Book Description

Ninety-one-year-old Dr. Robert Fulford has spent more than fifty years successfully treating patients failed by conventional medicine. In Dr. Fulford's Touch of Life, this sage physician provides strategies to attain and sustain optimum good health, and offers groundbreaking advice on integrating natural healing methods with modern health care.

Dr. Fulford's Touch of Life includes:

• Why our natural state is always good health, and how to foster it

• The vital role of breathing in sustaining good health

• Why any trauma can adversely affect us, even years later

• How negative thought patterns can disrupt the body's chemistry -- and how to overcome them

• The link between spirituality and good health -- and how to create it

Sure to become a classic, Dr. Fulford's Touch of Life is framed in the plain language, original thinking, and keen common sense that have characterized Dr. Fulford's remarkable career in medicine. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Very good opener on alternative medicine
The reviews explain this short book very well. I really enjoyed the first few chapters. His transition into more philosophical healing ideas in the later chapters didn't do as much for me, but if your a fan of Weil or even Chopra you'll appreciate them.

Dr. Fulton really makes the reader consider Osteopathy as a medical alternative.

A great book for open-minded readers
This is a must read for anyone interested in non-conventional medicine.

Gentle, noninvasive, effective
Medicine has taken a lot of turns turns away from effective treatments (and this is why the medical profession had to admit in June of 2000 doctors are the third leading cause of death in the U.S.) but there has never been any excuse for turning away from a safe, gentle treatment that even if it couldn't help some certainly couldn't hurt any. The stories in this book are amazing. It is a good, indeed wonderful thing are more and more doctors are turning toward "alternative" medicine (which actually is a bit of a misnomer--"modern" medicine is the alternative, mostly to good health). I guess many doctors consider it easier--and more profitable--to prescribe often dangerous drugs as bandaids rather than take the time and patience to learn treatments such as Fulford's. What a shame, and what a disgrace.

A Dying Man's Opus
This book was written in the December year's of an accomplished osteopathic physician's life. It is his call for everyone to take responsibility for their life and their health. It starts out as an explanation of osteopathy and a retelling of his years as an osteopathic physician. Fulford had trained his hands to be such sensitive diagnostic and healing tools, that he could feel a single strand of hair hidden beneath 17 sheets of paper. He used this technique to train other osteopathic students to increase the sensitivity of their own hands.

This book is interwoven with touching stories of patients he's helped throughout his practice. As he aged, he found that he could only work with an increasingly younger population, as those patients fed his energy. Whereas adults seemed to be so entangled in their own web of stress and disease, that they seemed to zap his energy as he tried to treat them with his hands.

The book ends with a call to live healthier, more meaningful lives. I recommend this book for everyone, but particularly for osteopathic medical school applicants and their M.D. counterparts. It gives a good narrative explanation of the philosophical expectations of osteopathic medicine. But as a strong believer in osteopathic medicine, and as a future osteopathic medical student, I believe this book poignantly elicits the direction in which medical care should be heading.

A Great Book Written by My Father's Best Friend
Dr. Fulford signed my book in his home in Waverly, Ohio while 92 years young. At that time, he worked on my daughter and me. He was very alert and active, though somewhat depressed from his wife being institutionalized with alzheimers.

Dr. Fulford truly lived and breathed what he taught...he was for real.

My father was an M.D. in Indianapolis, IN and met Bob Fulford in, I believe, Cleveland, in the early 1950s at an organic food meeting. Their lifelong friendship was forged at that time and lasted until my father's death in 1980. We would visit him and his family in Cincinnati where he had his practice many, many times through the 1950s, 60s, and into the mid 70s. He worked on all of us, especially my mother, and taught Dad what he could, as best an M.D. could learn from a D.O..

I have my Dad's hammer for those of you who knew Dr. Fulford well, you know what I mean. Few learned how to use it though. Dr. Fulford taught me in the 70s how to use it and I still use it once in a while on myself or my family.

Dad was a little lost when Dr. Fulford moved to Tucson, AZ due to his own problems with gout. I understand he did a great work out there. He visited each time he came back east. After my father passed away, Dr. Fulford would still come to visit with Mom for days at a time between speaking engagements. He even came once to my home in Pennsylvania with her to work on my family in the mid 1980s.

What I witnessed and learned myself from Dr. Fulford was awesome throughout the 60s and 70s as a teenager and young adult. There are so many stories of what he did for my family and patients of my Dad's I could probably write a short article myself. He was a truly incredible healer and maintaind a commanding presence. Though, he was very humble as well. Very humble.

I highly recommend reading his book and perform any of the preventive maintenance activities you can. You will be in better health.

May God Bless Dr. Fulford, his wife Glenna and sons Rich and David. ... Read more

Book Description

Holistic Nursing: A Handbook for Practice guides nurses in the art and science of holistic nursing and healing and offers ways of thinking, practicing, and responding both personally and professionally. It addresses our own self-healing so that we can offer new ways of healing to others and presents expanded strategies for enhancing our psychophysiology using self-assessments, relaxation, imagery, nutrition, exercise, and aromatherapy. It also assists nurses in their challenging roles of bringing healing to the forefront of health care and helping to shape health care reform.

Holistic Nursing: A Handbook for Practice maintains its infallible reputation as market leader in this extensively updated and expanded fourth edition. This wonderful new text covers all aspects of holistic nursing care along with special attention to the well-being of the care-giver. ... Read more

Book Description

There are many books about acupuncture points, but what is lacking are descriptions by expert practitioners of how they themselves actually go about selecting, finding, and using the points. This type of book would allow the reader to "peer over the shoulder" of the expert to find out what they really do in the clinic.

Finding Effective Acupuncture Points does just that. Shudo Denmei, author of Japanese Classical Acupuncture: Introduction to Meridian Therapy, and a leader of the meridian therapy movement in Japan, has selected about 160 of his favorite points, the ones he actually uses in the clinic. Here he describes in specific detail how to use palpation to find each of the points on the body, and to determine whether or not they are "active." Then he identifies the particular conditions for which each point is best suited, rather than merely reciting a laundry list of all possible indications.

With insightful stories about his own discovery and use of the points in a practice that has spanned nearly five decades, this master teacher brings each of the points to life for other acupuncturists. The book is organized by body region, which makes it especially convenient for finding appropriate points on particular parts of the body. There are also over 90 drawings which illustrate the locations of the points in relation to anatomical landmarks and other points and channels.

This is a book that belongs in the pocket of every practitioner, where it will become a well-thumbed treasure. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A must have in any Acupuncture Library
Shudo Sensei is a true gift to the Acupuncture community. It is rare to find and acupuncturist with such great skill and even more rare to find one who is willing to share his information and personal experiences so openly. Shudo Sensei provides a practical look at points which are commonly used and explains proper needling technique, location and indications. He still stresses the need for a proper root treatment, but also provides "symptomatic" uses for points, along with stories of personal experience. Steven Brown does an amazing job translating this book and makes me think that his skill as a translator is only matched by his abilities as an acupuncturist. If you want your acupuncture treatments become more effective you must read this book.

A true master
I have been fortunate enough to attend a seminar with Shudo Demei and his ease, technique and understanding of acupuncture blew me away. I highly reccomend this book to anyone who wishes to improve their abilities as an acupuncturist. Shudo Sensei fills the pages with alternative point locations, alternative uses for common points, case histories, and clinical experience. The information in these pages can be found no where else as Shudo Sensei himself has based the majority of this information off his many years of clinical experience. I must also thank Stephen Brown for his great work in translating this book. His translation skills are matched only by his skills as an acupuncturist. ... Read more

Book Description

Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Revised Edition) is an extensive sourcebook of information about the most commonly used substances in Chinese herbal medicine.Compiled from leading textbooks in China, this edition presents an in-depth study of 473 medicinal substances. Meticulously illustrated, each herb is identified by its pharmaceutical, botanical and family names, together with its Chinese, Japanese, Korean and English common names.

Each entry details the traditional properties, actions and indications, principal combinations, dosage and contraindications of the herb, and contains summaries of abstracts regarding modern pharmacological & clinical research. The book also details the qualities to look for in the appearance of each herb, where it is grown, and when it is harvested.

The herbs are conveniently grouped in chapters by function, with chapter summaries that compare and contrast those with similar properties. An introduction describes how to prepare and dispense the herbs. Extensive indices provide easy access and cross references to information throughout the book. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Unfortunate
This isn't a review of the book, though I am an acupuncture student and need to purchase this "bible" on herbs. What I'd like to state is the idiocy of "captnerfertiti"...the reviewer above who said that one should go to China if they want a real Chinese Medical Doctor. How can he make such a blanket statement about everyone practicing TCM in the United States? I'm sure people will see through his anger. Countless people have been helped by this medicine, including myself. That's why I went into it. And "us" in TCM will see his problem as a Liver imbalance leading to Fire which has damaged his Heart and disturbed his Shen. Please keep the "road rage" off these pages.

Professionals and Students Only
This is still the authorative book on single Chinese herbs. However, Chinese herbs are nearly always combined into formulas, and Bensky has another equally huge book on that topic. These two books are medical references for licensed acupuncturists (who are Chinese herbalists), and NOT for the casual reader or layperson to medicate themselves. You won't be able to properly apply the information in these two books without first learning Chinese medical diagnosis - the right medicine must follow from an accurate diagnosis.

The tragedies and legislation concerning ephedra illustrate that laypeople will not neccesarily use herbs traditionally, or safely.

Most traditional acupuncturists in the West attend 4 year schools, and more than 900 hours of herbal medicine are included in their training. I would suggest, if you want to avail yourself of the power of Chinese herbal medicine, that you see one of them.

If you're looking for a more practical layperson's introduction to Chinese herbs, check out David Molony's, or Jake Fratkin's books. Another good one is Henry Lu's book on combining Chinese herbs with foods to balance your patterns of imbalance.

Good for minor research, but not for serious usage
This book is very good if you are looking for descriptions and clinical research of the book. However, due to the variable nature of Chinese medicine, the dosages and usages of the medicines should not be written into the book. Also, each herb has it's own use and should NOT be categorized into "symptoms" categories as all those herbs can belong to several categories and not just one of them. If you are looking to heal yourself by using this book, don't do it. You can get yourself VERY sick. However, if you are just looking for light info on an herb, this is a good book.

One more thing, if you want a real Chinese medicine doctor, goto China. The ones in the US(especially California), are [not worth the money], undertrained and have absolutly no idea what they're doing. They couldn't tell yin from yang if it hit them in the head. And no, Chiropractics doesn't do anything to heal you, it's just a mind thing, that's why Chiropractors keep on telling you to go back, so they can rip off your insurance.

Materia Medica (Chinese Herbal Medicine) Dan Bensky
This is a well written and authoritive text that is very precise, yet easily readable. The book is categorized by the functions of herbs, and makes an extremely conveinant reference. The index is complete with Pin-yin translations as well as english, korean and japanese. A must have book for those interested in Chinese Herbal Medicine. Illurstrations are included for all herbs, and medicinals. Rational explanations are included for the functions of the herbs, as well as information about common combinations with other herbs. Truly a great text! ... Read more

Book Description

Stop Candida Yeast Infections—Naturally!
Are you one of the millions of people affected by chronic candidiasis—the yeast syndrome? Often mistaken for other maladies, the yeast syndrome can lead to headaches, sore muscles, general fatigue, low resistance to colds and viruses, and other problems in both men and women.
Of the two most common prescription treatments, one can inflict severe liver damage and the other is safe but of only limited effectiveness. Fortunately, there are potent natural alternatives. They’re clearly explained here by Dr. Michael T. Murray, co-author of the bestselling Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. You will learn how to:
·Determine if you suffer from candida yeast syndrome
·Follow Dr. Murray’s seven step program for combating candidiasis
·Adjust you daily diet to control candida growth
·Supplement your meals with nourishing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
·Strengthen your immune system to help resist candidiasis and many other invasive disorders
·And much more!
Discover how to overcome yeast syndrome and keep it from coming back—naturally! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Very Easy To Read & Understand
After months of doctor appointments, I was finally diagnosed with Candida. I knew nothing about candidiasis and so I started searching the web for information. I found so much varying information and most of it I didn't trust. When I found this book (...), I knew it was right. This book contains the most comprehensive, easy to understand information that I've found. The author is very thorough without going into overwhelming detail. I started following the diet and techniques almost immediately since the book gets right into problem solving. I can say my health has improved almost 100% in a very short time.

A well researched and written book
I am currently reading this book, and am a little more than 1/2 way through it. This author is on the cutting edge of this subject, and seems to know all there is to know about it. I hope he continues to research this subject, and also to inform the public about it. What I've read about candida in the past all comes together in this book. The author fills in the missing pieces of information in the books I've read before.

A very informative book
This book is written in easily digestible chunks for the lay person, with the final chapter summarizing clearly the steps to take to rid oneself of the yeast syndrome. Useful recommendations are also given for women suffering PMS. However, while Michael Murray advises excluding dairy products (an entire food group), he does not offer any alternative sources for calcium apart from calcium tablets. Inspite of this, I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know about the symptoms and natural cure of chronic candidiasis.

candidiasis patients\and healers,please read my all recomman
i am a orthomolecular-nutritionist, and i treat also candidiasis.this book should be rated 100 stars! .it is the most comprehansive detailed yet short and easy to understand to every person.it cover all the aspects of candidiasis, from chapter 1 where he discus the diagnosis and the causes of the yeast syndrome,providing a candida questionary as well, wich is more accurate then any test known.chapter 2 is more about the activity of the antibiotics on the body,and the effect on candida as well as on urinary tract infection.chapters 3,4 and 5 are dealling in such a superb way of explanation on dietary factors such as what kinds of food strategies to do, alergies-detections,what kinds of food to avoid,,,and why?.nutritional supplements for the immune system (wich is one of the main rules in every disease, especialy in candidiasis)are covered, together with anti-candida suplements,and how they work.the thing that is most amazed me in those chapters is that since when we fight the candidiasis the dead toxins of the candida are released to the blood stream (that's why the usual treatment is so unpleasant)but dr.murray explain how to kill the candida with the minimum bad expiriences,you want to know how?,read the book!.in the next 6 chapters that left he deals with immunity, the complex of it (in short and readable way without the need of beeing a doctor\biochemist).the roles of probiotics are followed, and the activities of the conventional anti fungal drugs,how they act,and in what cases of candidiasis as well as vaginal-candidiasis and vulvodina they should or should not be combine together.after i read that book,i improve my vision and understanding of that disease, and a month later i notice a very much precentage of improvement in my few candidiasis patients,thank you dr murray. please! read and learn this book really carefully, and dont skip any of the words written in this remarcable book of dr murray. this book is the everest mountain in gold concerning candidiasis treatment,i know what i am telling you, i treat those patients.buy this book now!

Begin your battle by reading this book -- NOW
An excellent, quick read. Chapters are presented in a logical, easy-to-locate information manner. My physician is helping me with my battle with candida, and Dr. Murray's point of view goes hand-in-hand with my current treatment. Easy to understand, a great resource for your family members, too, to gain an understanding of this condition. I read it in one sitting. It is a wonderful companion to Dr. Crook's published works as well as Dr. Park's book. Thumbs way up! ... Read more

Book Description

Tap Your Troubles Away

It's that simple. Meridian Therapy is a self-healing system that can be learned in minutes and can relieve a lifetime of emotional pain. A cutting-edge technique based on the ancient art of acupressure, it involves stimulating the energy meridians in the body by tapping on specific energy points and awakening their healing power.

In Five Simple Steps to Emotional Healing, noted therapist Gloria Arenson explains the scientific basis of Meridian Therapy and teaches readers the five easy-to-follow steps that will allow them to break free from stress and negative emotions. Meridian Therapy can be practiced any time, anywhere, in order to

Improve performance in sports, work, and the bedroom
Stop the fears that limit activities and ruin relationships
Eliminate the urge to procrastinate
Conquer cravings and compulsions
Heal emotional scars and painful memories
Improve self-esteem
Dissolve panic attacks before they start ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Skeptics . . . put this to the test
This is one simple, yet powerful technique. All you have to do is put it to the test. Somehow the process cuts quickly to the core negative thoughts and can eliminate self sabotaging behavior that is the result of imprisoning beliefs. We all have internalized some misbeliefs along the way, this quickly frees one from those bonds. This is one book that should be in every library.

It works, it really works!!!
I wish this book would have come out years ago. Gloria Arenson's approach to healing is fantastic. It is fast, easy and you don't have to wait for days or weeks to feel better. It's truly amazing that you can feel better now. The content is thoughtfully laid out and easy to read. Arenson's approach makes me think that this really could be the last self-help book I ever need!

Highly recommended
I found this book to be extremely helpful both personally and professionally. It is written clearly so that busy people, such as myself, can use the technique easily. It is down to earth and basic and at the same time explains in a readable fashion, how and why this method works. I am a psychotherapist and teacher and have taught the technique to students and clients, both adult and children. But most of all, I use it on myself often. It has helped me to cut down on my obsession with chocolate. It has helped reduce pain in my back. It has helped me feel much better over a loss I recently suffered. I could go on and on. It almost seems to easy and simple to be true--but it really does work!!

A Gargantuan 5 Stars!
Okay, so this shouldn't work. It makes no sense. Meridians? Tapping? Where's the logic? At least, that's what I used to think. I've suffered from agoraphobia and found public speaking impossibly painful. But part of my work requires me to occasionally get up in front of huge groups and either give a talk or sit on a panel. I'd reached the point where I couldn't talk or breathe. I was turning down events, which hurt my business and worried me that I was going to end up so agoraphobic that eventually I wouldn't be able to leave the house. Desperation drove me to try Dr. Arenson's method. I used it in advance for a month, practicing just as she says in the book, imagining my getting up in front of the big audience I was scheduled (terrifyingly) to speak at recently. By the time I got there, I was worried but okay. By the time it was my turn to give the talk, I was still okay (when you're agoraphobic, "okay" is wonderful). When I actually opened my mouth, words came out. I could breathe. Even more amazingly, I actually discovered that I was enjoying myself. What a marvelous feeling. And that's the point. So, I give this book a gargantuan 5 stars. If you want help, it's right here.

It really is simple
This technique really works! Don't let the cover fool you this is a great book for both women and men. The book is so easy to understand. The text flows in a logical progression. There are great examples of situations in which people were able to resolve their issue or problem with this technique. I enjoyed reading this book and the technique I learned so much, that I bought several more copies to give to friends. This is one of those "self help" books that actually works! Go ahead make your life better, check out this book. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Open minds
Every single one of us has and owns a CranioSacral system. And the relaxation effect a CranioSacral session has on our bodies is unmistakable. As a craniosacral practitioner, I see many positive valuable benefits as a result of this therapy on a daily basis.

It is based on some not so controversial osteopathic medical principles. There are numerous studies that have shown for many years now that the cranial bones do indeed move. But much like people believed the world was once flat, it took a long time for the general belief system to begin to change.

In the future, I suspect Dr. Upledger will be applauded for his efforts and for honestly putting himself out there to be criticized for making an effort to break new ground and continue the research that began in the early 1900's.

CranioSacral is based on fascial strain patterns in the body. Fascia is real. Strain patterns are real. They can be felt and perceived through touch. Touch has it's own language. Some people are more fluent in the language of touch than others. Anyone can develop that sense of touch, it just takes time and practice.

You cannot describe touch in words. That is part of the challenge of proving something scientfically about human beings. We want everything explained to our left brain in a scientific manner, but that isn't where touch and emotion and humanity hangs out.

In case you haven't noticed, there are infinite scientific studies about human beings that directly contradict one another. One study says one thing, and another will come out a couple months later and say the exact opposite. Why is that? Human beings are unique and can change from moment to moment. We are living, breathing, dynamic systems, not a fixed machine. Each person is different. So you really have to judge by results.

This book introduces some of the basic concepts of craniosacral and somatoemotional release. The results of craniosacral and the many thousands of people who have benefited enormously speak for themselves. If you are interested in the process of how a touch therapy can literally help people heal themselves, then this book is for you.

However, if you are interested in detailed scientific studies, facts, numbers, how many mice were tortured, etc. then look elsewhere. Actually you might be more interested in his first book CranioSacral Therapy. A result of the many years of research in the late 1970's at Michigan State University.

Anyway, it's interesting to note and you might just get a little curious because any book that challenges people's belief system and causes people to respond with anger or fear, just might have something going for it.

Awareness Is Bliss
When a book offers one concept that you can use for the rest of your life, keep reading- there may be more valuable learning for you within. This book is one that offers awareness for everyone interested in learning, especially about themselves. For myslf and everyone I know who's read it, The Inner Physician and You has been one of those truly life changing books.
It's excellent for anyone interested in their own body, self-discovery, healing and personal growth. It offers learning about your CranioSacral system and the limitless opportunities for healing your body presents through it.
Written in simple language for the average person, this book is meaningful for everybody who has a body. It's what we never learned in school about the CranioSacral system and our amazing human body. Thanks to Dr. Upledger, anyone can now experience the benefits of working with the infinite intelligence of their own body.
CranioSacral helped me so much as a client, I became a therapist. CranioSacral continues to improve the health and wellbeing of many in infinite ways. I recommmend the therapy and this book to anyone interested in optimal health and living. To my knowledge, every person who has participated in CranioSacral Therapy has experienced not only deep relaxation but significant individual beneifts.
Clients who have read this book rave about the value of their increased awareness. Dr. Upledger brilliantly introduces many complex concepts so they are accessible to everyone. He's left the statistics, figures and anatomical details where they belong, in his text books. The average reader is appreciative! If you're curious about the anatomy of the craniosacral system, scientific and medical research data, read the text books written by Dr. Upledger in conjunction with other specialists. These can be found at www.upledger.com. along with recent projects. (Most recently, CranioSacral therapists successfully assisted in the development of cojoined twins and relief from post traumatic stress disorder with veterans and survivors of the twin tower tragedy in NY.)
In this book, Dr. Upledger has expressed well what words can, inspiring many to experience for themselves what words fail to describe. It may inspire your own deeper connection with your body and all parts of yourself. Enjoy.

It's not the book, it's the therapy--and it is REAL!
It really makes me angry when I see so called doctors and traditional experts saying something is quackery just by reading a book. I am the most suspicious person in the world, and I have had extensive cranial sacral therapy done on me. I can tell you that you absolutely feel like something is being done to you, your ears pop every time the system is challenged...when you are being worked on, you can feel how everything in your body is connected physically and emotionally. You skeptics out there, do yourself a favor, go to someone-either an osteopath physician, or a physical therapist who specializes in orthopedics and who has at least 20 years experience in their field, and have a couple treatments, and then come back to this board, and tell me that is is complete bull.

Sub-titled "How to Pull a Fast One"
A useful " how to" guide for those interested in inventing their own bogus therapy. Not a single shred of evidence for efficacy, and denies basic anatomical facts that easily demonstrable to the average 3rd grader.

Self-Deception and Pseudoscience
Dr. Upledger allowed himself to be fooled by an ideomotor phenomenon, similar to that which makes the Ouija board work. A recent review in Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine shows that different observers of the "craniosacral rhythm" don't even agree with each other about the frequency of the fluctuations they think they feel. The bones of the skull do not move, either; they are fused together. There is no acceptable evidence for any of these theories. I found the book interesting to read as a psychological study of self-deception, and for its general humor value. Among other things, he claims that a dolphin touching a therapist's back caused a change in leg length in a patient the therapist was touching; and he had one patient's husband fasten her to the kitchen sink drain with a long copper wire so she could get around the house while she was being "grounded" to get rid of excess energy. (Don't try this at home: it is potentially dangerous). I'm sure he means well, but he has let his imagination run away with him! ... Read more

Book Description

Describes the basis and practice of muscle energy techniques (MET). This is now a widely recognised approach to the treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunction. It fuses methods used in physical therapy, osteopathy and manual medicine. The text provides a comprehensive and up-to-date presentation of the techniques. The CD-ROM includes video clips to demonstrate the application of the techniques and so supports and supplements the text. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A little goldmine
I teach massage therapy here in Australia. Often, students will ask about books they should buy in order to become better therapists, and this is one that I always happily recommend. The techniques are well explained and relatively easy to apply. What's more they are safe, as well as beautifully effective. Anyone interested in improving their results with bodywork should have a look at this (and most of Chaitow's work, as far as I am concerned!).

EXCELLENT!
This is the best book I've come across for introducing a novice to the concepts and practice of MET. Chaitow's other books tend to go into very minute detail about the nervous system component of these techniques. This book is very well ordered and the assessments and techniques don't get lost in the minutae. HIs very clear presentation of the far-reaching effects of dysfunction in one part of the body is excellent. If you are interested in these techniques, this is the book! You can then follow up with his other books on the subject, especially Soft Tissue Manipulations. I'm using this book in a medical massage program in which I am an instructor. ... Read more

Book Description

The original comprehensive guide to energetic healing with a new preface by the author and updated resources. * More than 125,000 copies sold. * Explores the actual science of etheric energies, replacing the Newtonian worldview with a new model based on Einstein's physics of energy. * Summarizes key points at the end of each chapter to help the serious student absorb and retain the wealth of information presented.

This combination of ancient wisdom and new science is the definitive introduction to health care for modern times. The standard reference book on energetic healing, Vibrational Medicine has gained widespread acceptance by individuals, schools, and health-care institutions nationwide as the textbook of choice for the study of alternative medicine. Trained in a variety of alternative therapies as well as conventional Western medicine, Dr. Gerber provides an encyclopedic treatment of energetic healing, covering subtle-energy fields, acupuncture, Bach flower remedies, homeopathy, radionics, crystal healing, electrotherapy, radiology, chakras, meditation, and psychic healing. He explains current theories about how various energy therapies work and offers readers new insights into the physical and spiritual perspectives of health and disease. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

The Essential Reference Book for Subtle Energy Healing
VIBRATIONAL MEDICINE is a classic reference book for anyone seeking a comprehensive overview of the field of energy medicine. Weighty in both content and physical heft, it manages to be quite the page-turner, by virtue of maintaining effervescent enthusiasm for the subject throughout. While some books discuss one or two relatively narrow aspects of energy medicine, VIBRATIONAL MEDICINE covers a vast assortment of energy healing methodologies.

What I love most about VIBRATIONAL MEDICINE is the way so many experimental details are included for the scientific studies it cites. It's easy to gain a big picture overview of how scientific research is steadily progressing in the field of subtle energies. I also love the way that VIBRATIONAL MEDICINE strikes an easy balance between sharing ancient esoteric spiritual teachings, newer vibrational therapies, and scientific research. Some of the most recent developments in vibrational medicine, such as homeopathy, flower essences, and sound healing have deep roots in the past, at the same time as they offer us a welcome array of new options on the road to better health. Readers who are intrigued and open-minded to studying all these areas will find this book an absolute must-read.

VIBRATIONAL MEDICINE introduces some key concepts early on that weave their way throughout the rest of the book, such as the principle of resonance. Resonance has been associated with telepathy between individuals, and also with bringing about healing for individuals who have energy imbalances. There are profound benefits to be gained from correctly assessing what kind of frequency will bring about optimal healing, and VIBRATIONAL MEDICINE provides all the juicy details!

I highly recommend VIBRATIONAL MEDICINE to anyone interested in a more complete understanding of the energies related to optimal health.

-- Cynthia Sue Larson, author of "Aura Advantage: How the Colors in Your Aura Can Help You Attain What You Desire and Attract Success"

Cum grano salis, a Valuable Compendium
Dr. Gerber comes across as an enthusiastic, articulate, knowledgeable, perceptive, open-minded, and well-intentioned guide to a host of subtle-energy therapies ranging from flower essences to radionics. This reviewer found of special value his discussions of Electroacupuncture According to Voll, experiments with healing hands and magnets, and the neurophysiology of kundalini. His characterization of homeopathy as an energy therapy certainly seems on target. He also sprinkles intriguing insights into the psychology of healing throughout his general exposition of the commonly argued theoretical framework of energy medicine.

So this book offers very readable, rich fare to scientists, medical practitioners, and ordinary people who want to learn about the entire field of energy medicine, including the underlying scientific and psychological theory and the interconnections among the various modalities.

However, four deviations from perfection must be noted. First, this is a monoglot and provincial book. Even though the author refers to healing practices around the world, he exhibits a strong tendency to favor the North American versions. The narrative shortchanges the major contributions of the Russians, although ironically Kirlian is termed a Russian instead of an Armenian.

Second, the science of biophotonics (chemiluminescence) and the well-documented practice of Biophotonic Therapy (Photoluminescence), the treatment of the blood by light, are central to an understanding of energy medicine. Yet the book simply doesn't discuss the findings in the extensive biophotonics and BT literatures.

Third, aside from an inadequate concluding chapter, the book is rather dated. Most of the references are to the literature of the 1970s and early 1980s, but plenty of interesting research has been done since then.

Fourth, the reader will want to take with an appropriately sized grain of salt Dr. Gerber's assertions regarding the proclivities of the healer caste of Atlantis, the validity of "channeled information" from psychics (a key source), reincarnation as a source of physical ailments, and the reality of various astral and higher spiritual life forms. Nonetheless, he deserves great credit for the effort and intelligence with which he has assembled and explained the therapies and theories of this fascinating and vitally important field.

The first good try to explain Esoteric Medicine
Dr Gerber, in a very easy and plain language, slowly introduces us to the fantastic world of vibrations, base structure of all matter. His book is a must for anyone dealing with vibration medicine, be it hand healing, dousing or any kind of acupuncture or Homeopathic medicine. He doesn't try to fool you, he tries with enormous patience and knowledge to explain the up to know unexplainable by way of the most recent knowledge of Quanta Theory and recent experiences. A big bravo for Dr. Gerber effort to try to take up to the front light and analyze based on the most recent science data, those up to know so bad named medicines.

Jose de Faria e Maya
Author of "Specks of Spirit" and others
http://www.josefariamaya.com/

Not bad for a beginning
This guy sure has a wild imagination for someone who claims to be a left-brain oriented person. At times, this book seems more like a sci-fi fantasy story rather than something written by a scientist. The author's great interest in building a bridge between science and mysticism is apparent. In the book, he refers to many scientific experiments and models that attempt to establish and explain the link between energy and matter. Furthermore, he explores many beliefs from different cultures, primarily eastern, that attempt to do the same.

It is obvious that amount of time and effort he put into the research of the subject matter is enormous. However, his knowledge of all these different pieces of the puzzle appears to be very superficial, especially in the scientific area. As a result, he makes assumptions that are based on nothing at all or seem illogical based on the research.

One of the statements that did not make sense to me is the homeopathic idea that the more you dilute a tincture, the more potent it becomes. Every living system (plants, animals, people) has physical as well as "etheric" body. Physical body is made up of matter and "etheric" body is made up of energy (or matter vibrating at a higher frequency). These bodies coexist in the same space, although "etheric" body appears to be larger. These bodies are connected to each other and influence each other. All of these are scientific facts. The "etheric" body can be seen by using "Cirilian photography." Furthermore, when there is an abnormality in one body, an abnormality in the other body can be seen as well.

Homeopaths claim that herbal medicine treats an illness by treating the "etheric" body, which then causes changes to the physical body. The way it works, the book claims, is that "etheric" body of plants cause changes to "etheric" body of an ill person. Although this assumption is unsubstantiated, it does not seem unreasonable. However, the book claims that the most diluted homeopathic remedy is the most potent one. Often, these tinctures are so diluted that they contain no trace of the plant substance at all. Now, how can there by "etheric" body of a plant in a tincture without the plant's physical body?

I realize that the book deals with an extremely difficult subject matter, and I appreciate the author's courage in exploring it. It appears that our modern science has reached a limit of how much it can explain about who we are and where we fit in. However, it is no excuse to come up with outlandish theories that make no logical sense. In the next edition of the book, I'd like the author to provide more support for his conclusions.

LANDMARK WORK ON HEALING THERAPIES
Gerber provides a new scientific paradigm that strongly supports what spiritual healers have known for millennia. It explains this knowledge of the energy body in scientific terms that permits us to make a graceful transition from the Newtonian concept of health to the wholeness of the Einsteinian quantum worldview. As such it is a serious investigation of the etheric and a development of an etheric material science to balance the current physical material science. Based on the fact that the body consists of electrical vibrations, Gerber's theories act as a conceptual bridge between allopathic and subtle-energy medicine. It includes an exhaustive treatment of homeopathy, Bach Flower Remedies, acupuncture, crystal healing, electrotherapy, radiology, radionics and psychic healing. Chapters include: The Einsteinian View of Living Systems; X-Rays and the Beginning of Vibrational Medicine; Frequency and Subtle Planes of Matter; Subtle Energy Systems and their Relevance to Ancient Approaches to Healing; Modern Investigations into Psychic Healing; Healing Qualities of Gems and Stones; The Chakras; Holistic Healing and Paradigm Shifts; Recent Developments in Vibrational Medicine, including Healing with Sound, and Electromagnetic Healing Devices. Not only is this book a welcome new approach to modern healthcare, but at the same time a wonderful reference work on energy healing. It concludes with a glossary, recommended reading list, resource guide, list of diagrammes and an index. ... Read more

Book Description

The secrets of color vibration healing. A practitioner's manual for restoring blocked energy to the body systems with specific color wave lengths. By the founder of The 49th Vibrational Technique. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Color Medicine
It's a well written book, but so it should be, based on all the information that is taken from Dinshahs'initial work on light therapy over 50 years ago. You can get copies of Dinshahs' material "cheap" from their website... Dinshahs' work was well ahead of its time. It's too bad certain organizations are"still" threatened by his work even though it was an array of doctors who had written most of the original testimonials backing up his work. "Color Medicine" is mostly Dinshahs' work with some good added info. on the healing powers of sound. It's nice to know a modern book acknowledges Dinshahs' work as opposed to many other "Color" books that don't.

Color Medicine
Excellent book. Easy to understand and use.

Short and to the point.
This book expains color and it's use for healing. How colors effect us, and how they can be used for the betterment of man. What I really like about this book is that he tells specifically how to use color for healing. Alot of books just give you theory, without instructions on how to accomplish, what is being talked about. ... Read more

Book Description

Can't say no to fattening foods, alcohol or compulsive behaviors?

You're not lazy, self-indulgent or undisciplined; you may be one of the millions of people who are sugar sensitive. Many people who suffer from sugar sensitivity don't even know it; they continue to consume large quantities of sweets, breads, pasta or alcohol. These foods can trigger feelings of exhaustion and low self-esteem, yet their biochemical impact makes sugar-sensitive people crave them even more. This vicious cycle can continue for years, leaving sufferers overweight, fatigued, depressed and sometimes alcoholic.

Now there is a solution: in Potatoes Not Prozac Dr. Kathleen DesMaisons gives you the tools you need to overcome sugar dependency, with self-tests to determine your sugar sensitivity as well as an easy-to-follow, drug-free program with a customized diet high in protein and complex carbohydrates. Join the thousands of people who have successfully healed their addiction to sugar, lost weight and attained maximum health and well-being by using Dr. DesMaisons's innovative plan. ... Read more

Reviews (116)

This book presents a life changing plan
Potatoes Not Prozac is a program with answers that will change lives. Dr. DesMaisons has created a nationally recognized program which not only has an impressive 92% success rate helping alcoholics to stay sober, but also boasts an incredible track record helping sugar and carbohydrate sensitive people finally kick the sugar habit for good. Different from Sugar Busters, this program gently outlines a simple seven step eating plan which will carefully and easily stabilize brain chemistry without causing suffering from cravings and hunger. When the steps are followed in the order presented, the resulting effect is a feeling of radiance and energy and good feelings that must be experienced to be believed. This simple eating program changes lives. Reading this book and following the program has changed mine. Potatoes Not Prozac is one of the most positive life-changing books that I have ever read. I recommend it highly to everyone.

I almost judged this book by its cover...
... as I roundly despise health-fad-type books. Also, as a person repeatedly diagnosed with depression, I resent the notion that I am a generation X moron taking "happy pills" to be trendy - antidepressant medication can be a legitimate medical choice.

So I was ticked off by the title, but I managed to open the book and start reading, and I really appreciate the friendly tone the author uses. And I must admit that her descriptions of imbalance due to sugar sensitivity rang true to me.

I am NOT going to throw out my medication, but I am looking forward to using the information and suggestions from this book to improve my physical health and overall well-being. Who cares if the ideas are "original" - for me, and obviously many others, they came at an opportune time and in a voice that I can listen to.

Thanks Mom for lending this book to me!

This Book Has Helped Change 34 Years Of Disorded Eating!
I have always battled with eating sweets. I struggled with eating sweets between meals and right after eating a meal - even though I was full. I used to eat cake and cookies for breakfast and lunch. My favorite part of a meal was dessert! For the first time in my life, I actually am not craving sugary sweets after most of my meals. I am only on step 2 of this book, but I am already experiencing some wonderful and freeing changes! This book pointed out that I don't have to snack between meals - because it will encourage me to "graze" throughout the day and it's true. I have been able to actually not snack (most of the time) between meals and experience true hunger when it's time to eat (as long as it doesn't exceed 5 hours). Not grazing has helped me a lot.

Though I am only on step 2 (read the book and you'll see why), I am already cutting down the white stuff - bread, pasta, rice and replacing it with brown. I had some strawberries for a dessert the other day and actually enjoyed them without sugar. That's the first time I ever did that. I used to coat them in sugar. I usually do not like water, but am learning to sip on it between meals and it is helping me not snack as it gives me a little feeling of something in my belly. I am also tasting food better and fuller now.

The only time I struggle with binging on sweets is when I'm lonely or anxious! That's when it's tough and sometimes I give in. The good news is, it is easier for me to get back on track after I've "messed up." I still crave the sweets because I have "primed the pump" by having sugar. However, because I was in a daily habit of lowering my sugar intake, it was easier to get back on track.

This is a very gradual book. She doesn't push you into anything and encourages you to take your time even if you are at a step for several months (like me). But I can testify that even though I have been at step 2 for 2 months now, I am making progress.

Sugar was my friend and I couldn't go through this process until I was ready to refine my relationship with it. But when I was ready, this was the book to see me through. Give it a shot, you may experience a transformed way of life and eating that you've never known.

Clear, Simple, Brilliant and Powerful
"Potatoes not Prozac" is a cutesy name for a truly wonderful book that will help millions of people heal their bodies and their lives. Her concept of "sugar sensitivity" and her 7-step treatment plan will enable readers to understand and recover from addiction to foods, drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes. People who have failed repeatedly at sobriety or weight loss can succeed with this plan, as thousands have already.

Kathleen des Maisons learned about the importance of sugar through her work as a drug and alcohol treatment counselor. She was having the usual low success rate in helping people stay off alcohol. Then she discovered how certain foods lead to addiction to alcohol and drugs, as well as being addictive themselves.

She found that nearly all alcoholics lived largely on pasta, white breads and sweet things. She knew what they were suffering. Her own father drank himself to death at age 51, and she herself weighed 240 pounds and had had problems with drinking. When she discovered the benefits of a diet high in protein and vegetables for herself, she started using it with her clients. Her success rates soared, even with the hardest cases.

She realized that addictive behavior has a lot to do with food, and that sugar was the primary culprit. She believes that some people are born "sugar-sensitive," which means they don't have enough serotonin or beta-endorphin in their brains. Serotonin and beta-endorphin make us feel secure, stable, confident, cheerful. If you have low levels of these chemicals, you are likely to feel badly.

Sugar and alcohol raise your serotonin and beta-endorphin levels. So they make you feel better and more energetic, especially if your levels were low to start with. Unfortunately, eating concentrated sugars or refined carbohydrates causes a rebound effect. Your sugars levels drop quickly, you feel worse than before, and you need more sugar, caffeine or alcohol to pick back up.

Pretty soon you're addicted. You feel alternately great and miserable. The sugar swings stress your adrenal glands. You blame yourself for being out of control and unfocused, for putting on weight or drinking, but actually it's the sugar. It's a physical problem, although emotions do play a part.

Getting off sugar is difficult. Our food supply is awash in sugars and simple carbs. They can't be avoided. Des Maisons gives us a practical strategy based on 12-step recovery programs. Her seven steps are
1. Keep a food journal every day
2. Eat three meals a day at regular intervals
3. Take Vitamin C, B complex, and zinc
4. Eat enough protein at each meal
5. Move from simple to complex carbohydrates, or from "white foods" to "brown" and "green" foods. "Brown" refers to things like whole grains and beans. "Green" means vegetables, of whatever color.
6. Reduce or eliminate sugars (including alcohol)
7. Create a plan for maintenance.

She doesn't spell out a diet or recommend a lot of supplements or medications. She says that, using her steps, each person can figure out for herself what is best for her body to eat. She wants you to go through the 7 steps slowly, not to get impatient and rush ahead. The idea is to build a better relationship with your body and with food, to learn how food relates to your physical and emotional feelings.

Des Maisons writes with a compassion that comes from living with sugar addiction herself. Chapter 3 is called, "It's Not Your Fault." (I also use that title in my book, "The Art of Getting Well: Maximizing Health When You Have a Chronic Illness.") Her plan is based on "abundance, not deprivation." This means you focus more on adding good things (foods, exercise, prayer, pleasure etc), rather than giving things up. She keeps telling us to be gentle with ourselves, to focus on "progress, not perfection." She also has a great sense of humor and an apparent affection for potatoes.

"Potatoes not Prozac" also gives a very clear explanation of the biochemistry of addiction. She explains how serotonin and beta-endorphin are produced, get to the brain, and are regulated there, and how our food affects all those processes. She cites more than 50 studies in support of her ideas, although most of them are animal studies.

I disagree with Des Maisons on a couple of points. I don't think sugar-sensitivity is all in your genes. Your early environment, including the environment in your mother's uterus, makes a big difference. Also, I'm pretty sure that too much stress or too sugary a diet at any time in your life can create sugar-sensitivity or something very much like it.

I would have liked to see more on why, where, and how to get help. She mentions the need for support several times, but doesn't give much specific advice on finding it or asking for it. Reading The Art of Getting Well or Cheri Register's "The Chronic Illness Experience" will give you those skills. I also would have liked to see more on exercise. Des Maisons pretty much just says, "go do it!" Hopefully, that will be good enough for you, because physical activity is just as important as diet change, in my experience.

But these are small complaints. The author's brilliant insights into sugar and addiction, her clear explanations of difficult concepts, her simple but effective treatment plan, and her generous and positive spirit make this book a treasure that can help with a wide variety of health and life issues. It's wonderful.

David Spero RN wwwdotdavidsperoRNdotcom

Good start to a healthy way of living....
POTATOES NOT PROZAC is a great book as far as I am concerned because it nicely compliments THE INSULIN RESISTANCE DIET that I have been following for more than a year. DesMaisons is an expert in addiction nutrition, and she has much to say about sugar. Her book provides a good deal of 'technical' information about how sugar interacts with bodily functions and produces unwanted feelings- both physical and emotional. You may get a high from a sugar "hit" but it's sure to be followed by a letdown. In addition, over the long haul, you are likely to find your body is not behaving well. DesMaisons uses the analogy of the fire fighter who is called out night after night and is finally so exhausted he cannot perform.

I particularly like the "Impact" indexes DesMaisons has developed for white, brown, and green foods. She ranks cereals (Cheerios may not be so bad after all), fruits (forget raisons), and vegetables (can you really become addicted to carrots?). These lists are not exhaustive - for example I missed grapefruit and okra, but they are a beginning guide.

One shortcoming of the book is the dearth of examples regarding appropriate food combinations. She does say to avoid combining protein (dairy, such as a nice glass of milk) with that baked potato you are supposed to eat before bed. I can't eat a baked potato without milk (besides it produces perfect protein). Her point though, is that to produce serotonin in the brain, you need to ingest something with complex carbohydrates (sugar) that will work on the protein you ate earlier in the evening. She offers substitutes for the potato such as oatmeal which will go down nicely with butter and a dash of brown sugar.

DesMaisons offers a seven-step plan that includes eating three meals a day. She admits further on in her book that she knows eating three meals a day is impossible for some people. It sure is for me. I eat breakfast at my desk at 6:30 a.m. (yogurt and fruit) and I don't eat lunch until 1:30 p.m. I need that mid-morning snack of celery and peanut butter. She says snacks can be okay, but they should not be full of sugar. ... Read more

Book Description

Craniosacral Therapy II: Beyond the Dura marks yet another step in understanding the craniosacral system and its significance in the clinic. Building on concepts set forth in his pioneering work Cranioscacral Therapy, Dr. Upledger further explores the anatomical and physiological bases and clinical implications of several important aspects of the craniosacral system.

The first chapter looks at the cranial nerves and how they can be effectively influenced by craniosacral therapy. In the second chapter, the author, through words and pictures, dissects the fascial anatomy of the neck from the perspective of the craniosacral system. Chapter 3 scrutinizes the temporomandibular joint and TMJ syndrome. The final chapter focuses on those concepts and discoveries which have unfolded in Dr. Upledger's clinical practice since the publication of his first book.

Rounding out this volume is an extensive glossary of technical terms and concepts related to the theory and practice of craniosacral therapy. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Not a simple read!
This book is not so much a book on Craniosacral therapy technique as an indepth anatomy textbook. Upledger explores in great detail each of the cranial nerves, the structure of the neck (focusing much attention on the hyoid bone), and the TMJ. He uses medical terminology and an information-dense writing style. Fortunately, there are well labeled diagrams on nearly every page to correspond with the text and illustrate what is being discussed. I found several useful pieces of information to improve the use of Craniosacral therapy with my clients, but I had to search to find these pieces. This is a book I will have to read over and over--not necessarily because I enjoyed the book, but because it has so much information it is difficult to absorb in one reading. I recommend the book if Craniosacral work is a significant part of your bodywork practice and you need more information for working in clinical situations. Be warned! It is not a book you can just keep on your shelf and pull out to quickly look something up in the middle of a therapy session. It is a book to be studied. ... Read more

Book Description

Frank Navratil's new book on Iris Diagnosis, "For Your Eyes Only" is a comprehensive, easy to understand study of Iridology, with over 200 colour slides plus diagrams and case studies for the beginner or advanced Iridology student/health professional. This book has been translated into several languages and is currently selling in Europe, America and Canada. "For Your Eyes Only" is one of the best books of its kind on the subject of Iridology. It is hardcover, full color on the best quality paper, 158 pages. ISBN: 80-238-7220-6.

The best of this book includes:
Genetic Iris Constitutions
Eye colors and what they mean
Iris maps
A complete study of iridology
Over 200 color plates of iris, pupil and sclera signs
Real case studies
Iridology and all the major body systems
How to find the root of disease
Psychological signs found in the iris
The essential processes of life
Natural healing methods
Diet and lifestyle changes for a long and healthy life ... Read more

Reviews (4)

the best iridology book I have ever read
this book not only explains and teaches the art of iridology but it so inspirational in terms of natural healing. I enjoyed every part of it and could not put it down once I started. A must read if you are into iridology or natural medicine. Frank Navratil writes in such a straight forward way that anyone can understand. The book is also excellent with hundreds of color pictures. I sincerely recommend this book as well as his others.

Excellent iridology resource
An excellent resource for the beginner or advanced iridology student. It is full of hundreds of iris images and is written extremely well. It is one of the best books on iridology that I have ever read and I have read most of them that are available.
I sincerely recommend it.

The most fascinating report of Iridology that I have ever re
Frank Navratil in his book on Iridology clearly explains to the beginner or advanced iridologist the importance of iridology as a diagnostic method. I have read many books on Iridology, I sincerely recommend this one. It has hundreds of iris photographs that are marked with various signs and there are also healing methods and lifestyle advice. Don't miss this one if you are interested in Iridology.

Best book on iridology in the world
This book offered a clear and step-by step description of iridology and what can be seen in the eye. The author Frank Navratil BSc. N.D. shows how wonderful the art and science of iridology is and what it can reveal about our health. I was amazed at what the eye reveals.
One of the best books on iridology that I have read and I have read many. Certainly a must for any therapist working in iridology or anyone new to this fantastic science and miracle of natural medicine. ... Read more

Book Description

For centuries, the Chinese exercise system called Chi Kung has been shrouded in secrecy. The Way of Energy is the first comprehensive guide to the most powerful form of Chi Kung ever developed -- "standing like a tree".

A gentle, yet profoundly beneficial form of exercise, which requires very little movement, this form of Chi Kung unlocks deep reserves of energy builds internal stamina, strengthens immunity, relieves chronic illness, and promotes the natural regeneration of the nervous system.

Using step-by-step instructions and more than 100 drawings and full-color photographs, The Way of Energy tells how to:
* perform the entire sequence of rejuvenating positions
* combat stress by practicing Chi Kung while standing, sitting, working, playing, and even sleeping
* prevent and treat a wide range of common ailments

Continuing our best-selling series of books for mind and body which includes The Sivananda Companion to Yoga, The Dance Workshop, and The Book of Stress Survival, The Way of Energy will help you achieve physical fitness, mental clarity, and a profound inner strength and vitality. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Don't be fooled.
The exercises in this book look so simple, that they can't possibly be effective - WRONG! Having practised Qigong and TaiChi for several years now, this is one technique that has definitely worked for me - I have a lot more energy and my immune system is stronger than ever. But to get results - you have to practice regulary/daily. I'm just as guilty sometimes, but believe me, try this daily for a couple of months and you'll be sold. But remember that to learn properly you should find yourself a good teacher. Otherwise it's like learning to ride a bike from a book...but a great introduction and you'll have those stabilers off your bike in no time!

A beginner's golden guide
This book has become a "golden guide" to beginning qigong (energy-work) training and the simple but powerful standing exercises developed by the great Internal Arts master Wang Zhang Zhai at the beginning of the last century. It is not only easy to follow and learn but the exercises are safe to practice if following author guidelines. It is also a historical find for students of "stake standing" (Zhan Zhuang-JAN-JOONG)since it recaps efforts in this direction for centuries. I have used this book and recommended it to classes of martial arts students and health enthusiasts since it's publication. One of the best buys in paperback in the entire field.

High volume, low content
Standing meditation is hard to practice, and even harder
to teach, because zhan zhuang is a path of self-discovery,
not of "knowledge-transfer".

The technique is so simple that just several lessons (or
a few pages of explanations) cover it all. Now what? Now
the student has to practice, practice and practice again to
understand what he had been taught. The teacher DOES know
much more than the student, but his understanding can't be
"passed", "transferred" or taught in any way -- not even
by reading books :-)

So when you buy a 200 page book that explains only standing
meditation, prepare to find there 10 to 20 pages of useful
information, and a lot of "filler" -- inspirational poetry,
beautiful photographs, history and propaganda. The filler
is of good quality, but the content could be summarized on
just a few pages.

Interested in Actually Practicing Chi Kung? Buy This Book!
If you are willing to get off the sofa and experience the power of Chi, this is the volume you need to get started. There is no fluff, just direct instructions and vital guidance. A great, simply-written, and immensely useful book.

A fantastic use of trees!
This is an awesome book, and I have seen many of its type. "The Way of Energy" stands out significantly.

For starters, the book is beautifully rendered: the high-quality binding, the more expensive thick, "shiny" pages, the readability of the text, the wonderful pictures and drawings- all are first rate. Whoever did the layout and graphic design on this book did an amazing job. It is a pleasure to hold, read and refer to.

Of course, all of this means nothing if the contents don't measure up, but the writing and explanations are as clear and thorough as the book is beautiful. Master Lam obviously knows what he's talking about, and even though I study standing meditation under a very skilled instructor, the book still offered me tidbits of information that nicely supplemented (as well as supported) my in-class instruction. It wasn't just a repeat of what I thought I already knew.

The pictures of Master Lam in each position are beautifully photographed, and make the correct execution of the form crystal clear. I especially appreciated the chapter explaining the physical problems one might (and probably will) experience when starting to learn to "stand like a tree," complete with a chart showing what percentage of people experienced each symptom. (I was very relieved to learn that the pain I have been experiencing lately in an old wound is a common side-affect of beginning this energy work!) In fact, the disclosure that pain is indeed to be expected encouraged me to push through it rather than decide that standing meditation "wasn't for me." The book makes clear the many benefits of daily practice, and Master Lam is a living example of them.

In addition to the many photographs and drawings showing proper form, scattered throughout the book are artful photographs of trees and poems about trees that nicely set a meditative mood.

I highly recommend this masterful work to anyone interested in the internal martial arts, or in meditation in general. It is solely responsible for getting me to practice every day, and I am already seeing (and feeling) the results. ... Read more