The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy might be the best aromatherapy book available anywhere. And, it just got better!

The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, Revised and Expanded is a necessary resource for anyone interested in alternative approaches to healing and lifestyle. This new edition contains more than 800 easy-to-follow recipes for essential oil treatments from Valerie Ann Worwood, a consultant and expert on the clinical uses of essential oils internationally.

In her clear and positive voice, Worwood provides tools to address a variety of health issues, including specific advice for children, women, men, and seniors. This aromatheraphy book also covers self-defense against microbes and contaminants, emotional challenges, care for the home and workplace, and applications for athletes, dancers, travelers, cooks, gardeners, and animal lovers. Worwood also offers us her expertise in the use of essential oils in beauty and spa treatments, plus profiles of 125 essential oils, 37 carrier oils, and more.

Since the publication of the first edition of this book 25 years ago, the positive impact of essential oil use has become increasingly recognized, as scientific researchers throughout the world have explored essential oils and their constituents for their unique properties and uses.

This is a full-color laminated poster. The mudras, 'seal, sign' in sanskrit, are specific positions of the hands originally symbolizing, in the Indian spiritual paintings and sculptures, a mental attitude of Buddha or powers of divinities. The mudras are sacred but not only symbolic: they also have a beneficial energetic effect on the body and the spirit. This chart explains how to use them, gives original information about the elements associated to each finger and the mudras working with each of the seven main chakras. You will find at the back of the chart the description and use of the 14 best known and most useful mudras.

Here is an informative collection of peer-reviewed chapters on new and innovative holistic approaches to treat contemporary lifestyle diseases. The volume discusses the basics of holistic medicine along with detailed explanations of lifestyle diseases such as various types of cancers, health problems due to overnight mobile telephone usage, AIDS, arthritis, and asthma. The book also advocates several effective strategies that use a combination of nontraditional treatment approaches. The chapters discuss medicinal mushrooms in cancer therapy, employing Ayurveda to treat obesity, treating AIDS by using gene therapy and gene editing technology, and more. This volume will be of interest to open-minded and forward-thinking scientists, researchers, doctors, and other healthcare experts worldwide who endeavor to employ new holistic approaches for the treatment of contemporary lifestyle health issues.

Around the turn of the twentieth century, disorders that Chinese physicians had been writing about for over a millennium acquired new identities in Western medicine-sudden turmoil became cholera; flowers of heaven became smallpox; and foot qi became beriberi. Historians have tended to present these new identities as revelations, overlooking evidence that challenges Western ideas about these conditions. In Forgotten Disease, Hilary A. Smith argues that, by privileging nineteenth century sources, we misrepresent what traditional Chinese doctors were seeing and doing, therefore unfairly viewing their medicine as inferior. Drawing on a wide array of sources, ranging from early Chinese classics to modern scientific research, Smith traces the history of one representative case, foot qi, from the fourth century to the present day. She examines the shifting meanings of disease over time, showing that each transformation reflects the social, political, intellectual, and economic environment. The breathtaking scope of this story offers insights into the world of early Chinese doctors and how their ideas about health, illness, and the body were developing far before the advent of modern medicine. Smith highlights the fact that modern conceptions of these ancient diseases create the impression that the West saved the Chinese from age-old afflictions, when the reality is that many prominent diseases in China were actually brought over as a result of imperialism. She invites the reader to reimagine a history of Chinese medicine that celebrates its complexity and nuance, rather than uncritically disdaining this dynamic form of healing.

Drawing on indigenous and scientific knowledge of medicinal plants, Traditional Herbal Therapy for the Human Immune System presents the protective and therapeutic potential of plant-based drinks, supplements, nutraceuticals, synergy food, superfoods, and other products. Medicinal plants and their products can affect the immune system and act as immunomodulators. Medicinal plants are popularly used in folk medicine to accelerate the human immune defence and improve body reactions against infectious or exogenous injuries, as well as to suppress the abnormal immune response occurring in immune disorders. This book explains how medicinal plants can act as a source of vitamins and improve body functions such as enhanced oxygen circulation, maintained blood pressure and improved mood. It also outlines how specific properties of certain plants can help boost the immune system of humans with cancer, HIV, and COVID-19. Key features: Provides specific information on how to accelerate and or fortify the human immune system by using medicinal plants. Presents scientific understanding of herbs, shrubs, climbers and trees and their potential uses in conventional and herbal medicine systems. Discusses the specific role of herbal plants that act as antiviral and antibacterial agents and offer boosted immunity for cancer, H1N1 virus, relieving swine flu, HIV and COVID-19 patients. Part of the Exploring Medicinal Plants series, this book is useful for researchers and students, as well as policy makers and people working in industry, who have an interest in plant-derived medications.

This groundbreaking work calls for the overhaul of traditional Ayurveda and its transformation into a progressive, evidence-based practice. This book begins by looking back at the research of the last three centuries, Indian medicinal plants, and Ayurveda in a twenty-first-century context. The first part of this book explores the limitations of contemporary Ayurvedic pharmacognosy and pharmacology, discussing the challenges the practice faces from research and clinical trials. It makes a compelling argument for the necessity of change. The second part of the book defines and elaborates upon a new, scientific path, taking the reader from identification of the herb through all stages of drug development. An essential tool for herbal drug development, this text is designed for knowledgeable students, practitioners, and scholars of Ayurveda, pharmacy, and herbal medicine.

There's an old Chinese proverb which states, "Optimism will help you forget sorrow." It is widely believed that an optimistic, stable mood and mental balance calms the body's vital energies and spirit, aiding in the circulation of blood and Qi, thus improving health. Throughout China's long history, ancient medical texts provided valuable advice on the subject of health: physical, emotional and spiritual. Isn't it time you made use of this wisdom of the sages in your everyday life? Now you can with this user-friendly guide (a re-edited edition originally published by a university press in China). to maintaining your health through Qigong and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Learn to lead a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life not only for yourself, but for your entire family. Traditional Chinese Health Secrets can show you the way. * Includes Easy-to-Follow Remedies & Herbal Recipes for General Health, and Healing Specific Ailments & Injuries.* Add Years to your Life and Expand your Mental & Physical Capabilities.* Learn to Apply Yin/Yang, Five Flavors and Six Sensations Theory to your Diet.* Simple to Practice and Easy to Learn!

Essential oils, known for their healing properties as far back as ancient Mesopotamia and Babylonia, have reached their zenith in Madagascar, says Dr. Georges M. Halpern, author of The Healing Trail: Essential Oils of Madagascar. This interesting, informative, and clearly written new book is well-documented, with entertaining historical stories sprinkled throughout, including how eighteenth-century botanists succeeded in making this land a garden for botanical study. Madagascar, the planet's fourth largest island, has long been famous for the individuality of its flora and fauna, and for the essential oils that many consider the best in the world. This book explains why and tells us what makes these oils so potent and effective. It details their use in aromatherapy, a healing method almost as old as medicine itself, and their many benefits to the perfume, cosmetic, and food industries; it describes the successful efforts of villagers to create a sustainable economy around them without having to cut down the rainforest, and offers practical advice for people wishing to visit this lushly beautiful island, "the naturalist's promised land." Dr. Halpern gives the history and the chemical and botanical makeup of eight essential oils (for example, tropical basil, cinnamon leaf and bark, geranium leaf, ginger, and vanilla) and tells how they are best used to promote physical and emotional health. We learn where they are grown on the island, how they are cultivated, what studies are being conducted, and what scientists believe might be future uses for them.

The Healing Trail: Essential Oils of Madagascar is an essential resource for learning how the unique aspects of this island have coalescedto create superior essential oils like no others on earth, and how these oils can be put to use for maximum benefit.

Due to their educational framework, physicians are conditioned to understand the effects of pharmaceutical medications, drugs, and have little or no training in working with herbal preparations. This limits their understanding of how cannabis operates in the body, especially regarding risks and benefits. This books explains this information to healthcare practitioners. The era of cannabis use by consumers worldwide is ever increasing. To date almost fifty countries worldwide have approved some form of cannabis as a medical therapy, and legalization for all adults is now approved in 10 states in the US, and Canada. That's close to 200 million people worldwide, with up to 100 million in the US. 50 million US citizens are using cannabis currently. Knowing how to use it safely is a much-needed form of health promotion. Opioid use declines in states which have approved "medical marijuana." Use of cannabis to reduce opiate consumption is a current harm reduction method. Serves as a resource text for the newly emerging college level courses on medical cannabis.

Two popular practices--crystal and energy healing--in one great, expert handbook! Krista Mitchell (Change Your Energy) is a master at crystal healing, and with Crystal Reiki, she has created a handbook for practitioners both amateur and professional. This hot new technique combines crystal layouts with energy healing to treat a variety of ailments. Fully illustrated and easy to use, this comprehensive guide teaches the fundamentals of working with crystals and chakras; explains how healers should prepare themselves, their space, and their tools; covers four levels of healing that include auras, body, mind, and spirit; and stresses the importance of self-care for healers themselves.

Written specifically for the conventional medical healthcare provider, Medicinal Herbs in Primary Care forms an integral part of the primary care tool belt. Through a series of system-based disease tables, this unique title provides quick, authoritative guidance for the busy practitioner whose patient is requesting guidance on medicinal herbs. The disease tables are supported by herbal monographs that provide expanded details of the available preclinical and clinical evidence laid out in a system-based sequence. Together with the section on herbal basics, this practical reference contains the information today's medical healthcare providers need to develop familiarity with and confidence in the prescription of medicinal herbs. Provides quick answers and evidence-based prescribing guidance for medicinal herbs while also addressing complexities and co-morbidities in patient care. Features 48 system-based disease tables that identify herbs based on strength of evidence and indicate the scope of potential benefits for other conditions the patient may have. Includes 55 monographs for the most common medicinal herbs, with safety and precaution guidelines, summaries of preclinical and clinical trials, chemical constituents and actions, and prescription options for each. Contains an introductory section on the basics of medicinal herbs that dispels common misconceptions regarding herbal medicine. Discusses key topics such as herb-drug interactions, and includes information on SARS-COV-2 where appropriate. Uses typical medical abbreviations throughout for ease of use, and provides a glossary of terms for non-medical and alternative health care providers. Helps conventional medical practitioners partner with patients to determine safe herbal options when appropriate, and ensure safety and efficacy of herbal use. Enhanced eBook version included with purchase. Your enhanced eBook allows you to access all of the text, figures, and references from the book on a variety of devices.

Evidence-based Clinical Chinese Medicine provides a 'whole evidence' analysis of the Chinese medicine management of herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia. Evidence from the classical Chinese medicine literature, contemporary clinical literature, the outcomes of clinical trials and experimental studies are reviewed, analysed and synthesised. The data from all these sources are condensed to provide evidence-based statements which will inform clinical practice and guide future research.This book has been designed to be an easy reference at the point of care. During a patient consultation, Chinese medicine practitioners can refer to this book for guidance on which Chinese herbal medicine formulas, specific herbs, or acupuncture points, can best treat their patient, and be confident there is evidence which supports its use.Currently, Chinese medicine practitioners who develop a special interest in a particular health condition such as herpes zoster and its common sequelae post-herpetic neuralgia have to consult a variety of sources to further their knowledge. Typically, they use the contemporary clinical literature to understand the theory, aetiology, pathogenesis and obtain expert opinions on the Chinese medicine management of herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia. They search the electronic literature to identify systematic reviews of clinical trials, if any exist, to obtain assessments of the current state of the clinical evidence for particular interventions. If they have the skills and resources, they may search the classical Chinese medicine literature for an historical perspective on treatments that have stood the test of time.This book provides all of this information for practitioners in one handy, easy to use reference. This allows practitioners to focus on their job of providing high quality health care, with the knowledge it is based on the best available evidence.

Reclaim Your Soul: Your Path to Healing explores self-transformation. Many of us find ourselves suppressing emotions and falling victim to patterns of unhealthy behavior. We can live this way for decades in a half-baked existence, not knowing why meaninglessness plagues our days and leaves us feeling unsatisfied. The goal of this book is to immerse the reader in previously suppressed feelings. Readers will be able to liberate themselves and allow themselves to feel in order to heal successfully. The book also illuminates patterns that keep us stuck. Each vignette describes a way out of the morass and contributes to exponentially building our awareness. Reclaim Your Soul highlights patterns and feelings that serve to increase our strength and enrich our lives. Through this process, we can start to reach for dreams that uplift our soul and help us achieve our fullest potential.

This book is an extensively revised edition of a highly successful and comprehensive introductory manual for the use of clinical hypnosis in the treatment of medical and psychological problems and disorders. Written with the interests and needs of the doctor or dentist in mind, its practical and clear approach maintains the tradition of high-quality information and usefulness established in previous editions of this book. After exploring the theoretical and historical background to hypnosis, and key techniques and approaches, the book looks at specific clinical situations and problems in which hypnosis may have an impact, and offers specific practical management guidelines including possible scripts. Continues the level of excellence set in previous editions of Hartland Highly practical and accessible in its scope and approach Offers clear guidelines on key hypnosis techniques, plus safety considerations Overviews the psychodynamic, behavioural, cognitive, and humanistic approaches to psychotherapy for the unfamiliar reader Challenges traditional conceptions of hypnosis as a therapeutic medium and offers an eclectic framework based on mainstream cognitive-behavioural approaches Reviews all the main applications of hypnosis in medicine, dentistry and psychiatry and psychology, referring to evidence from clinical research Gives sample scripts which offer the reader a "springboard" to clinical practice Explores ethical issues in clinical practice, possible adverse effects (including the 'recovered memory' controversy), issues concerning lay practitioners and stage hypnosis with reference to the current literature. From the authors: This future edition builds on the traditional aims and scope of the very popular and successful Hartland's Includes more of a discussion of theory and research (clinical and academic) - with more informed summary of theoretical issues and a summary of evidence-based applications of hypnosis. This is important for professionals who wish to apply to their employees or funding bodies for financial assistance to train in hypnosis A more empirical approach, for the clinical application of hypnosis - the models that are used to justify the various uses of hypnosis are based on modern knowledge Eclectic therapeutic approaches - appealing for a wide range of schools but the main theoretical grounding will be "cognitive-behavioural" Easier to use - new structure of the topics and applications Anxiety, sleep, smoking, weight-loss, psychosomatic complaints, pain - applications for hypnosis for these conditions are presented in depth Hypnosis for areas which require highly specialist knowledge, training and experience - post-traumatic stress disorder, anorexia and bulimia nervosa, sexual abuse, severe personality disorder and others - is dealt with in summaries, giving extra references for the specialist reader Still an essential introductory text!

Withania is a genus of the nightshade family of flowering plants distributed in the subtropical regions from the Mediterranean to South East Asia. Only two species, W. somnifera and W. coagulans, are found in India. The most common species is W. somnifera (WS), which occurs naturally in the subtropical regions from the Mediterranean through Africa to the Middle East, the Indian Continent, Sri Lanka, South East Asia, subtropical America and Australia. It is a perennial shrub that grows to 75 cm (.75 m) tall with tomentose branches, oval yellowish green leaves, orange red berries and a papery calyx, and it survives harsher climatic conditions. In Ayurveda it is believed the plants which survive harsh conditions have strong healing and tonification properties. The main bioactive phytoconstituents of WS are withanolides (steroidal lactones), alkaloids, flavonoids, sterols, phenolics and others. Among the various withanolides, withanolide A, withaferin A, withanone and withanolide D are the most abundant, having various activities. WS is a wonder herb with a broad spectrum of pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, antiulcerogenic, antivenom, anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic, anticancer, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, anticancerous, antidiabetic, antitumor, hemopoetic neuroregenerative, immunomodulatory, cardioprotective, radio-sensitizing, rejuvenating, antistress, sedative, hypoglycemic, thyroprotective, adaptogenic, antispasmodic, immunomodulatory, immunostimulant and antiaging properties. The simultaneous quantitative analysis of six major bioactive withanolides in five varieties of WS and in different plant parts (root, stem and leaf) of WS was accomplished. This method is also applicable to control the quality of commercially formulated products which contain WS bioactive compounds. Results indicated the WS variety NMITLI-135 showed the maximum abundance of withanolides at pH 8.5, EC-0.5 dS m 1, ESP-13 in sodic soil. Our results showed this readily available, rapid and reliable method is suitable for the routine analysis and effective quality control of raw materials and finished products. FEATURES Presents a collection of Ayurvedic features and scientific analytical and pharmacological evidence of important medicinal plants of Withania somnifera Useful for natural product researchers, faculty, students and herbal product manufacturers Uses advanced hyphenated techniques for assessing phytoconstituents

Evidence-based Clinical Chinese Medicine provides a 'whole evidence' analysis of the Chinese medicine management of herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia. Evidence from the classical Chinese medicine literature, contemporary clinical literature, the outcomes of clinical trials and experimental studies are reviewed, analysed and synthesised. The data from all these sources are condensed to provide evidence-based statements which will inform clinical practice and guide future research.This book has been designed to be an easy reference at the point of care. During a patient consultation, Chinese medicine practitioners can refer to this book for guidance on which Chinese herbal medicine formulas, specific herbs, or acupuncture points, can best treat their patient, and be confident there is evidence which supports its use.Currently, Chinese medicine practitioners who develop a special interest in a particular health condition such as herpes zoster and its common sequelae post-herpetic neuralgia have to consult a variety of sources to further their knowledge. Typically, they use the contemporary clinical literature to understand the theory, aetiology, pathogenesis and obtain expert opinions on the Chinese medicine management of herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia. They search the electronic literature to identify systematic reviews of clinical trials, if any exist, to obtain assessments of the current state of the clinical evidence for particular interventions. If they have the skills and resources, they may search the classical Chinese medicine literature for an historical perspective on treatments that have stood the test of time.This book provides all of this information for practitioners in one handy, easy to use reference. This allows practitioners to focus on their job of providing high quality health care, with the knowledge it is based on the best available evidence.

A revised and refreshed edition of Culpeper's classic book on herbal remedies. "[An] updated and beautifully designed guide . . . " --Booklist For more than 360 years, Nicholas Culpeper's historic guide to herbal remedies has been THE definitive book on the subject. Culpeper, an English herbalist, is the author of the bestselling herbal guide of all time. He offered valuable and sometimes unusual advice on using, gathering, and preparing herbs. Now, this beautifully illustrated new edition, edited and with commentary by acclaimed US herbalist and bestselling author Steven Foster, combines the charm and information of Culpeper's original seventeenth-century text with up-to-date, modern, practical usage. It includes details about where to find each herb, astrology, and medicinal benefits.

Drawing on indigenous and scientific knowledge of medicinal plants, Traditional Herbal Therapy for the Human Immune System presents the protective and therapeutic potential of plant-based drinks, supplements, nutraceuticals, synergy food, superfoods, and other products. Medicinal plants and their products can affect the immune system and act as immunomodulators. Medicinal plants are popularly used in folk medicine to accelerate the human immune defence and improve body reactions against infectious or exogenous injuries, as well as to suppress the abnormal immune response occurring in immune disorders. This book explains how medicinal plants can act as a source of vitamins and improve body functions such as enhanced oxygen circulation, maintained blood pressure and improved mood. It also outlines how specific properties of certain plants can help boost the immune system of humans with cancer, HIV, and COVID-19. Key features: Provides specific information on how to accelerate and or fortify the human immune system by using medicinal plants. Presents scientific understanding of herbs, shrubs, climbers and trees and their potential uses in conventional and herbal medicine systems. Discusses the specific role of herbal plants that act as antiviral and antibacterial agents and offer boosted immunity for cancer, H1N1 virus, relieving swine flu, HIV and COVID-19 patients. Part of the Exploring Medicinal Plants series, this book is useful for researchers and students, as well as policy makers and people working in industry, who have an interest in plant-derived medications.

Psoriasis is a life-long chronic autoimmune disease characterized by thick scaly skin lesions and often associated with severe arthritis. In psoriasis, lesions skin cells, keratinocytes, grow too quickly, resulting in thick, white, silvery or red patches on skin. Normal skin cells grow gradually and flake off about every four weeks, but psoriasis causes new skin cells to move rapidly to the surface of the skin in days rather than weeks. Psoriasis symptoms often appear on the elbows, scalp, feet, knees, hands, or lower back, or as flaking or patches on the skin. It is most common in adults, but teenagers and children can also suffer from psoriasis. Psoriasis is not only a skin condition; it is a chronic disease of the immune system. Chronic psoriasis is associated with other health conditions such as psoriatic arthritis, several inflammatory disorders, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This book provides extensive coverage of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It features information on epidemiology and etiology of psoriasis, pathogenesis, genetics of psoriasis, clinical manifestations, and treatment options using cutting-edge drugs including adalimumab and tofacitinib. Natural phytochemicals and nutraceuticals have demonstrated efficacy in ameliorating psoriasis. The book dedicates comprehensive coverage of nutraceutical therapeutic options including antioxidants, bioactive peptides, carotenoids, alpha lipoic acid, curcumin, and whey protein. These inexpensive natural therapeutics are not associated with any known adverse side effects.

Western drugs and target medicines for disease treatment come with undesirable side effects that have limited their use in patients for an extended period of time. It is warranted to develop a treatment strategy with alternative medicines to reduce toxicity relating to drugs, in particular, cancer drugs. Thus, a combination therapy with herbal medicines provides a more effective treatment method for hard-to-treat diseases. The recent breakthroughs in naturally occurring small molecules from herbal medicines have provided experimental evidence and are clinically significant in treatment strategies.This unique volume presents the recent developments in the field of herbal medicines for the treatment of diseases and cancer. Recent progress on small molecules isolated from herbal medicines that exhibit therapeutic benefits in humans is highlighted. The book provides an overview of the significant discoveries and pioneering contributions of herbal medicines in combination with other drugs; the author's evaluation of the combination therapy in cancer treatment; and a recent discovery of crocodile tissue extract with pharmacological properties.

Are herbal medicines effective? Are organic foods really better for you? Will the cure to cancer eventually come from a newly discovered plant which dwells in the Amazon basin? Will medicines ever become affordable and available to the neediest? How will we produce enough food to keep up with an ever-increasing world population? Written with these issues in mind, Let Thy Food Be Thy Medicine is a response to the current flood of conflicting information regarding the use of plants for both consumption and medicinal purposes. Kathleen Hefferon addresses the myths and popular beliefs surrounding the application of plants in human health, revealing both their truths and inaccuracies, and provides an overview of the technologies scientists are using to further their research.
The book covers herbal medicines, functional and biofortified foods, plants and antibiotics, edible vaccines, and organic versus genetically modified foods, discussing each from a scientific standpoint. It these topics together for the first time, providing a much-needed overview of plants as medicine. Intended for scientists and professionals in related disciplines as well as the interested reader educated in the sciences, this book will confront claims made in the media with science and scientific analysis, providing readers with enough background to allow them to make their own judgments.

Written by over seventy scientists and clinicians worldwide from China, USA, Germany, Canada, Japan and other countries, this monograph, with nearly 450 figures and tables, covers a wide range of advanced progress in acupuncture research, from experimental research to clinical applications. In addition to exploring the histopathological basis for acupuncture and mathematical simulation of acupoint response to stimulation, initiation and transduction of acupuncture signals and cellular mechanisms during acupuncture effects as well as chemical and physical characteristics of moxibustion on acupoints are broadly discussed. The topics also include novel data on acupuncture effect with advanced imaging techniques, a unique understanding of meridian-viscera correlation, specific interactions between meridians and neurosensory organs within the system of homeostatic regulation and the acupuncture-induced influences on autonomic function. Several chapters introduce specific approaches with dry needling, silver needling and stainless needling for certain diseases, such as myofascitis, supportive care for breast cancer and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy as well as perioperative care of surgical patients. Moreover, this book discusses recent research on acupuncture therapy and potential mechanisms for a number of severe and refractory neurological disorders, including hyperactivity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, orofacial pain, chronic pain, itch, multiple sclerosis, autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, depressive disorders, Alzheimer's disease and ischemic brain injury. The vast amount of information offered in this book provides a comprehensive perspective on advanced acupuncture research to not only acupuncturists, but also to neuroscientists, neurologists, and other clinicians. For medical students and graduate and undergraduate students majoring in biology, physiology and neuroscience, this book offers an advanced course in learning about the mechanism-driven advances in alternative and complementary medicine.

It takes someone like Dr. Rajiv Parti, an anesthesiologist who specialised in treating pain, to tell the truth about it. After suffering from a series of debilitating nearly fatal illnesses that started in August 2008, Dr. Parti realised he was addicted to painkillers in March 2011. That's when he made the difficult but ethical choice to give up his practice, to conquer his addiction, and to search for a real solution. Soon he realised that his pain was not just physical but deeply emotional, psychological, and spiritual. That led him to Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India where he was born. By becoming a student of that ancient holistic, natural practice, which he combined with meditation and yoga, Dr. Parti was able to regain control of his life with a new focus: to share his personal journey through pain to forgiveness, love, and healing.

To live is to face problems and to find solutions for them. We do so consciously or unconsciously, using intuition, reason, imagination and many other faculties. We notice a situation, we draw conclusions from what we see, hear and feel, and we act on our conclusions in a constant process of observation, analysis and remedy. 'My shoulders are tight, because I am under a lot of stress, I need a good massage.' We observe a problem (tight shoulders), analyse the cause (stress) and seek a remedy for it (the massage). But what if we have misunderstood the problem? What if our description of the problem is based on false perceptions, or our analysis on false assumptions? What if the solution aggravates the problem? This book is about our suppositions, habits and behaviours. It is about posture and attitude, tension and relaxation, movement and rest. It is about interpersonal relationships, sports and performing arts. Above all, it is about embodied emotions and the body that thinks and feels. In this fully revised new edition, Pedro de Alcantara invites you to redefine the meaning of health and wellbeing, using the insights and tools developed by a man of genius: F.M Alexander.