Alternative Books


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Alternative Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Alternative
Health and Healing
Published in Paperback by Houghton Mifflin (P) (1988-02)
Author: Andrew Weil
List price: $10.95
New price: $1.24
Used price: $0.01

Average review score:

It was good
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2003-05-11
It was good, but not the best i have read. I did learn a lot so I need to give credit for that.

Excellent book - long overdue
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 1999-04-28
Weil writes a very comprehensive book that asks the essential question, "What is health if not th absence of sickness?". Very informative and thought provoking!!!

An excellent overview of the history of alternative medicine
Helpful Votes: 14 out of 15 total.
Review Date: 1998-12-30
This book is required reading for all students at the Clayton College of Natural Health. It should, in fact, be required reading for anyone entering the field of health, as it convincingly drives home an important point: just because allopathy ("conventional" or "western" medicine) has the most powerful medical lobby in the US, its history is far from flawless, and is often downright embarrassing when compared with that of time-honored systems such as homeopathy or tribal approaches to healing. In an entertaining and lucid manner, Dr Weil introduces the reader to many of the alternative approaches still being practiced the world over, and their advantages and shortcomings. He also points to the need for ALL kinds of medicines, and provides guidelines on which types of dis-eases are best handled by the various specialties. All in all, a thoroughly readable and informative book which will hopefully abolish forever the popular regard of M.D.s as "demigods in white," and the idea that allopathic medicine is the only credible and worthwhile approach to healing our sick.

Dr. Weil wrote an eye-opener on health and how we heal...
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 1998-12-12
Pinned on my office wall is an uplifting reminder titled, "Seven Rules Of A Winner". I found it interesting that the author listed health as the first rule. He wrote, "Be proactive and preventative about your health. Your body is your one and only vehicle for your journey to success, so start taking care of your health through exercise and diet." (The Psychology of Winning, by Denis Waitley). I didn't take that statement seriously until after a medical problem sent me to the hospital. Since happiness seems to go hand-in-hand with having a healthy body, I highly recommend this book. If nothing else, it provided me with a positive perspective on illness, and that alone made it worth reading. It also opened my eyes to the down-side of high-tech medicine, or rather, it put American medical practices into perspective and introduced me to alternatives. Herbal remidies are investigated as well as many others. The bottom line: read this book to learn how the body can heal itself and just how much is not known about the process of healing. A must read for anyone wishing to take control of their own health.

A whole new view of medical systems
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2001-06-04
Andrew Weil's book was assigned as supplmental reading in a sociology of health and healing systems course at Park College in Southern California. With phrases like, "nothing works all the time and everything works some of the time," Andrew explored health systems worldwide from accupuncture in China to witchdoctors in Latin America. The idea that Western doctors actually gain much of their credibility not because of their own skills, but because they take credit for what the body already does is interesting. Health and medicine previously seemed like a highly scientific study, but viewed from Andrew's perspective, it is, in many ways, philosophically and culturally specific. Andrew brings a whole new world to medicine. Fascinting perspective.

Alternative
How to Capture a Mistress (M/s Studies Books)
Published in Paperback by Nazca Plains Corp (2007-02-11)
Author: Karen Martin
List price: $19.95
New price: $12.69
Used price: $11.99

Average review score:

VERY EXCELLENT!
Helpful Votes: 11 out of 12 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-12
Ms. Martin states that you don't have to be a complete spineless male to be a submissive just that you have to feel safe and have such a level of trust that is beyond "normal" comprehension. This book also explains that being a "submissive male" doesn't make you weak just a man that is "man enough" to let go and trust a woman on a level that on the Mistress/slave can udnerstand. I have been in the BDSM scene for over 10 years and never have I read such an excellent book since "Screw the Roses" by Molly Devon.

So-o-o Useful and Funny
Helpful Votes: 12 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-03
This is my first review of a book. In thinking about how I would start, I found myself thinking about the author, that I would describe her as caring, intelligent, thoughtful! one of the sharpest tacks in the box, and funny! I recommend anyone looking for a mistress put themselves in her hands, throw themselves into the book, follow her instructions, do as this mistress says. It will help me (your future mistresses) notice you and see your attractive qualities! While I bought the book to learn what her advice was to men, I found myself engrossed, and learning how to be a more discerning person. She gives us all utter permission to be our better selves and have more satisfaction from it. What a fabulous book!

Rethinks the way you present yourself
Helpful Votes: 12 out of 12 total.
Review Date: 2006-12-30
Power exchange is at the core of most BDSM (kinky) relationships. Many men seek relationships that can safely (without personal threat) transfer power from them to a woman. However, as Ms Martin points out, there is a vast difference from a Mistress and a Bitch. This book explores those differences while it also outlines steps a man can take to re-shape himself in ways that will be more appealing to a woman who is, in her own right, seeking a submissive man.

There is another advantage to this book: Ms Martin points out that people who fill out lists of kinky activities that may or may not interest them rather limit their playing field. I'll leave it to you to buy the book and read this section on your own, but I assuure you that despite extensive reading in this field, I have never before seen such a compelling reason to re-think the process of identifying common play areas with a potential play partner. Very creative and useful.

Real Relationships
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-15
What I liked so much about this book was how Karen Martin encourages her readers to seek out healthy, nourishing, real-life D/s relationships. She helps submissives recognize their own strengths and gives them realistic guidelines for communicating what they can offer to a potential mistress. Another bonus is that Martin addresses polyamorous D/s relationships, how to share, and what it takes for low and high protocol mistresses, slaves, and masters to live together in one household. I thought this book was such an excellent, intelligent approach to BDSM in general that I loaned it to my open-minded but non-kinky therapist to help her learn more about my lifestyle!

A
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-15
In the world of kink there are infinite variables. Ms. Martin approaches the task of How to Capture a Mistress with easy to read understandable methodology using logical progression. She encompasses insights for both the novice and experienced to achieve their goals. She has managed to include fantasy and reality mixed with a dash of humor making this a very desirable how to book with panache.

Hallmark card - $3.99, Godiva Gift basket - $32.50 and up, Leather pants - $69.00 and up. This book? Priceless! It is a must have for every man seeking that elusive Mistress.
(Note: It is an equally useful tool as a communication base for Ladies of quality as well.)

If there were New York Times best seller list for kink books I would expect to see this book at number one for a very long time. I give it an unequivocal two thumbs up.

CC
BRC Editor
[...]

Alternative
The Illustrated Mum
Published in Library Binding by Delacorte Books for Young Readers (2005-02-08)
Author: Jacqueline Wilson
List price: $17.99
New price: $17.99
Used price: $97.27

Average review score:

Great book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-04
I think that Illustrated Mum is a really good book, but I think that it can be a little intense, so I don't recommend for readers younger than 10, unless you read with a parent. It was very realistic and I really cared about the characters, especially the main character--Dolphin. It is the kind of book that you wan to read over and over, and you most definitely want her life to get better. Jacqueline Wilson is a really great author.
I.P. San Francisco

Mom/teacher enjoyed this one a lot!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-30
This book was sad, interesting and emotional without being depressing. Issues handled sensitively. Easy to feel empathy for the characters. I'd recommend this for grades 5 and up. Some senstitive subject matter like mental illness and foster care.

An Excellent Book, No Matter What Your Age.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-18
I have not picked up and read a juvenile fiction book in a long time, but this one piqued my interest when I looked through the audio books at our library. I'm very glad I did! This is one of the best juvenile fiction books I have ever read, and I used to read tons of them as a young girl.

Dolphin and Star have a very flambouyant mother named Marigold who is a manic depressive/alcoholic, dies her hair bright red, and sports tons of tattoos; she's man crazy and dresses too young for her age. While Star, who is 13 is sick and tired of not having a normal mother, 11 year-old Dolphin adores her regardless of the torment she endures in school, and the fact that Marigold often leaves the girls unattended to fend for themselves, scaring Dolphin silly a lot of the time. Then one night Marigold brings home Star's father from a concert, and the girl willingly moves in with him, leaving poor Dolphin to deal incapably with her mother's craziness. This is a very good, realistic portrait of what an awful lot of children probably go through, and Dolphin tells the entire story. She is a sweet, smart, funny, and lovable character who truly loves Marigold though she can't always understand her mother's wild behavior, but she is also the one who inevitably must resolve to get Marigold help as her condition worsens.

I am related to someone very much like Marigold, so I could relate to Dolphin's story telling as I watched my relation's daughter go through similar experiences. Actress Josie Lawrence is an amazingly versatile talent who does lots of great voices, and her performance is so intimate, it never seems like she's reading from Wilson's book. A great story anyone remotely connected with a situation like this can relate to, and maybe you even know a few people who possess these very realistic traits. A superiorly well-done job, I would recommend this book to anybody and everybody.

A gritty story told from a 10-year-old point of view
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-08-22

This story deals heavily in the subject of "Manic Depressive illness" - I happen to know something about the illness but I won't go into that- and the dangers of being with someone who happens to have it if you happen to live with them. "The Illustrated Mum" is a gritty story told from the point of view of a young girl named Dolphin who struggles to stand by her mother even when her oldest sister Star doesn't want to. They don't live in the greatest conditions and their mother Marigold's behavior switches on and off when they least expect it, making it hard for them to communicate with her. The worse part of the story happens to be when Star's supposed father comes home with Marigold one night and Star decides to put her sister on the back burner, and leaves with her father (all because she can't take living with her mother any more), which has to be the worse thing to. Dolphin tries several times to get her sister to return but Star won't bend to her little sister's begging and Marigold only gets worse as the weeks go by; So worse in fact, she is admitted to a mental hospital. From there the story seems to fall further into the gritty storyline which it surrounds despite the light moments, however, that is not to say that this book isn't great to read. On the contrary, "The Illustrated Mum" is one of those rare books that actually have you thinking on the subject its writing about and the way it affects its characters. All in all, I enjoyed this book. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a bit of truth to their story. [a 5 out of 5]

This book is so wonderful !!!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-08-30
This book is so wonderful. It's a story of children who have to take responsibility too soon. This book can teach us how to deal with bad situation and accept one another. The writer can catch the emotion of a ten-year-old girl and expressed them in sympathetic,but amusing way.She perfectly created her characters which seem to be alive people to the readers.It's so realistic.And it also make me laugh sometimes. You shouldn't miss this book.

Alternative
In Search of the Medicine Buddha: A Himalayan Journey
Published in Hardcover by Tarcher (2000-05-08)
Author: David Crow
List price: $24.95
New price: $7.48
Used price: $0.64
Collectible price: $24.95

Average review score:

Ancient Wisdom
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2004-11-18
To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child. For what is the worth of human life, unless it is woven into the life of our ancestors by the records of history?(Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 B.C.), Roman orator, philosopher, statesman. Orator, 120.)

As humans we not only should look into the future, but into the past. Without considering our past history-how can make appropriate observations, conclusions and judgments? And this is why I find this book of value.

About the Book:
Crow, a student of spiritual healing, left his acupuncture practice in San Francisco to travel to Kathmandu to pursue the path of the healers in Buddhist and Hindu culture. He discusses his experiences with Nepalese traditional doctors and Tibetan healing practices. Crow believes Ayurveda is the medicine of the future and the antidote to disease caused by our increasingly toxic world.

A Rare Treasure of Medical Lore and Travel Mystery
Helpful Votes: 11 out of 14 total.
Review Date: 2002-10-25
David Crows book is a must read for anyone interested in herbal medicine, Eastern philosophy, and their relevance in todays hectic world--especially for those interested in the ancient yet highly topical teachings of Ayurveda.

This book is urging us to create a new renaissance in healing, but it is not another superficial New Age book. This book is written with care and depth of heart by someone who is not interested in simple answers to complicated questions. I was struck by the authors integrity and ability to make sense out of such diverse yet interrelated topics as herbs, healing, culture, sustainable economics, and ecology. The authors central theme is that we need to both revive and advance herbal medicine and our own sense of sacred environmentalism in order to live in harmony on this troubled earth.

In Search of the Medicine Buddha is not only a book about herbal medicine but also about the need to renew our ageold spiritual connection to plants. Moreover, the book is refreshingly honest, rich, and poetic in its descriptions of Nepali and Indian culture. Highly recommended for anyone interested in creating a richer, more fulfilling and balanced life for themselves and all other living beings!

Miraculous medicinal plants
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2002-08-24
David delves into the subject of miraculous medicinal plants around the world and explains why botanical medicine is so crucial for the long term health and care of our planet, our healthcare system and our economy. David writes about how you can get involved in creating a grassroots healthcare system in your community by growing your own living pharmacy among many other natural wonders.

Can't say enough about this book
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-29
The perspective and insight that this books contains is overwhelming. The content was great, but what struck me most was the nature of the author. He has such an incredible respect and love for the Earth, other cultures, and human beings. If the world was full of David Crows, we'd be in good shape. I recommend this book for the fascinating look at Tibetan medicine, but even more for the spiritual development that Mr. Crow inspires.

How can I convince you to read this book?
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2001-06-19
The text itself is medicinal. The story speaks often of the ancient and rare, but is something everyone struck by the unrelenting madness of the modern world should read. The author's sincerity comes through clearly, and I would be pleased to see more from him. It is difficult to do justice to this book in a short time; it is very rich, even poetic. Do yourself a favor: just trust me on this one.

Alternative
Lifting Depression: The Chromium Connection
Published in Hardcover by Basic Health Publications (2005-10-01)
Author: Malcolm Noell, M.D. Mcleod
List price: $24.95
New price: $11.21
Used price: $7.95

Average review score:

Please research Picolinate alternatives beforehand
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-02
While the picolinate variety of chromium is the most popular and widely available form in the US, there is still serious, ongoing debate about it's long-term safety.

One thing is certain: chromium polynicotinate is just as, if not more, bioavailable and effective as the picolinate version. And it also does not cause mutations in mice and cell cutures like picolinate has. It just takes a little more searching to buy.

This is the form I sought out before trying chromium for my low energy, mood and carb cravings. So far, it seems to be effective, and I haven't experienced any dizziness that some reported using this form of chromium.

Another very safe, if less well-absorbed, alternative is chromium chloride, which is more availble in Europe. The GTF form may not be as helpful.

Chromium saved me
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-09
From 1984 to 1998 I had a long string of professional and relational stresses, I didn't sleep well, and I took antidepressants. After that, I had 4 years of stable mood (I didn't take a single pill during those years). But after 2000, a new stressor appeared in my life.

I've been taking antidepressants again since 2002, with bad or mediocre results: maprotiline (Ludiomil) caused me unbearable side effects after a few years of use. Over a week ago, after reading Dr. McLeod's book, I started taking chromium picolinate, 400 micrograms 4 times a day, to a total of 1600 mcg a day. The results have been a complete remission of my depression, until now. I think that less than 1600 mcg wouldn't do the trick, and maybe Dr. McLeod could have obtained even better results in his clinical trial using this dose (better than the 70% of positive results he's got, using a maximum of 600 mcg). When I don't take the 400 mcg dose for more than 7 hours (I take one pill every 3 hours), a slight depression starts to return.

I have been taking chromium picolinate for years as an anti-aging supplement (400 mcg at bedtime of a formulation that's no longer available) without any antidepressant effect. The recommended daily dose for this formulation is 400 mcg 4 times a day, which I thought was excessive. (Chromium picolinate greatly increases insulin sensitivity, and high insulin sensitivity - low blood insulin - is one of the main metabolic characteristics of centenarians and animals subjected to calorie restriction, which have a strongly increased lifespan. And rats supplemented with chromium picolinate live 37% more than their normal lifespan).

A warning: the first time I took chromium picolinate as an antidepressant, I took 1000 mcg (of another formulation) at bedtime, and I didn't sleep well. The total dose has to be taken throughout the day. And I almost completely discontinued the not very effective (at least for me) antidepressant amitriptiline, (from 60 mg per day to 25 mg at bedtime).

Thank you Dr. McLeod. Without your keen observations, I think I would have never gotten were I am now: cured of depression!

Breakthrough book with unspoken ramifications
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-14
His patients try psychotherapy, antidepressants, but what really works for the 70% for whom it does work is chromium picolinate. Their diagnosis? Atypical depression with associated symptoms such as tiredness, excessive appetite, weight gain and a heavy feeling in their limbs.

It is wonderful to see a psychiatrist sharing the increasingly respectable, though, for some, still radical view that nutrients can restore "mental" health.

What I like most about the book is reading between the lines. Even while he supports a psychoanalytic approach, most (not all) of his patients say it is the chromium picolinate that made the difference. While the author respectfully defends what I consider to be an overrated ideology, in my view, he also undercuts it with his own research. The influence of his socialization into the field of psychiatry is not lost as the author frames his initial impressions of rapid improvement through his psychopharmaceutical lenses.

Still, Dr Mcleod is supporting an approach to "depression" based on treatable biological risk factors. The implications of this perspective are yet to be seen. If chromium picolinate is so effective perhaps tryptophan, magnesium, amino acids, etc. can also be effective for specific identifiable biological risk factors.

David Moyer, Author Too Good to be True? Nutrients Quiet the Unquiet Brain

Offers enlightenment to all and is recommended strongly to those who suffer from depression
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-11
In Lifting Depression: The Chromium Connection, practicing psychiatrist Malcolm Noell McLeod presents the personal empowerment of overcoming of a familial situation between himself and his parents. As significant and growing numbers of people worldwide struggle with the psychological disadvantage of mental and emotional depression, Malcolm Noell McLeod gives readers a healing aide for dealing with this increasingly common psychological condition. With true potential for revolutionary standards of discovery, Lifting Depression: The Chromium Connection offers enlightenment to all and is recommended strongly to those who suffer from depression individually as well as those wishing to find aid for friends and loved ones afflicted with chronic depression.

Miracle Cure
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-27
Four years ago I had a heart attack and by-pass surgery. Soon afterwards I fell in a deep depression with anxiety attacks. Since then I have been seeing a psychiatrist on a monthly, or sometimes weekly basis. I ended up in the hospital and an out care facility for 6 weeks. I had to take a medical retirement because the depression seemed untreatable. I've tried just about every medication and or combination, for depression, but nothing seemed to work. At one time my doctor told me I was one of the hardest cases he had ever treated. He knew from the onset it was not an emotional problem but a chemical imbalance. He used all the new, old, and uncommon drugs. We were at the end of all the drugs and combinations out there so he was pushing me to electric shock thearpy. I did not want to do this, it was frightening. I started to study on my own. I was desparate. One day I went online and found this book. At first I passed over it because it seemed to simplistic or I thought it might be a gimmick. I was so wrong. I read the book. It seem plausible enough, but I did not seem to fit the criteria for chromium deficiency as described in the text. But as I said, I was deparate. I bought a $12 bottle of chromium and started taking it that day. The next day I saw my doctor. I told him about the chromium, he seem a little amused but had no objections to me taking it. I was in the process of starting to take another antidepressant at the same time. Three days later I felt normal for the first time in 4 years. I knew it was too early for the antidepressant to be working and that chromium had to be the explanation. I cried in relief and called my brother because I had to tell somebody and I knew my doctor would think I was crazy. The next day I still felt normal. At that point I called my doctor and told him that I was feeling great. He was afraid I was manic or something. Even though he was very skeptical he was willing to work with me as I took the chromium. I stopped taking the antidepressant and I gave him my book to read. That was two months ago. I am no longer taking drugs for depression. I am feeling better now than I have for years. My doctor is amazed. He has suggested chromium to another patient who has not had success with conventional medicine. What would I say about this book? It has been a life changing a miracle! If you are at your wits end and nothing seems to help with your depression, what have you got to lose...(a meaningful life)? Read this book. Give it to others you care about who cannot find relief from their depression. I know it will not work for everybody, but it did for me. It gave me back my life. Five stars does not seem to give it enough justification!

Alternative
Mandala: Luminous Symbols for Healing, 10th Anniversary Edition with a New CD of Meditations and Exercises
Published in Paperback by Quest Books (2006-09-25)
Author: Judith Cornell
List price: $28.95
New price: $14.93
Used price: $18.99

Average review score:

Compelling
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-22
I liked this book. The illustrations are fantastic. It includes good explanations of the spiritual work that can be involved during the process of drawing mandalas. It focuses primarily on the role and image of light. Everything is done on black paper. The guides for making your own mandalas are good. The instructions for shading and the use of color are very helpful. It helped me understand that not all mandalas rely on a geometric form. If you decide to use colors, do what the book suggests and spend the extra money to get the pencils listed. It's a spectacular difference in the end product.

An Inspiration to my Art Students!
Helpful Votes: 17 out of 19 total.
Review Date: 2001-11-09
Last year I used this book as a resource for a special high school art unit that I developed entitled "Sacred Circles." In addition to learning about circular artwork in various cultures and world religions, students used Judith's beautiful illustrations and step by step guides to create mandalas of their own. (...) This is a book that I still have available in my classroom and students continue to refer to it (independently!) to advance their drawing techniques. SO glad I bought this!

Radiantly Inspiring
Helpful Votes: 18 out of 18 total.
Review Date: 2000-08-26
The beauty of the mandalas pictured in the book intimidated me because it had been so many years since I'd created any art. I didn't think I could do it. But I did it and I'm extremely grateful to Judith Cornell for writing this book. Working on the exercises at home, alone, is not the same experience as it would be in a group. The group can offer a creative support level that helps each individual surpass previous achievements. However, I'm so happy with the mandalas I created as a result of these exercises that I've put each one up on the wall. And, even more important, I've continued to draw. No more creative blocks for me!

Wonderfully inspiring!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-09
This is a great book on many levels.
The other reviewers have done such a good job that I'll just leave it at that.
I will buy copies for friends. A perfect gift.

Incredibly AWE inspiring!
Helpful Votes: 35 out of 37 total.
Review Date: 1998-08-23
Mandala: Luminous Symbols for Healing, by Judith Cornell, is absolutely the most incredibly beautiful book I've ever held in my hands. Holding and looking at it, even before reading, is like a sacred experience. Is it the beauty of the lay-out and illustrations? The very real spiritual impact of the mandalas presented, both historical and contemporary? A moment of healing even in the first moment's gasp of awe while browsing its pages? One even begins to caress its binding. One of my favorite activities now is to present it to friends and watch their faces--their eyes pop open, their jaws drop in amazement--and hear the quick intake of breath as its color begins to radiate into their awareness. Beyond the first impression, reading took me to awesome depths and insights regarding ultimate reality, syntheses I'd previously long puzzled. Don't miss this dazzling yet holy experience. Look, read, and practice the simple yet brilliant art-as-at-one-ment exercises for the depth of your life.

Alternative
Medicine and Compassion: A Tibetan Lama's Guidance for Caregivers
Published in Paperback by Wisdom Publications (2006-06-23)
Author: Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
List price: $14.95
New price: $8.90
Used price: $4.07

Average review score:

Compasion for caretakers and self
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-31
This book should be compulserary reading for caretakers. It can show how to deal with the stress and "burnout" of peole in all fields. I learned how better deal with my terminal illnes. Whereas, I do not agree with the later stages of the "bardo" ( the dying process of 40+ days) from the Tibetan / Buddhist point of view, all else was quite perffect. For one to impliment the suggestions in this book are , in my experience, guarenteed to ellivate an individuals ability to be compasionate toward life itself. Thank you, Tom J. Sawyer, Rochester, N.Y.

Timeless Wisdom
Helpful Votes: 13 out of 14 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-02
Medicine & Compassion is an important book. It should be required reading for physicians, medical students, nurses, caregivers, and hospice staff. Every family should have it on their bookshelf. Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, and even non-religious people will benefit from this book because the ideas are about the human condition which transcends all differences of faith. In a word, this book is a treasure.

We all grow old, get sick, and die. Impermanence, uncertainty, and sorrow permeate our very existence. Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and David R. Shlim, M.D., answer the important questions of why we get sick and to how to respond with compassion and mercy, when illness or impending death are at hand. One could say that it is a manual to understanding our own nature and mortality.

The narrative tone of the book is intelligent and merciful - never sugary or overdone. I could really feel the subtle, yet vibrant life energy of the book as it conjured forgotten images and feelings. It caused me to reflect on the end of life care that I administered for my parents and brother. I was able to see what was good and what was lacking in my care for them, without feeling a sense of regret. In fact, I gained a sense of optimism for the future.

As a writer on Buddhist healing, I found this to be a perfectly cut gem. Its words and inferences reflected the light of wisdom. I found it an invaluable tool for encouraging the sick and suffering. I was especially impressed with the author's end of life guidance in the chapter "Easing the Process of Dying." As a Buddhist for more than 30 years, I've read many works on death, dying, and the bardos. Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Dr. Shlim explain this subject in a way that can satisfy the average person or the spiritually advanced. Most of all, the reader will be inspired to improve their own life and mind.

I highly recommend this book. Just as an outdoorsman needs a compass, so too can this book guide one in challenging times.

Charles Atkins
Author of "Modern Buddhist Healing"

healing body and soul
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-10-17
Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche is a highly-respected Tibetan lama who heads a large monastery in Nepal and has active Dharma centers in a number of Western countries
(see gomdeusa.org). He is a pure-hearted and open-minded teacher who indeed embodies the Buddhist ideal of compassion and wisdom combined. The ongoing "meetings of the minds" (the Mind and Life seminars with H.H the Dalai Lama being probably the best-known example), focussing on Mind and Meditation, are attracting wide interest; the theme of Mind, Meditation and Medecine may resonate even more, given the number of books appearing in that general area, of which this one is surely among the best.

Compact and Helpful Overview
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2005-07-15
This book is quite brief, and offers the reader a compact and concise overview of Tibetan Buddhism's approach to medicine, caregiving, and death. It is not necessary to be a Buddhist to gain insight from this book, and I wish I had had access to it years ago when I was caring for an ill relative. Should be purchased by libraries.

A remarkable book
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2004-10-30
Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and David Shlim have articulated beautifully an invaluable lesson in learning how to encompass compassion into our encounters with patients. As nurses and physicians we work with great dedication and energy to help our patients move toward a healthier state of being. The process sometimes seems very easy and gratifying however, sometimes we are stuck and not sure why. This book offers practical advice to the reader of how to more effectively approach each patient with kindness, wisdom and care. Since reading the book, I have noticed subtle changes in my own approach to patients and have felt a new energy and insight.

Alternative
Mindfulness of Breathing: Managing Pain, Illness, and Stress with Guided Mindfulness Meditation
Published in Audio CD by Breathworks (2005-12-01)
Authors: Sona and Vidyamala
List price: $19.95
New price: $19.95
Used price: $19.95

Average review score:

Breath
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2006-01-09
Wonderful- who could have thought the breath could be so interesting and sooo relaxing.

excellent support for meditation practice
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-15
This is an excellent support for breathing/mindfulness meditation practice. The option of led and unled practice sessions is really helpful - and Vidyamala's calming voice is a great bonus!

Being in the moment
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2006-02-21
I've been using this CD for about two years, along with the Body Scan and Kindly Awareness, also by Vidyamala and Sona. Practising this meditation with the CD has helped me to live in the present moment, and this in turn has helped me to enjoy life much more. The ancient Greek Philosopher Epicurus thought that the main reason we suffer was to do with thoughts about that past and the future, and that if we could just stay with our present moment experience we would be happy. I agree with him and heartily recommend this CD as a way of doing just that.

A MUST
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2006-01-09
This CD has really helped me develop more awareness in my life. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has a stressful job, as it can help you bring more spaciousness and calmness into the way you relate to the demands of the job. I know this from experience having worked as nurse, and now as a psychologist for a number of years. At the same time I can recommend this CD to both those who are new to meditation as well as those who are more experienced. Highly recommended!

This really works
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2006-01-19
I have a long standing back injury and have tried many many treatments from all sorts of disciplines. This mindfulness approach is the most effective thing I have ever done for my back pain. It is somehow ironic that switching from trying to treat or fix the pain to just living with it and managing it is what has worked, but there you are.... I really enjoy the slowing down that this CD brings for me. I got the benefits by using the CD over time so this is not a quick fix. But it does work.

Alternative
Nevermind: Nirvana
Published in Paperback by Schirmer Books (2000-07)
Authors: Jim Berkenstadt and Charles R. Cross
List price: $14.95
Used price: $10.98

Average review score:

A Pretty cool book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2000-09-04
It tells alittle bit about the history of Nirvana but its mostly about the making of Nevermind and about the songs. Its pretty good.

Must have for a true Nirvana fan
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1999-05-08
This book gives an excellent account of what led to the great CD we now know as Nevermind. It briefly describes Nirvana's rise to stardom and gives a glimpse into the personalities of the members, but is at its best in describing how the actual production of the album went. Using numerous sources, the author lets us listen to Nevermind in a completely different way. The only downside is that it is a relatively short work, and I left wanting more

Missing Kurt
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2002-10-06
This is an excellent book on Nirvana, and it is too sad that it is out-of-print. It contains important interviews and write-ups from several pop culture mags of that era on the band--on performances--on their overall views...

Does this signal that Kurt was right: Grunge is dead?

Well, perhaps dead but not yet interred into the earth.

Surprisingly good
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2000-05-27
Yeah, yeah, it's really lame to buy a book about them and all, but this isn't just another stupid ripoff fan book- this is really good stuff. It's funny. It's sad. It gives Courtney a chance to look less evil- I changed my mind about her because of this book. And it's not just about Kurt like most Nirvana books are- there's a good amount of stuff on Krist and the various drummers as well. Serious Nirvana fans really need to read this.

Best Nirvana Book That I Know Of
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 1999-01-27
There are a lot of crappy books out there about Nirvana, but this isn't one of them. Contains some of the most revelent articles and nirvana related material. Very interesting and a must have if you are a Nirana nut like me. :)

Alternative
Nutraceutical Revolution: 20 Cutting-Edge Nutrients to Help You Design Your Own Perfect Whole-Life Program
Published in Hardcover by Diane Pub Co (1998-10)
Author: Richard N. Firshein
List price: $25.00
New price: $21.00
Used price: $19.62

Average review score:

a lot of practical examples
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1999-03-10
This is a very good reference for nutrition freaks like me. It does contain a lot of practical examples, so it's much better than Dr. Atkins' book in that aspect.

Highly readable book with good information for everybody.
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 1999-03-12
As an osteopathic physician easing into the arena of nutritional medicine Dr. Firshein (another D.O.) gives some great guidelines for me to follow. I have started some of my more difficult patients on some of the nutrients that he wrote about and I have had some good results. Nutritional medicine is a complex and developing field that Dr. Firshein does an excellent job of clarifying his top 20 hits. I have not come across a better book in this field...including Dr. Weil's work.

For your health's sake - buy this book!
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2003-06-15
I can not say enough great things about this book! I have recommended it to several doctors and to many of my patients.

I only wish that it was one of the rec'd reading texts at school. Any new doctor would benefit from reading this info, and because it limits it's scope to the 20 things you most commonly see in practice, it is both pertinant and memorable. The info can easily be assimilated into practice, and does not require excessive patient compliance.

For the layman, this is worth having in your library. Many of your chief complaints are not treated well wih traditional medicine, and this book gives you the info you need to treat yourself.

SUPERB author!
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2000-04-05
This is a highly readable book, chock full of the latest research on a large range of neutraceuticals, and includes numerous anecdotes of Dr. Firshein's patients' firsthand experiences with the curative aspects of these nutraceuticals. Read this book if you have any interest in herbs and/or vitamins and nutritional therapies. THE NUTRACEUTICAL REVOLUTION contains fascinating accounts of the healing and restorative impact of many substances -- glutamine, milk thistle, quercetin, lutein, flaxseed, ginko --- just to name a few!

Nutraceuticals- A Phenomenal Resource in Modern Medicine!
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 1999-03-14
If you think you will always have to suffer with PMS - read this book. If you have been unable to lose weight - read this book. If exhaustion has become part of your everyday life - read this book. If your family has a history of heart disease, eye disease, diabetes, cancer or osteoporosis (to name a few), and your worried that you will eventually be next - read this book. The amazing information in this book details how Dr. Richard Firshein applies nutraceuticals to the vast range of conditions that he encounters every day in his practice. He explains how the systems in the body work, and how by matching specific nutrients to the needs of the body, also impacting on the mind and the emotions, we can achieve new levels of health, regain our health and prevent disease. Many of these nutrients are available in the foods that we eat, but if we become sick, the nutriceutical (concentrated) form can be the best way to regain health, since the quantities of food required would be taxing on our digestive systems.(That's just one of the reasons.) In addition, there are herbs that are not part of our daily diet that have a wide range of healing properties for specific illnesses. This book is a great way to become truly informed and knowledgeable about the multi-faceted, powerful, healing world of nutraceuticals, and how they can help you and those you love achieve good, and even great, health.


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