HEALTH/MEDICINE "Medicine and Compassion"—Spiritual Living 2006

By Barbara Bibel & Howard Fuller -- Library Journal, 5/1/2006

Modern medicine boasts a wide range of tools for diagnosing and treating ailments that were fatal until recently. While potent drugs, radiation, and genetic analysis can kill bacteria, remove tumors, and predict risk, respectively, they also lead physicians to think in terms of a disease or a body part rather than a person. Making matters worse is the managed-care system, which encourages quick encounters that do not allow for doctors and patients to become acquainted and discuss options.

With alternative therapies, however, people can participate actively in their care and control aspects of their recovery. As a result, the industry is booming. In fact, most medical schools and centers now offer integrative medicine programs that combine traditional and alternative therapies; the National Institutes of Health has established the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine to study these treatments and their efficacy.

Spirituality, of course, is a key part of the alternative medicine approach. Both mainstream and niche publishers, from Bantam to Wisdom Publications, have flooded the market with a variety of offerings. In terms of what to select, look for authors who have some background in a health field as well as spiritual training. Beware of those flogging miracle "cures" that read like infomercials. The best soul salve combines current, accurate clinical information with appropriate religious support. Remember to take the ethnic/religious makeup of your community into account. This is one area of collection development that requires being open to many points of view.

Here is a selection representing approaches from both Eastern and Western cultures suitable for public and consumer health libraries. Regrettably, Islam is not represented owing to the dearth of health materials available in English. Starred titles () are essential for all collections.

Overview

Weisman, Roanne with Brian Berman, M.D. Own Your Health: Choosing the Best from Alternative and Conventional Medicine. Health Communications. 2003. 471p. index. ISBN 0-7573-0011-1. pap. $16.95.

Medical writer Weisman used alternative therapies to recover from a serious stroke, and Berman heads the University of Maryland's Complementary Medicine Program. Together, they help patients navigate the complex path through conventional and alternative therapies. Stress reduction, yoga, meditation, herbal medicine, bodywork and massage, homeopathy, and osteopathy are examined; stories of patients who added these treatments to their care are provided.

Christianity

Demetre, Danna. Scale Down: A Realistic Guide to Balancing Body, Soul & Spirit. Revell. 2003. 303p. index. ISBN 0-8007-5878-1. pap. $12.99.

A recovered bulimic, R.N., and fitness consultant, Demetre knows struggle. Her program for achieving optimum health encompasses the body and mind. Besides offering sound, basic advice on eating less, exercising, and choosing the best foods for weight control and maximum energy, she espouses having a personal relationship with Jesus and praying. Readers will appreciate the inspiration and support with personal stories.

Jantz, Gregory L. with Ann McMurray. Healthy Habits, Happy Kids: A Practical Plan To Help Your Family. Revell. 2005. 202p. ISBN 0-8007-3078-X. pap. $12.99.

Jantz, a psychologist specializing in the treatment of addiction and eating disorders, created the SOAR (support, optimism, action, responsibility) program to encourage kids to develop healthy eating and exercise habits. Parents must serve as role models, demonstrating good nutrition and an active lifestyle. The authors urge both adults and children to take personal responsibility for their bodies, emotions, relationships, faith, and academic achievement. Devotions are supplied for support on the road to lasting health.

Jantz, Gregory L. with Ann McMurray. The Total Temple Makeover: How To Turn Your Body into a Temple You Can Rejoice In. Howard Pub. 2005. 237p. ISBN 1-58229-411-9 [ISBN 978-1-58229-411-7]. pap. $14.99.

Jantz's 12-week AWE (avoid, watch, eat) system adds a spiritual element to weight control. The new food pyramid, the concepts of body mass and glycemic index, and exercise are incorporated with prayers and charts for readers to use as they progress. Jantz suggests keeping a journal and posting the featured Bible verses on the refrigerator door.

Willis, Laurette. Basic Steps to Godly Fitness. Harvest House. 2005. 232p. illus. ISBN 0-7369-1565-6 [ISBN 978-0-7369-1565-6]. pap. $10.99.
Willis, Laurette. Praise Moves: The Christian Alternative to Yoga. Harvest House. 2006. DVD. 120 min. ISBN 0-7369-1584-2. $16.99.

Willis, a certified personal trainer and women's fitness specialist, has designed a 21-day makeover program for body and soul. It involves a sensible diet of as many natural foods as possible (recipes are included), exercise, and prayer. One component of the exercise regimen is called "Praise Moves," a Christian alternative to yoga demonstrated by illustrations in the book and routines on the DVD.

Eastern Traditions

Boccio, Frank Jude. Mindfulness Yoga: The Awakened Union of Breath, Body and Mind. Wisdom Pub., dist. by Publishers Group West. 2004. 320p. ISBN 0-86171-335-4 [ISBN 978-0-86171-335-6]. $19.95.

This study guide melds "both the Hindu yoga (posture practice or asanas and breath control) and Buddhist yoga (mindfulness practice) traditions." Yoga instructor Boccio opens with a thorough yet brief historical and philosophical introduction to Buddhist teachings and their relationship to yoga; he follows with meditation techniques and excellent instructions for practicing asanas. Boccio provides primary sources, as well as suggested resources for those wishing to understand mindfulness yoga more.

Caponigro, Andy. The Miracle of the Breath: Mastering Fear, Healing Illness, and Experiencing the Divine. New World Lib. 2005. 352p. ISBN 1-57731-478-6 [ISBN 978-1-57731-478-3]. pap. $15.95.

Caponigro, "master of breath" at the Windemere Institute of Healing Arts, offers a well-organized and well-written instructional manual on breathing techniques that incorporate the psychological, religious (Christian and Asian philosophies), and healing, or physical, concepts of practice. Chapters build on each other, giving readers the opportunity to incorporate new concepts and learn throughout the book. An excellent buy.

Francina, Suza. The New Yoga for People Over 50: A Comprehensive Guide for Midlife & Older Beginners. 1997. 286p. ISBN 1-55874-453-3 [ISBN 978-1-55874-453-0]. pap. $11.95.
Francina, Suza. Yoga and the Wisdom of Menopause: A Guide to Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Health at Midlife and Beyond. 2003. 300p. ISBN 0-7573-0065-0 [ISBN 978-0-7573-0065-0]. pap. $12.95. ea. vol: Health Communications. illus. bibliog. index.

As people age, they experience often bewildering physical, emotional, and spiritual changes. Yoga can help manage these ups and downs by strengthening bones, increasing flexibility, and alleviating anxiety, fatigue, and depression. In The New Yoga, Francina, a certified Iyengar yoga instructor, provides instructions for learning the yoga postures that relieve age-related symptoms. There is also information about using yoga to treat cancer and heart disease. In addition to these ailments, Yoga and the Wisdom of Menopause addresses the use of these exercises for coping with hot flashes, mood swings, and other menopause-related problems. Interviews with people who have successfully done as much supply inspiration. As useful as the book is, however, readers will still need a class to learn proper technique.

Gach, Michael Reed. Acupressure's Potent Points: A Guide to Self-Care for Common Ailments. Bantam. 1990. 272p. illus. index. ISBN 0-553-34970-8 [ISBN 978-0-553-34970-2]. pap. $20.

In the ancient Chinese technique of acupressure, the fingers stimulate key points on the skin that activate the body's self-healing processes. Gach (founder and director, Acupressure Inst. of America) offers an overview of acupressure, directions for locating the points on the body, and treatments for common ailments that readers may use on themselves. He stresses the importance of working with a physician and provides clear instructions, with photographs and line drawings.

Hirschi, Gertrud. Mudras: Yoga in Your Hands. Weiser. 2000. 240p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 1-57863-139-4 [ISBN 978-1-57863-139-1]. pap. $14.95.

The 52 mudras, or the special finger or hand positions for intensifying meditation, are presented by Hirschi (Basic Yoga for Everybody), along with a related affirmation. The author spends a considerable amount of time explaining the use of mudras in the physical and emotional healing process. She also cross-references each exercise in categories-e.g., recharging energy reserves, solving problems, building character-that will help individuals select positions to meet their needs. A fun and informative guide.

Kabat-Zinn, Jon. Coming to Our Senses: Healing Ourselves and the World Through Mindfulness. Hyperion. 2006. 656p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-7868-8654-4 [ISBN 978-0-7868-8654-8]. pap. $15.95.
Kabat-Zinn, Jon. Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind To Face Stress, Pain, and Illness. reprint. Delta: Dell. 2004. 512p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-385-30312-2 [ISBN 978-0-385-30312-5]. pap. $20.

Kabat-Zinn (former director, Stress Reduction Clinic, Univ. of Massachusetts Medical Ctr.) helped pioneer integrative medicine. In Coming to Our Senses, he teaches the Buddhist technique of mindfulness meditation as a means of reducing stress and anxiety, managing chronic pain, and promoting wellness. The emphasis is on the philosophical underpinnings of meditation practice, while Full Catastrophe Living explains the techniques of breathing, sitting meditation, walking meditation, and basic yoga postures. Both books are excellent.

Rapp, Steven A. Aleph-Bet Yoga: Embodying the Hebrew Letters for Physical and Spiritual Well-Being. Jewish Lights. 2002. 128p. ISBN 1-58023-162-4 [ISBN 978-1-58023-162-6]. pap. $16.95.

In this valuable guide, yoga teacher Rapp intermingles hatha yoga techniques with Jewish practice and education. Every letter of the Hebrew alphabet is matched with a clearly explained and photographed yoga movement; Rapp also offers a Hebrew phrase containing the particular letter and an English reflection. Includes a solid "Further Resources" section of videos and books.

Rimpoche, Chokyi Nyima with David R. Shilim, M.D. Medicine and Compassion: A Tibetan Lama's Guidance for Caregivers. Wisdom Pub. 2004. 181p. tr. from Tibetan by Erik Pema Kunsang. ISBN 0-86171-478-4. $21.95; pap. ISBN 0-86171-512-8 [ISBN 978-0-86171-512-1]. $14.95.

Caregivers, whether clinicians or lay people, often suffer from burnout and distance themselves from their patients. Drawing on Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and practice, Shilim (former medical director, CIWEC Clinic, Nepal) and Tibetan lama Rimpoche provide practical guidance on how caregivers can rediscover or learn compassion and become better at their jobs.

Rossman, Martin L. Guided Imagery for Self-Healing: An Essential Resource for Anyone Seeking Wellness. 2d ed. H.J. Kramer. 2000. 288p. ISBN 0-915811-88-X [ISBN 978-0-915811-88-5]. pap. $14.95.

A groundbreaker in the field of guided imagery, physician and board-certified acupuncturist Rossman presents a compelling and practical book that teaches the step-by-step method of using one's mind to facilitate healing. A classic for all collections.

Ryan, Regina Sara. After Surgery, Illness, or Trauma: 10 Practical Steps to Renewed Energy and Health. Hohm Pr. 1999. 262p. ISBN 0-934252-95-5 [ISBN 978-0-934252-95-9]. pap. $14.95.

Ryan (coauthor, Wellness Workbook) aims to help readers recover from traumatic events by looking inward. She discusses "the stress of confinement" and the difficulties of dealing with a surgery's outcome. Highly recommended. (LJ 11/1/99)

Sharples, Bob. Meditation and Relaxation in Plain English. Wisdom Pub. 2006. 208p. ISBN 0-86171-286-2 [ISBN 978-0-86171-286-1]. pap. $14.95.

Meditation books often spend so much time on theory that they lose (or bore) readers. In his recent book, rooted in the Buddhist tradition, longtime instructor Sharples cuts to the chase, considering meditation from three perspectives: relaxation, mindfulness, and health and healing. A dream of clarity and concision; essential for all libraries.

Shaw, Scott. The Little Book of Yoga Breathing: Pranayama Made Easy. Weiser. 2004. 87p. ISBN 1-57863-301-X [ISBN 978-1-57863-301-2]. pap. $7.95.

Shaw (Nirvana in a Nutshell) takes readers through a series of 15 breathing exercises, introducing simple techniques known in the ancient Sanskrit as pranayama that can foster rejuvenation, calm, and better concentration in today's harried world. This excellent little instructional will have patrons breathing in a mindful and conscious manner almost immediately.

Judaism

Berman, Robin E., M.D. & others. The Hadassah Jewish Family Book of Health and Wellness. Jossey-Bass. 2006. 528p. index. ISBN 0-7879-8071-4 [ISBN 978-0-7879-8071-9]. $34.95.

Judaism has long concerned itself with health and wellness. Taking care of the body is required, and Hadassah, a nonprofit organization involved in supporting healthcare, has produced a book offering a Jewish perspective on issues such as healing and spirituality, marriage and family, women's issues, mental health, and exercise. Jewish genetic diseases, abortion, circumcision, child rearing, infertility, and eating disorders are among the topics covered. The editors and contributors are physicians, rabbis, and other health professionals. (LJ 4/1/06)

Falk, Sandy, M.D. & Rabbi Daniel Judson with Steven A. Rapp. The Jewish Pregnancy Book: A Resource for the Soul, Body & Mind During Pregnancy, Birth and the First Three Months. Jewish Lights. 2003. 208p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 1-58023-178-0 [ISBN 978-1-58023-178-7]. pap. $16.95.

Falk, an obstetrician affiliated with Harvard Medical School; her husband, Rabbi Daniel Judson; and yoga instructor Rapp (see his Aleph-Bet Yoga, p. 32) address the physical and spiritual needs of pregnant Jewish women. Basic medical information about fetal development, labor, and delivery is offered, along with prayers and rituals for every phase of pregnancy and gentle yoga postures based on the letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

Olitzky, Kerry M. Jewish Paths Toward Healing and Wholeness: A Personal Guide to Dealing with Suffering. Jewish Lights. 2000. 126p. bibliog. ISBN 1-58023-068-7 [ISBN 978-1-58023-068-1]. pap. $15.95.

Olitzky, a reform rabbi, shares prayers, psalms, meditations, and rituals to help those suffering from their own or a loved one's illness. He provides insights gained from his experiences helping patients and dealing with his wife's cancer. Readers will learn to heal the soul, a vital part of healing the body.

Native American

Cohen, Kenneth. Honoring the Medicine: The Essential Guide to Native American Healing. One World: Ballantine. 2003. 428p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-345-39530-1 [ISBN 978-0-345-39530-6]. $26.95; pap. ISBN 0-345-43513-3. $15.95.

Native American medicine is the original medicine of the North American continent; Cohen, a health educator specializing in alternative therapies, apprenticed with Cherokee spiritual teachers, and his book explains Native American healing techniques used to balance the body, mind, and spirit. These encompass counseling, herbal medicines, smudging (the use of smoke), massage, songs and dances, and the "vision quest." With an extensive bibliography for further exploration. (LJ 4/1/03)

HOWARD FULLER is Librarian, Head of Access/Collections, Technical and Instructional Services, Stanford Health Library, Palo Alto, CA. Both authors have reviewed consumer health books for LJ for several years