem to know their science, this author doesn't just recommend treatments that have stacks and stacks of scientific literature to back them up. If it has been verified that a food or mineral or vitamin or herb works, and doesn't have side effects, and isn't toxic, but medical science doesn't completely understand it yet (or hasn't even tried to understand it yet), and doesn't interfere with a medication you have chosen to take (there's a comprehensive list of interactions), this author says why not use it. Just use the product knowing this up front. He mentions healing practices that aren't in any other book but have worked in his own experience. On the other hand, the author says he wrote this book after reviewing 10,000 scientific articles. he cites thousands of them, some of them published as recently as late 2002. This writer understands and respects doctors and medical science but he obviously isn't a slave to them.

I'll admit my personal bias. I have known this author for many years. He helps many people. As for this specific book, I haven't had time to try but one of his recommendations-but I got over my cold in a day and a half by taking the right combination of food and vitamin C so if need be, I'll consult this book again. I don't think you can go wrong by buying it.

My old copy of Prescription for Nutritional Healing had literally fallen apart, and a friend ordered me this book. It's a terrific book.

The first thing you notice about this book is that it's really comprehensive. One of the health problems our family has to deal with just isn't mentioned in any other book on alternative health, and it's covered here. Whether it's seasonal affective disorder or Peyronie disease, chances are it's in this book.

Another thing you notice about this book is that the author must have had to budget for his own health care. The recommendations don't break the bank, and there aren't long lists that you have to buy everything of to cover all your health bases.

And another thing about this book is that it's written for real people who go to doctors as well as to the health store. For every condition, the writer explains what medicine can do and can't, and what herbs and minerals and foods and vitamins can do and can't, plus a list of things you can do that don't cost anything that make dealing with the condition easier.

I still may replace my old faithful Balch and Balch. But this is the first book I'd buy for our family for natural health.

I really like this book. I wish though that the ingredients had the amounts of each written with it. It is difficult to find how much of each ingredient you use in the formulation. I do have a great deal of respect for the Doctor.

This is a very good, informative book. The only problem I had was that it often didn't have the ratios of the herbal combinations so I couldn't make them myself without just guessing at the amounts.

This is an excellent reference volume of natural health care for both children and adults. It lists diseases in convenient alphabetical orderwith consise definitions, symptom desscriptions, causes and herbal aids. Other natural tratments are outlined, including the cold sheet treatment, the incurables program, detoxification and the mucusless diet. A book for every family.

This is an essential for any parent who cares to treat their children naturally. It gives formulas and recipies on how to help with common colds and uncommon diseases.

This is a wonderful book for parents who would like to use herbal remedies, but don't know where to start. Dr. Christopher's book is simple and interesting to read. He offers information on cause of disease and how to avoid it, wonderful information on nutrition, an alphabetical list of common childhood aliments with herbal remedies, and a section on how to's i.e. how to make an herbal tea, a fomentation, and a poltice and more. I love this book, I find myself turning to it time and time again!

This is the resource that at last got me making and taking
herbal teas, instead of just thinking about it. The author's
tone is both informed and empathetic. The explanations both
of how body systems work and of how the health properties of herbs support the body are fascinating, plus the photos
and illustrations are beatifully designed.

I love this book! I check it out frequently for information about ailments and practical holistic solutions. Informative and easy to read.

It's a 'must have' for every household!

I love the simple and accessible healing treatments illustrated throughout the book. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. Having this information is like knowing your grandmother's home remedies that really work. No drugs, just plain, simple ingredients that make us well and keep us healthy. Thank you, Dr. Washington!

This book was a pleasure to read, the author's tone is that of a good friend giving sensible advice. More importantly, I find myself referring to the book every couple of weeks. The recipes for herbal teas are wonderful; they so intrigued me that I started gathering wild herbs on hiking trips and added some key herbs to my garden--I'll never buy herbal teas from the grocery store again.

The book is visually pleasing and easy-to-use as a reference.

A beautifully written & illustrated reference book that is easy to read and apply to your personal situation. It is a book that I keep reading over and over. I highly recommend this book to you and your friends.