Alternative Books

Discovering cancer, and her own mortality, Barbara Stone draws on wisdom, faith, and resolve to lead herself and us on a triumphant journey over fear and disease. Her story will deeply touch you. Truly, it is a "profile in courage." Whether well or ill, everyone should read this book.

Joseph Gustafson, Poet

A fascinating and deeply intimate account of one woman's survival of cancer and the journey she travelled to get there. Open and honest about the feelings and thoughts experienced when one is facing death, be it death of the physical self and/or death of the old life to the birth of a new life. Barbara wonderfully incorporates traditional medical therapies with alternative therapies. Her intelligence and wisdom are apparent as soon as you begin reading. A book you just cannot put down!

The Inner life, the Outer life, and the Transcendant steering of the interplay of emotions makes this a landmark contribution for all interested persons whether they be the cancer patient or family or friend. The writer intensively lives her feeliings and rides this roller coaster displaying the sheer beauty of her thought processes through dreams, journal work, and personal interactions. The use of Kirlian photography to portray her progress is an important feature of the work. She demonstrates the sidestepping of this number one opportunity for passive suicide! It is a great personal vote for engaging life.

Barbara Stone not only wrote an enlightening, creative book, she is an amazing person. My mother and Ms. Stone have been good friends since high school, and I met her earlier this year. I can assure you she practices all that she preaches.

Being from a relatively small, conservative area, I was not aware of much of the Eastern medicine Stone mentions in her book. I was eager to learn all I could, and Cancer as Initiation provided much insight for me into areas I had not previously explored. I was unaware how much basic mediatation would eventually help me.

As I examined the book closely, I found ideas not only about surviving cancer, but about keeping a healthy outlook on life as well. Stone's creativity and completely open mind certainly were well used in this book I recommend to anyone touched by cancer in even the smallest way. By moving away from what is commonly called the "death sentence" theory, Ms. Stone has painted a new picture of the cancer survivor. And painted it well.

My mother happens to be friends with Ms. Stone, the author of Cancer as Initiation. It was after I met her that I became compelled to read her book. My mother also battled breast cancer, and this book gave me a sense of what she might be experiencing. The author uses a unique blend of journal,expository, and personal writings, creating a book that is difficult to put down. I enjoyed learning about her use of both Eastern and Western medicine. Cancer as Initiation offers the family members of breast cancer victims and survivors hope and peace. Cancer is a blessing and a curse, but frightening to all. After reading Barbara's book, and doing some soul-searching of my own, I know that if I am ever diagnosed with breast cancer myself, the power to beat it lies within me, and my own unique combinations of Western and Eastern medicine.

A marvellous book for both beginners and advanced practitioners of the art of Qigong!
At the very heart of Grandmaster Qingshan Liu`s book is a practical introduction to the famous series of "Qigong Harmony in 18 Figures" and "The Eight Figures for every Day".
Exact and detailed descriptions of the movements and breathing allow you to easily perform the exercises on your own.
In addition, the rhythm of the movements and breathing are
illustrated on a timeline, which is especially helpful.

The presentation of the text is clearly arranged and organized and the language easy to understand.
A series of photos accompany and illustrate each of the Qigong movements which are being demonstrated by Qigong Grandmaster Qingshan Liu himself.

In the first and last part of his book Qingshan Liu talks in a vivid way about the theoretical background and the basis of Qigong as well as the philosophy of "Qi".
He also answers frequently asked questions concerning both practicing Qigong and the emotional and physical reactions Qigong provokes.

The book suits both beginners` and advanced Qigong-practitioners` purposes extraordinarily well!

It is clear structured. We lern how to understand the differences between the west medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. I tried many teachers, but a teacher like this book, makes me understand what I have lerned before, this is the first time I have found the right teacher. I am very happy reading this book. I have tried also the Video in English und German, it is a great help. I do the exersices every day. I can easily do the 18Figures, because Master Liu is just standing in front of me, I can feel the Qi from him. I feel much better while and after the exercise. Thank you so much Mr. Qingshan Liu!

It is clear structured. We lern how to understand the differences between the west medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. I tried many teachers, but a teacher like this book, makes me understand what I have lerned before, this is the first time I have found the right teacher. I am very happy reading this book. Thank you so much Mr. Qingshan Liu! I will lern your school

There are some outstanding features to this book which are worth a comment:

First, chi theory is presented in English that is comprehensible to the ordinary American. Nothing too technical, no mumbo jumbo. Very solid explanations.

Second, the two qigong routines that are presented, the "18 Figures" and "Eight Figures for Every Day" are well illustrated and contain clear and not overly-wordy instructions. There's just nothing like trying to learn a move while holding the book in one hand and reading through a sea of verbiage while simultaneously trying to imitate fuzzy or poorly-posed photos. You won't find that here!

Third, the book is not too long. It's what you need to know for the beginning or intermediate levels and that's all. Also, there is nothing religious, nothing spiritual, and nothing new age to be found anywhere. The instruction is drawn from medicine and the martial arts.

Fourth, the movements themselves in both routines are more physical than one often finds in other qigong sets. This is truly a fitness workout, although most people in average condition should not have any difficulty with the moves. Anyway, if something doesn't work for you, you can always adapt it to your situation. The qigong police won't come for you.

The only improvement I would suggest to the publishers, should YMAA decide to reprint this book, is that it should come with a DVD in a little plastic pouch glued to the inside back cover. There used to be a video, but I can't seem to find that anywhere. A do-along DVD workout would make this easy program even easier to learn.

I am pleased to recommend this book. It lives up to the high standards I have come to expect from YMAA.

This is a book giving you much fun to read and make it very easy to learn and understand Qigong and the essens of the Traditional Chinese Medicine. You will get health, wellbeing and joyfull living. Go for it! (I am 31 Years old).

Even though it's titled, THE CO-PARENTING SURVIVAL GUIDE: LETTING GO OF CONFLICT AFTER A DIFFICULT DIVORCE, I wish that I had read this book BEFORE the divorce was final because of all the outstanding ideas about co-parenting, that you, your former spouse, your lawyer(s) or even the court, may not address. BUT, if you are an open minded parent and willing to do what is in the best interest of your child/children (and isn't that the reason you are looking at this book to begin with), it offers some really outstanding suggestions.

I especially love the Co-Parenting Contract. It goes beyond the divorce decree, and really sets-up some workable guidelines for parents and children.

This book addresses several topics, offering up suggestions and examples.

The book was a bit simplistic, much of the same information was covered in the New Hampshire Mandatory co parenting class. But it was still some very good advice.

Nothing ground breaking here but it's a good collection of what you probably should know.

THE BOOK: THE CO-PARENTING SURVIVAL GUIDE: LETTING GO OF CONFLICT AFTER A DIFFICULT DIVORCE...
BY ELIZABETH THAYER, PH.D.
IN THIS ERA OF SPOILED BRATS (THE PARENTS), THIS BOOK WILL HELP WITH THE CONFLICTS OF TODAY!! WE ARE NOT LOOKING AT THE REAL MEANING OF TWO PEOPLE MAKING THE COMMITTMENT OF MARRIAGE!!! SOCIETY HAS PROGRESSED TO THE SIZE OF THE WEDDING, THE DREAM OF THE PERFECT WEDDING, NOT THE COMMITTMENT OF REALLY LOVING THE PERSON YOUR MARRYING. CONSEQUENTLY, PEOPLE MARRY AND HAVE CHILDREN, THEN WHEN THE STRAIN OF MAKING A MARRIAGE WORK BECOMES TOO HARD......THEN DIVORCE IS INEVITALBLE. THEN THE GAMES.... BEGIN, ONE OR BOTH PARENTS DECIDE THAT THEIR FORMER PARTNER IS NOT WHO THEY WANT THEIR CHILDREN AROUND.....SO, POISION THE CHILDREN'S MINDS AGAINST THE OTHER PARENT. THIS BOOK HELPS BOTH PARTIES REALIZE HOW TO WORK WITH THEIR OWN CONSCIENCE....AS WELL AS HELP MAKE THE CHILDREN AS COMFORTABLE WITH THE SITUATION (WHICH MUST BE FIRST IN THE PARENTS MINDS). DRAGING EACHOTHER THROUGH THE COURTS IS NOT THE ANSWER, COURTS JUST DEAL WITH WHICH SIDE AS MORE LEVERAGE, EVEN THE PSYCHOLOGISTS JUST PLAY WITH THE SITUATIONS. WE NEED MORE BOOKS LIKE THIS, AGAIN DISPLAYED IN EVERY LIBRARY IN THE UNITED STATES.

when i divorced two years ago, reasonably contentiously and with a four year old daughter, the best advice i got was to read this book. i did, with highlighter in hand, and found it absolutely invaluable. i continue to this day to consider it absolutely invaluable! such that, i just ordered a gift copy for my brother and his new wife, to help them with my niece and her co-parent. that gift brings the total i've purchased for others up to five. its an unfortunate reality that there will probably be more in the future, but the book helps immensely and so there will be gifts.

I am a play therapist, author of "The Successful Divorce, In The Eyes of the Child" course and have taught parenting divorced for nine years. This is the book that says it all. The authors teach in clear logical manner how to co parent your children. They are sensitive to the pain both parents and children feel post divorce and teach how to proceed in parenting. I frequently use sections of their book in teaching to remind parents that they must still work together enough to meet children's needs. This is a concise book, no long drawn out narratives or tales of others pain... just the facts and how to avoid the pitfalls. I and the children of divorce, owe these authors a huge thank you. Their new book is also great,

There is no way to change the ending. We all die. That's a fact. But Marion Rosen brings some cheer into the search for the end. She survives two major bouts with cancer. It's a surprise ending in a way. I enjoyed her novels and now Her book on cancer is very special indeed. Congratulations to the author!

"Dance Like Nobody's Watching", what a positive and uplifting book. As I closed the book after reading about Marion's positive experiences and how she was always there for those who needed her, I felt a big warm hug from my dear friend and colleague. This is a book that I will read more that one time.

"Dance Like Nobody's Watching" is an unusual insight into how people diagnosed with cancer face their everyday problems. The author skillfully blends the emotional, spiritual and clinical aspects of fighting this disease.

I was recommended this book by Amazon when I purchased a "Living with Cancer" cookbook. I have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer and decided to read this so I could hear a "survivors's" story, and get hope and inspiration for my complete recovery. Whereas the storyteller does survive 2 major cancers, and does give good insight on body-spirit connection,nutrition, meditation, and reaching out for support, I was left feeling quite depressed after finishing the book. The storyteller survives, Thank Goodness, and apparently remains cancer free, but pretty much all the other characters in the book whom she befriended thru various support groups, eventually succumb to their cancer and pass away.
This may indeed be reality, but not one that I needed to be confronted with repeatedly at the beginning of my journey. So, if you are just starting down this cancer path, and you are looking for hope and inspiration, beware, this book may not be the answer to your prayers!! To be totally honest, even though the storyteller survives, and I am really happy about that, there was so much death in this book that I would not recommend it to anyone who does not want to dwell on where their journey might take them.

My heartfelt thanks to Marian Rosen for this amazing book and sharing her battle with two forms of cancer. It is honestly and beautifully written, transcending any story I have read about cancer. This is an intimate account of what the author experienced and how she learned to cope with life-threatening diseases (breast and ovarian cancers),embrace life, and survive. Dance Like Nobody's Watching shows that one can move from a feeling of helplessness to hopefulness, from fearing death to choosing life, from feeling out of control to taking charge, and from feeling alone to finding a wealth of support from family, friends, and support groups.

Dance Like Nobody's Watching is not only a story about cancer, but also a highly informative or instructional manual/how-to guide for dealing with cancer. I was greatly impressed with the wealth of information presented on treatment,research, legislation, and groups dealing with cancer.

I highly recommend this book for everyone, including those with cancer or those who have friends or family members with cancer.

I read this book last year and it made an impact on me. Someone suggested I re-read it and I'm catching everything I didn't pay attention to last time. I've been in pain for 6 years with fibromyalgia. Medication has a place for some people but for me it just doesn't work. If you begin to understand disease really isn't as complicated as it's made out to be then you can begin to heal yourself.

The minimal price of this book could save you thousands of dollars in the future! The author, Keck-Borsits, gives the reader an alternative to throwing more money away on pills that don't work, on surgeries that leave you maimed, on doctors, potions, and lotions.

The real life stories and evidence speak volumes to this reader. If you or someone you know is suffering give this book a chance. This book contains practical advice on how to change your life through eating raw organic plant foods as well as by incorporating other principles of natural hygiene. The author emphasizes how important it is to listen to your own body and make changes you are comfortable with. I was truly educated by this book and moved by the author sharing her experience.

i need to get depo out of my system before i kill my self!!!!

This book is a real eye opener, thoroughly researched and well written. I would recomend it to anyone wanting to heal themselves of the many diseases that doctors create.

I found 'Dying to Get Well' a real eye-opener. If you are tired of being sick and want to get well the natural way, this book is a great start. I can see that Shelly has done a lot of research for this book. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to be in better health.

The Educated Heart captures the essence of optimizing tableside manner and conduct and should be required reading for every novice and veteran massage/bodyworker. It has the potential to upgrade the professional image of all manual practitioners.

Immensely readable and engaging, it covers every aspect of client-practitioner interaction. An indispensable source for all of my teaching.

Mark W. Dixon, NCTMB, HHP
Newport Beach CA

This book is exceptional!!!! It should be required reading at all massage therapy schools. Setting clear boundaries helps clients to take my profession more seriously. Some of the examples given have actually been experienced by me!!! Transference and countertransference were two words that were defined in my school but not how to deal with different ways in which people experience them.....Very needed and very helpful information covered this ground. The illustrations gave warm humor to each chapter. Thank you Nina McIntosh for this much needed book....one that will be referred to in my business for many years to come! Jeanenne Mace Ms.T.

I tell everyone to read this book. Especially massage therapist I coach. With all the drama's of life not every situation can be preconcieved and given an alternate in how to resolove situtations but this book gives you more than enough to understand and turn things around. Even my cleints who aren't in the field of bodywork asks for this book to be in my waiting room.The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference

This is a must read, no matter what level a practitioner
is at- student, beginner, or, like me, in the field for
over a dozen years. A wonderfully, sensitively written
book about relationship dynamics in touch therapies, from someone who truly has walked the path we are all going to walk if we are involved in touch therapies, manual therapies, bodywork,
massage. I was fortunate to have some of this type of
training , in a very good way, when in schools, but I know
very well that it is rare, and getting more rare for schools
to provide these important insights. I know this because I teach the graduates of those schools, and sometimes receive work from those graduates. This, to me, is much more important than simply reading about "ethics", because a deeper understanding of relationship dynamics truly helps us form and understand our ethics in the first place. This is must-have insight for all schools to delve into,and provide ample training in- including the medical profession! If your work involves touch in a therapeutic way, read this book!
5 stars for this contribution to the field!

When I tell people that I'm a massage student, the predictable response is: "Think of me if you need anyone to practice on...". As I observe my desk piled high with books and search my schedule in vain for a free hour to massage my husband, this seems like the dumbest/most insensitive thing anyone could possibly say to me.
The Educated Heart deals with issues such as these: of boundaries as a massage student and how to approach people that are reluctant to pay the full price for massage therapy. In fact, this easy-to-read book is packed with insights and simple explanations of complex concepts (e.g. dual relationships, projection). If I had just one book in my massage collection, it would be this. I recommend it be required reading in every massage school.

This book entitled "Encyclopedia of Thai Massage" is so comprehensive and really is one of the most creative and educational books I've come across on this topic. This book translates exceptionally well to the practice of Thai Massage.

I have read and re-read this book so many times that I need a new copy. It is my favorite reference book for Thai massage! The photos and descriptions are great, with excellent correlations to yoga poses throughout. This book depicts the Northern style of Thai Massage and refers to it as an important branch of traditional medicine, as opposed to just another spa treatment. The author lived in Thailand and spent time teaching at the Old Medicine Hospital in Chiang Mai.

This is wonderful book for any level of Thai practicioner. It has very clear and concise pictures and descriptions, as well as shows you how to do a maneuver correctly and incorrectly. Great resource for learning about thai basics to experienced level. Would reccommend to any who were looking for a Thai book. I loved mine so much that I showed it to my therapist who does Thai on me and now am ordering one for him because he liked mine so well he didn't want to give it back. :)

Okay, here is the deal. I have read a gazillion books on Thai massage. Okay, maybe not quite that many, but sometimes it feels like it. For a long time I wished and wished that someone would write a book that went beyond the initial basic sequence that is taught in so many schools. Then I found the Encyclopedia of Thai Massage. It led me to contact the author, train extensively with him, return to Thailand for even deeper training, and open a Thai massage school. Yes, this book was the catalyst for life change. Have I mentioned that it's the best one out there? Nothing nothing nothing replaces hands on training with a qualified teacher for learning Thai massage - books can be no more than reminders and supplemental material to real training. This said, Pierce's book is the best one out there in the english language that has yet been written.

This book takes you from start to finish of a full body Thai massage routine. The descriptions and pictures are very detailed and easy to understand. This book gives all the information from the setting of the room to contraindications for the novice or experienced practicioner. He also gives the tradition and a knowledge of Thai culture. I have recently been to Thailand to study massage, it has changed my bodywork practice for the better ( I'm a massage therapist/ yoga teacher) and it is because of this book and its author.

In the title it states "you won't be disappointed" maybe I need to re-read the book. I was a little disappointed.

Expect A Miracle: The Four-Step Life-Changing "Question & Answer Process" For Managing Your Healing And Health by Dr. Tel Franklin is a "user friendly" self-help workbook for improving one's physical and mental health and habits. Questions for self-awareness and self-actualization form cornerstones of the prompts that lead the reader on a voyage of discovery and understanding with the goal of improving one's overall quality of life. Expect A Miracle is a recommended do-it-yourself workbook addition to self-help, self-improvement bookshelves.

Before I read Expect a Miracle I was in constant pain from a Worker's Comp injury. Everything required authorization by the insurance. I was referred to a surgeon who immediately wanted to operate to fuse two vertebrae in my neck. This terrified me but I felt trapped and limited in my choice of treatment options. After I read Expect a Miracle by Tel Franklin, M.D. which explains both conventional and alternative treatments and how to develop "appreciative dialogue" with everyone involved in your "healing journey" I became empowered. I coordinated many different treatment options as suggested in his book. Through the workbook format of the book I was able to evaluate each option. This book gave me control of my life again. Dr Franklin helps you to feel good about yourself, your choices in life and makes you aware of all the little miracles we experience in everyday life - the real priorities. I chose to have a successful surgery and am now considering acupuncture as an alternative to steroids for my son's asthma. This book is filled with so many positve success stories I recommend it to everyone. It is so uplifting you can't put it down and the workbook sections are easy, fun and insightful.

I have used Dr. Franklin's book for personal and professional purposes and found that it offers me and my patients a deeper insight and new perspective toward healthcare. The workbook not only educates the readers about alternative and complementary medicine, it guides them toward becoming actively involved and accountable for their health.

Dr. Franklin's book has offerred me the opportunity to enhance dialogue and relationships I have with my patients in addition to revamping my own personal outlook and choices. It is an excellent resource and should be on the shelf of patients and provider alike.

The book shows a practical way to discuss the inner self in the medical process of health and/or healing. It is wonderfully written in that the workbook section gives a step-by-step plan that requires journal writings. These are done in a positive way.

The bottom line is that this is how medicine should be practiced not only by doctors and health care providers but especially by patients. We learn how patients through Appreciative Dialogue have postive choices for optimum health.

After reading this book, I am not surprised to learn that Dr. Tel Franklin is ranked in the top 50 physicians in California.

This is much better than all Dr. Andrew Weil's books.

This is the best book I have read in a long while. This is exactly whats happening in our world today and people need to know this truth. I was thrilled to see that Ms Gangi could write such an eye opener about holistic health. Connecting the body, mind and spirit in a natural way to heal all three. I found the section about children was even relevant to me today in my later years. It has been such a exciting book packed full of knowledge and insight. This one goes to all my children and grandchildren for Christmas this year!

If you're a firm believer in modern-day medicine and have no interest in taking care of your own body, then this book is not for you. But many people today are beginning to question the ability of their physicians to treat their whole body rather than just a set of symptoms, and they're looking for ways to take their health care into their own hands.

Rayna M. Gangi, a holistic healer with native American roots, begins this volume by providing considerable evidence that today's children are suffering much greater health risks than those of several decades ago, with the increase in vaccinations and behavior modification drugs. Chemicals in common household products and in the water they drink expose them to numerable toxins. And their diets are suffering due to soft drinks, sugary products and artificial sweeteners and colors.

She also explores the over-vaccination of pets and the poor quality of most pet foods. While the author doesn't mention the food poisoning which recently devastated many pet owners, that incident certainly does make one question what our pets are really eating.

As the circle implies, our journey begins with childhood, and this book wouldn't be complete unless it traveled the full arc into aging and death. The author touches on the concept of living life in circle, and living in harmony with the earth and its cycles. In a well-written and well-documented book, she shows us where we can make changes in our lives, so we can experience better health and happiness.

Rayna M. Gangi writes with warmth and compassion. She encourages us to ask questions, and to notice how our bodies feel when we bombard them with chemicals and mistreat them. Ultimately, she sees a world where we all respect our bodies, our environment, and each other.

Reviewer: Alice Berger
Bergers Book Reviews

This is an outstanding book that should be required reading for all. Rayna has a deep knowledge that I for one truly appreciate. Anyone that is sick or does not feel all that well will greatly appreciate this book.

If you are concerned with your health, your children, our planet...you owe it to yourself to read this book and incorporate its message into your life and your family.

This book continues where Book One left off and explains in greater detail the whys and hows to self-empowerment. Rayna's writing is concise and poetic and provokes emotional responses that lead you from your mind and body into your heart and soul, and you just feel that what she says is Truth. In a world of medications and operations, depression, sexual dysfunction, degenerative disease and violent children, Forget the Cures, Find the Cause, Book Two - The Circle is an inspiration as well as a workable tool in helping us to reclaim and regain our God given right to health and happiness. A perfect gift for everyone, especially parents and grandparents as we are the keepers of our children and our next generation.

I swear Clarke Snell wrote this book for me - or at least for people like me!! - non construction folks, but handy with a hammer. You won't be able to build your house with only this book, but he presents a very user-friendly introduction to all the requisite concepts, then offers a wonderful reference section for more great info. A very realistic approach, and a very approachable writing style. Other green writers I've found to have a more textbook cadence, but Clarke Snell sounds as if he'd jump right in and help you. Thanks!!

This is a great book to introduce the topic of building strawbale, cob etc. homes. The wonderful point about it is that it details the pros and cons of each building style and lets you compare each method carefully so that you are able to next select a more detailed book about a particular style.
It has beautiful colour photos and lots of information. Highly recommended.

Isn't it nice to dream of being able to build your own home...especially an environmentally "friendly" one!? I am learning so much about houses in general from this book, let alone alternative building. It is well written and has beautiful photography. My husband & I may never get to build our own home (or we may!) but we can sure enjoy the dream in more vivid detail because of this book. I think it should be required reading for politicians, city planners & the like!

Superlative well-balanced, insightful, entertaining, stimulative text, superlative graphics/layout with an abundant and marvelous and beautiful and very effective array of color photographs, superlative resource section, superlative physical book quality including stay-open binding.
If you're thinking of building a house or if you're interested in alternative housing possibilities (solar, etc.) or if you're interested in the topic of housing in general or if you'd like an ideal coffee table book, you will probably find this book a delightful fulfillment.
(Thank you, Amazon, including reviewers, for helping me to discover this book.)

Very comprehensive book which expertly and clearly details the differences between natural/sustainable methods and ideas versus conventional methods. The book makes an incredible cases for natural building and the philosophy of sustainability. After reading this book its hard to understand why you wouldn't want to build a house this way. On a personal note, this book has been inspirational to me as an undergrad student trying to get into an architecture school and train to be a sustainable architect. Also I'm coming from a traditional carpentry background and know that the things Clarke Snell is writing about are right on the money.