Rating: 
Summary: A fresh approach to emotional healing
Review: This book provides some useful insights and empirical data concerning the importance and efficacy of mind-body "alternative" approaches to relieving mental health difficulties. It focuses on the importance of the subconscious mind and related brain hemisphere in the nature of these issues, explaining why conventional approaches may have limited utility in addressing issues that are embedded in a realm that is not addressed by standard therapies. This book examines Chi/Qi-based therapies, EMDR, nutritional therapies, and other common holistic approaches that have helped many resolve emotional issues and distress. This book is an important contribution, although it is somewhat restrained in getting to the heart of certain matters. It does not really address the issue of whether the mind is a metaphysical construct that merely uses the brain as an interface or is a product of the brain [parapsychology research and related scientific investigations have clearly shown that the mind is not a product of the brain]. It also fails to meaningfully consider the possible hazards and ethical violations associated with drug treatments for mental health issues, as most health care professionals are reluctant to admit that what they have been practicing may contribute to unnecessary harmful effects for patients. This book, coming from a physician who has been immersed in the worlds of both modern western medicine and various old and new techniques of holistic medicine, should be a wake up call for many physicians and mental health professionals. With psychotherapies being not any more beneficial than having regular support from caring laypersons and drug therapies merely suppressing symptoms and often presenting further confusion and hazards to an already disturbed mind-body system, it is important for people to become aware of a more sound, holistic understanding of mental health treatment, which includes some simple techniques and interventions that don't even require an outside professional to apply. The present dominant mental health system often uses extensive and costly resources to maintain problems rather than to resolve them - isn't it a wonderful idea to make changes that would empower and heal patients while lowering health care costs?
Rating:
Summary: A fresh approach to emotional healing
Review: This book provides some useful insights and empirical data concerning the importance and efficacy of mind-body "alternative" approaches to relieving mental health difficulties. It focuses on the importance of the subconscious mind and related brain hemisphere in the nature of these issues, explaining why conventional approaches may have limited utility in addressing issues that are embedded in a realm that is not addressed by standard therapies. This book examines Chi/Qi-based therapies, EMDR, nutritional therapies, and other common holistic approaches that have helped many resolve emotional issues and distress. This book is an important contribution, although it is somewhat restrained in getting to the heart of certain matters. It does not really address the issue of whether the mind is a metaphysical construct that merely uses the brain as an interface or is a product of the brain [parapsychology research and related scientific investigations have clearly shown that the mind is not a product of the brain]. It also fails to meaningfully consider the possible hazards and ethical violations associated with drug treatments for mental health issues, as most health care professionals are reluctant to admit that what they have been practicing may contribute to unnecessary harmful effects for patients. This book, coming from a physician who has been immersed in the worlds of both modern western medicine and various old and new techniques of holistic medicine, should be a wake up call for many physicians and mental health professionals. With psychotherapies being not any more beneficial than having regular support from caring laypersons and drug therapies merely suppressing symptoms and often presenting further confusion and hazards to an already disturbed mind-body system, it is important for people to become aware of a more sound, holistic understanding of mental health treatment, which includes some simple techniques and interventions that don't even require an outside professional to apply. The present dominant mental health system often uses extensive and costly resources to maintain problems rather than to resolve them - isn't it a wonderful idea to make changes that would empower and heal patients while lowering health care costs?
Rating: 
Summary: well-done holistic alternatives to the chemical solution
Review: With millions of Americans suffering from stress, anxiety and depression, Dr. David Servan-Schreiber offers seven holistic alternatives to the usual chemical-baring the soul solution. Using his work as a Doctors without Borders participant where economics forces non cost solutions, Dr. Servan-Schreiber provides other possibilities that he has observed work. Though anecdotal and the author agrees greater scientific testing should occur, he combines his observation with data in an easy to follow and even easier to use format. Readers learn about Qi (acupuncture), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, dawn simulation, heart coherence and nutrition, etc. As in the third world nations, economics plays a vital role in American as Dr. Servan-Schreiber feels many of these stand-ins are not given a chance because there is not a lot of money to be made on them. Adding a chapter on the importance of and improving personal communication in any relationship (including with one's self - "to thine own self be true"), readers receive a terrific constructive and effective reference book that offers help to those who find drugs and chit chat failing.Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: well-done holistic alternatives to the chemical solution
Review: With millions of Americans suffering from stress, anxiety and depression, Dr. David Servan-Schreiber offers seven holistic alternatives to the usual chemical-baring the soul solution. Using his work as a Doctors without Borders participant where economics forces non cost solutions, Dr. Servan-Schreiber provides other possibilities that he has observed work. Though anecdotal and the author agrees greater scientific testing should occur, he combines his observation with data in an easy to follow and even easier to use format. Readers learn about Qi (acupuncture), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, dawn simulation, heart coherence and nutrition, etc. As in the third world nations, economics plays a vital role in American as Dr. Servan-Schreiber feels many of these stand-ins are not given a chance because there is not a lot of money to be made on them. Adding a chapter on the importance of and improving personal communication in any relationship (including with one's self - "to thine own self be true"), readers receive a terrific constructive and effective reference book that offers help to those who find drugs and chit chat failing. Harriet Klausner
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