Complementary-Therapy Books

Epperly does a masterful job bringing together spirituality, medicine, science, and theology in a book that is honest, practical and lively. Filled with stories of real people with real pain, Epperly brings hope alive through a rediscovery of the healings of Jesus. Written from the perspective of process theology, Epperly goes beyond the usual dualist approachs of our Western culture by offering a wholistic vision for Christians who long for a fresh, practical, and biblically sound approach. Not only does he deal with the hard questions that surround suffering, but he offers practical "Experiments in Healing and Wholeness" at the end of each chapter. A book about healing that begins us on the road to healing even while we are reading the book! A masterful work!

I have recently discovered the writings of Bruce Epperly. This one is perhaps my favorite of them all. I am a member of the International Order of Saint Luke the Physician -- an ecumenical Christain organization. I find that the tone of its publications and literary recommendations tends to be "conservative". "Conservative" is not the tone I sense from Epperly's works -- except maybe in the very best and basic sense of the word -- but I think there may be no better Bible Study Book for use by local chapters of the Order of Saint Luke than this one by Bruce. I recommend it for personal reflection and for group discussion.

OK, so I come to this book with a bit of a bias....I adore the gong! I always have and always will.
Still...my God...someone has written a book about all of those things I intuited about the gong but could not find the words for!
Yes, Mehtab's book covers all of the Beauty the gong has to share with us: relaxation, releasing, healing, astral traveling :), transformation and so much more, and is written in the voice of clarity and effortless humor that is so much Mehtab Benton.
I encourage all to read this book, refer to this book for the rest of your gonging journey and, most of all, to actually experience the Gong and its benefits with Mehtab if you are ever visiting the lovely Austin, Texas!
I give this book 5 stars, because it's one of those books that as a yoga teacher I will refer to for the rest of my life. It stands next to my copy of the Bhagavad Gita and Tantra: The Path of Ecstasy
by Georg Feuerstein.
Thank you, Mehtab and Yogi Bhajan!
Sat Nam

An excellent and one of the very few books written about this Ancient Vibrational Healing Technique. For anyone that would like a general education about the Gong. Includes information about caring for, transporting, and setting up the Gong. Basic playing strokes are also clearly described and pictured. This book will inspire you to seek this form of healing in your life.

This book by Dr. Hara gives an excellent overview of the basic scientific progress in green tea research. Dr. Hara has devoted his live to the promotion of green tea and is an expert in the field.

Dr. Yukihiko Hara was the first to purify green tea catechins on a larger scale. As Director of the Food Research Laboratories at Mitsui Norin Co, he and his colleagues worked in their extra time to purify these compounds and make them available in the late 1980's. The methods they developed are used today to purify the green tea extracts available from pills to shampoo. This book reports on their scientific efforts exploring the activity of the catechins and reviews the work of others in the field. It is clearly written in layman's language with many illustrations.

Key areas covered include where catechins come from and how they are purified, anti-oxidant and radical scavenging in food products and animals. Their tests, mostly in animals of the anti-bacterial action, the anti-viral action and the anti-cancer action, are reported in the next few chapters. Each chapter describes the experiments in sufficient detail so you can evaluate the meaning of the effect. There are further chapters on health effects in humans, including fat reduction and improved bowel function, help for diabetes and also hypertension, backed up by straightforward experiments. He ends with a general discussion of trends in the field.

Much of this work was done by Dr. Hara's group and close collaborators, so the original papers were published in Japanese; for many experiments this book is the only way to read about them in English. Green Tea Catechins are now studied around the world, but the quantities needed originated in this lab and he has supplied the catechins other scientists have used for most of that work. Mitsui Norin purified the catechins sold at Sigma Chemicals until this last year.

Currently Dr. Hara's group has a collaborative research effort with the US National Cancer Institute to test the anti-cancer effects of green tea catechins in people with precancerous lesions. The book provides the background one needs to appreciate this effort and gives the history of the science leading up to the NCI trials in a convenient way.

Dr. John Weisburger, the distinguished research scientist from the Americal Health Foundation, has written a helpful foreword.

Thank you for the many positive reviews I have received for my book.

The following is from Mary Crocker Cook, D.Min. LMFT, CADCII, a licensed psychotherapist, professor, and leader in the field of substance related disorders:

Healing and Wholeness: Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Mental Health is remarkably grounded in scientific scholarship; while opening a myriad of doors into new possibilities for recovery. Dr. Fredricks has developed a resource that is both readable and practical. I recommend this informative volume to psychotherapists and lay person's alike.

This naturopath's book clearly states the essential sectarian premise of naturopathy, vitalism --

a PROFOUNDLY science-ejected concept, according to the National Center For Science Education and the National Association of Biology Teachers: "nonscientific notions such as geocentricism, flat earth, creationism, young earth, astrology, psychic healing and vitalistic theory, therefore, cannot legitimately be taught, promoted, or condoned as science in the classroom [c1995]" --

per:

"the principles of naturopathic medicine [...] that distinguish naturopathic medicine from other medical approaches [...] include the following tenets [p.007...#1] nature is a powerful source of healing. This principle is based on the idea of vitalism, which holds that each of us has an innate life force that regulates the repair and regeneration of the mind, body and spirit. The naturopath's role is to facilitate this process [p.008]."

Caveat emptor.

-r.c.

I have the great fortune to live in the same community as Drs. Hammerschlag and Silverman, so I heard them talk about this book at a recent signing. I have always believed in the power of the human spirit in health, and the power of prayer in healing. How encouraging to find two credentialed medical doctors who embrace the whole person in the healing process. These two men have great hearts, and provide the type of compassionate care I wish everyone could find from their physician, especially those facing frightening, life threatening situations.

This book contains stories and suggestions for how you can incorporate your whole being into healing not only your body, but your heart and mind and spirit, too. These don't just apply to people having medical emergencies. I encourage everyone who believes that physical health is influenced by emotions and thoughts to read this delightfully encouraging book.

My hubby is a dentist and went to this author's seminar
where he spoke about things in his books. Wow was he
blown away. I am the one who believes in western medicine
as well as holistic and spiritual healing that must go
hand in hand. He is pretty strictly a western medicine
guy. He has changed his tune! He was fortunate enough to
meet him after the meeting and got books signed for us and
for our kids. Amazing storyteller. Amazing person. My
kids love his kid books as well. His cd's totally captivate
you. His voice grabs you and wont let you go. Leaves you
wanting for more!!!

I am pretty young and healthy but if I continue my ways I will experience dis-ease. This book is a quick read and helped me learn how to tell the differnece between a healing crisis and a disease crisis. Over the past 3 yers I have been learing how healing works, what it takes and realize there will probably be unpleasant symptoms while I heal. Read this book for a kick in the direction of healing and not treating symptoms.

Informative book that explains why you seem to feel worse (temporarily) when you're attempting to improve your health by implementing positive diet/nutrition, exercise and life-style changes. The book is a little gem on a subject that, IMHO, has received little attention. Recommend text as a "heads up" for anyone anticipating a switch to a healthier lifestyle.

It is my fortune to be blessed with good health and it was my great fortune to find and read this book! Like Dorothy, I read my way down this path with the feeling of adventure that one gets when truly being educated. Thank you, Mr. Barasch, for your wisdom and very good writing on this interesting topic. The insights into illness and healing you have presented I have found in none other of the several books I have read on the topic of health/mind-body connection. I especially appreciated the metaphors you used. Perhaps one day my health fortune will change, but I think I will be well-equipped to handle it now that I have your book in the library that is in my brain!

I felt very validated reading this book. When I was very sick with an auto immune illness, I often encountered the mind-boggling paradoxes involved in bushwacking my way through the jungle of the healing process. It's this that Barasch totally nails and affirms in a very supportive way. Kudos to you, Ian Marc Barasch -- and thank you.

I didn't find this book till six years after it was published, which makes me think it has been grossly under publicized. Too bad -- this is a supportive resource many could benefit by. I wish I'd had this book when I first started my healing journey!

With massive globalization concepts such as sex, gender, race, healing practices and medical anthropology are being re-examinated. Global and local societies throughout the world are called upon to redefine the way they are culturally constructed. The result of the North Americanization of the world has left an impact on healing and religious practices in Bali. Although Bali has been drawn into the process of globalization, the people seem to have remained remarkably genuine; at the same time they are conscious of change and modernization. In other words, Balinese have retained a certain pristine approach to life.

Dr. Angela Hobart's book is a contribution to medical anthropology as the research focuses on the healing processes in Bali, an island in the South Pacific. It may appear as if Bali is remote for people who live in the West and the Americas. Yet I would like to share with the reader my perception after reading the book that there are many parallels and particularities between the continents. The book highlights the complexity of the Balinese healing system which is politically and socially constructed and linked to power relations.

The book is composed of seven chapters. It is neither dense nor difficult to read. Throughout the book, the author gives insight into the particularities of the local culture underlying the healing processes, as well as the aesthetics associated with them, or perhaps more aptly experienced together with healing in Bali. I would like to suggest that book focus on how the Balinese people heal; how do they construct health, sickness, good or evil. In line with this, the reader is asked to reflect on the peoples holistic vision of life - a vision in which body, soul, nature, life and death are united.

This book is written after years of deep research on the island. Balinese culture is complex, holistic and extremely paradoxical, especially when compared with the Judaic-Christian medical, predominantly Cartesian system of the West. Dr. Angela Hobart explores in depth different ways of healing in Balinese society and the Hindu, Buddhist and animist historical background of the traditional medical system. The book guides the reader into the multi-dimensional healing practices found on the island. In so doing the study explores the spiritual dimension of healing, the interweaving of light and shadows inherent in the healing practices that include masks, rituals and witchcraft. Throughout the holistic vision of life is emphasized which implies, for example, that a person is potentially ambivalent - both evil and virtuous. Body and soul are not split from one another as conceived by most Westerns!

According to Dr. Angela Hobart there are different types of folk healers in Bali: the main ones being spirit mediums, scholarly healers and sorcerers. In the West we have psychologists, psychiatrists and MD doctors. These scientifically trained practitioners have senior positions in the medical hierarchy. In Bali folk healers are still greatly respected. In other words, Balinese healers do not adhere to a positivistic scientific framework. Dr. Hobart explores the role of village healers and ritual performances in the society, with special reference to the belief system of the people.

I myself found this book was precious in helping me to understand many aspects of healing practices in Brazil. The plurality and singularity of the indigenous voices that come to the fore in South America are in some ways similar to those in Bali. This is evidenced in the numerous mediums who work in Brazil and the overwhelming belief of the people in spirits.

The book also contains a wide-range of pictures carefully selected of healers and some landscape scenes in black and white and color. There is also an exquisite selection of healers' drawings used in healing.

I recommend highly this book for postgraduate and undergraduate students of psychology, anthropology and cultural studies. But, it is a must for psychotherapists, art-therapists, dance-therapists, and for general research into alternative or folk medicine. It is a handbook which compiles essential, useful and up-to-date information on medical anthropology in Indonesia. Finally this book helps one to understand how human beings live and construct their worlds in societies which are not affected by obsessive positivistic Western paradigms.
By Joe Oliver
London 2006

As far as I know this is the first book of its kind. It is a study of the traditional healers whom we in Bali do not often speak about but all visit from time to time. I met Dr Angela Hobart on one of her many trips here and was delighted to learn that she speaks High Balinese. This is rare for a Westerner as it is not an easy language. It is, however, a vital attribute to carry out research into this arcane area properly.

There are many types of traditional healers in Bali, who are mostly consulted at times of illness or trouble. They are a bridge between the seen and the unseen worlds and are highly esteemed by us. Whereas Western trained doctors cure illnesses from natural causes, traditional healers or `balian' cure illnesses from supernatural causes. They communicate with the spirits of the unseen world through trance.

They are also consulted on the causes of family problems. We believe that such matters have specific causes and the balian can ascertain them. Angela Hobart sets out a number of case studies and explains the rituals and mechanisms at work. She also examines the wider healing processes of whole villages through a discussion of the roles of the Barong and Randa masked figures during religious ceremonies.

Balian advise how to rectify mental or physical problems. There is no conflict between the work of a balian and a scientifically trained doctor. If we suspect our illness has been caused by the unseen world, we go to a balian and if we suspect it comes from the seen world, we go to a doctor. As Angela Hobart points out, they refer patients to each other. She sets out a table of their separate roles.

Balian often prescribe herbal medicines, provide amulets for the patient to wear and hand out protective drawings with sacred syllables on them. Angela Hobart says that knowledge about traditional medicine is dying out. It is a lot easier to go to the pharmacy and get a pill than make up concoctions of roots and leaves mixed with egg white and honey.

Many people are sceptical about traditional healers but balian do have successes. Patients believe in them and that goes a long way. Angela Hobart explains that they can shift a patient's consciousness and change his attitudes, so that he engages more fully with his family, enemies and community. After a session the patient or victim of bad luck sees things differently. He's on his way to being cured. She gives various examples of successful treatments.

Even in the West placebos work in mysterious ways in curing various illnesses. A person's beliefs and hopes about a treatment can have a significant biochemical effect. It seems to be a case of mind over molecules. Changed behaviour and attitudes, how one feels, and how one acts, can even affect one's body chemistry.

I am pleased that Angela Hobart has written this interesting book and highlighted the balian's role in Bali. Few tourists who see the lion-like Barong parade through Balinese villages to the sounds of the gamelan orchestra appreciate the forces at stake, but if they read this book, they will. I also hope that it is read by those who may be able to support the role of the balian in Balinese society.

Murni
Ubud, Bali

When we can grasp the fact that we are all energy, living in a world that is all energy we can realize our oneness and experience the healing power of the energy of love. Attunement Therapy is a way to understand this concept. Jacyln is offering this explanation in her book...she is a guide, and if you are ready to listen she has put it down in words for you.

Jaclyns'book is a wonderful addition to anyone interested in healing on a deep and profound level. It is filled with meaningful stories from years of healing experience as well as concise and easy to follow direction for anyone who wishes to utilize the "Attunement" technique. I am both a registered respiratory therapist, and a licensed massage therapist. I have recently started using "Attunement Therapy" in my massage practice and can see applications for my respiratory patients as well. This therapy can be helpful for anyone, and this is the definitive book to learn it from.

Sincerely,

Gil Pitkoff LMT, RRT

Because I'm constantly searching for best options for self-help health care, I am often blessed and thankful for new discoveries. This gives me the ability to promote optimum health care personally, as well to share it with loved ones. Knowledge is the key. Without fail I find the books I need to study and check my discoveries out at [...]. It's totally convenient to purchase this way, not to mention the savings. This book is a valued addition to my collection of self-help/self-healing books, and the product is now a part of my health-care regimen. Worth checking out. A. Prouty

Fantastic! "Black Cumin" is an extraordinary herb with many benefits which this book clearly defines. Most people dont know that "Black Cumin" is also known as "Black Seed" - an important fact that this book discusses. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for ways to naturally optimize one's immune system.