Alternative Books

A fully comprehensive, up-to-date and well organized compendium of sustainable design and construction techniques, this book seems to keep fining its way onto my desk again and again for various projects. There are piles of publications on sustainability, this one however, is profound in its completeness, usefulness and quality of information.

I am a property owner considering LEED Certification for a building remodel. As a starting poijnt, I have read the LEED guidelines at the Green Building Council website. However, I was looking for something more substantial to help understand the process. "The HOK Guidebook to Sustainable Design" fills that purpose.

This Guidebook is written by the HOK Architectural firm which has been one of the leaders in sustainable design. The book has three sections. The first chapters are a check list of design guidelines and questions that one needs to explore during the LEED design process. The second section looks at sustainability issues as related to certain building types and the final section are a series of short articles on LEED projects the firm has worked on.

This Guidebook is on its Second Edition and is invaluable for all those interested in LEED certification. It is well written and clearly organized. It is an expensive book but well worth the price. It is a great introduction into what is becoming an important area of design. Highly recommended.

The most comprehensive book yet on sustainable design and green architecture. If you can have only one book in your library on sustainable design, this is the book!

Although I normally read books in twos and threes on the same topic to gain varied perspectives, this is the first time I am writing a single review encompassing two books. They mesh together so well that I cannot imagine studying this subject without having BOTH in hand.

The two books are Sun, Wind & Light: Architectural Design Strategies, 2nd Edition and The HOK Guidebook to Sustainable Design.

Start with the introduction in the Guidebook, which is blessed with a Foreword from Paul Hawken and see especially page 13 where the cost benefits are shown, with 48% energy savings for Gold, 30% for Silver, and 28% for Certified. See also the illustration on page 15 that I have reproduced in the image I am loading for both books: the old decision model was Cost at the top, with Schedule and Quality anchoring the triangle. the new decision model still has cost at the top, but Schedule and Human Health, Safety, & Comfort are on corners of this new pentagon, and the bottom is achored by Quality and Ecology, or what Paul Hawken would call in his books, "true cost" to the Earth and Humanitas.

NOW shift to the Contents and the Detailed Contents of Sun, Wind, & Light. As one reviewer notes, this is a course book. I did not recognize it as such, I saw it as one of the most gifted complete collection of factors to learn and apply that I have ever seen for ANY topic of study. The content and organization of this book is nothing short of Nobel-level "wow." Finish going through this book.

NOW go back to the first 218 pages of the Handbook, and study the checklists and varied helpful boxes and explanations. The rest of the book (217-459) is case studies of specific buildings, each a few pages, that can be left for last.

At this point, I went into the Glossaries and Bibliographies of both books. Each is distinct, neither supplants the other. They must be taken together. I read Glossaries, and Indices, as content, and use them as a form of "second look" (in extremely complex books, this is actually where I start).

NOW go back to the Case Studies in the Handbook, and read each from the point of view of what "take away" lessons are there for your own building.

Reading these two books was a real treat. Outside my office kitchen is a deck with an 11 point system for attracting birds from bluebirds and bluejays to cardinals, gold finches, two kinds of woodpecker, and a flicker as well as the more common birds. I believe in diversity, and I believe that if we don't get our act together and start living up to the ideals of Natural Capitalism (see other recommended books below), our world will go sterile and dark before out great-grandchilden can share in the beauty of this planet. These two books are part of the solution, and I am in serious awe of those who made them available to all of us, and at reasonable prices to boot. Well done!!!

Blessed Unrest: How the Largest Movement in the World Came into Being and Why No One Saw It Coming
Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution
The Ecology of Commerce
Ecological Economics: Principles And Applications
For the Common Good: Redirecting the Economy toward Community, the Environment, and a Sustainable Future
The Soul of Capitalism: Opening Paths to a Moral Economy
Capitalism 3.0: A Guide to Reclaiming the Commons (Bk Currents)
The Philosophy of Sustainable Design

As a senior vice president and firmwide sustainable design director at HOK, Mary Ann Lazarus combined her expertise with the professional experience of the other two design principals and leaders of sustainable design at HOK, Sandra F. Mendler and William Odell, in "The HOK Guidebook to Sustainable Design."

"The HOK Guidebook to Sustainable Design" is one of the most comprehensive books on LEED and sustainable design. It is not a LEED AP exam prep book. It is a book to assist you in doing actual sustainable design. It covers checklists of actions and how-to information arranged by the LEED® categories (SS: sustainable sites, WE: water efficiency, EA: energy & atmosphere, MR: materials & resources, and EQ: indoor environmental quality), "Ten Key Steps" for the design process, specific guidance for sustainable design per building type, and 18 useful case studies from HOK's real projects.

"The HOK Guidebook to Sustainable Design" has 480 pages and many color interior photos. It is a must-have for design professionals and one of the best books on LEED and green building design.

Gang Chen, Author of "LEED AP Exam Guide" & "Planting Design Illustrated," LEED AP, AIA

This book (written by a veterinarian) is excellent! I find the practical information wonderfully straight forward!

This is the best very informative, easy read book on birds I have ever read. Every bird owner should have it.

This book is very informative and easy to understand. I would use it as a reference manual and it has some very interesting recipes for birdy treats.

I LOVE this book! I use it as a reference guide, and I find it easy to read, logical, and very very helpful! PLEASE BUY THIS BOOK IF YOU OWN A BIRD!

In HOLISTIC CARE FOR BIRDS, authors McCluggage and Higdon address preventative care as well as spiritual and emotional healing. They begin with a brief overview of `bird keeping' - Different birds have different needs..Not all birds like to be petted while others may become miserable without constant affection. Sometimes the difference is species specific, other times it is related to the bird's treatment by previous owners.

Obvious physical problems may send you scrambling to the vet, but there are remedies you can keep on hand to deal with life's stresses and less serious physical injuries. For example, according to the authors, mild camomile tea in the bird's water bowl offers a soothing aperitif following a bad "out-of-cage" experience with the family dog or as a palliative for feather picking. Aloe juice used to treat human skin problems as well as Vitamin E and C can also be used to address bird wounds inflicted by cage mates.

The authors address a range of treatments for ailments as diverse as sore feet and broken feathers to heart disease. They do not eschew veterinary care, indeed McCluggage is a DVM as well as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Higdon has written a number of books on happy, healthy pets (Lovebirds, Quaker Parrots, etc.). The book includes a section on nutrition, as the best health care involves diet.

This is an excellent book that is required reading for a Naturopathic Medicine course that would lead to the N.D. designation, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine.

This easy to read book has got an amazing amount of very practical information. It's written in such a manner that you can easily find an ailment with it's corresponding therapeutic program (specific foods, supplements, herbs etc.) Dr. Airola also gives in my opinion the best lacto-vegetarian diet around. I've never been ill and feel great every single day since implementing this diet and his other health-boosting recommendations in my life. Bluntly said, this book covers everything you need to know to get healthy or get healing - the natural way.

I found many answers to what occurred in my body from this wonderful, simple yet direct book. I love the juice and soup recommendations and the formula for facial skin care. Everything I have tried from the book worked, so it's a keeper that I highly recommend to other people!

This book has the ring of truth to it, unlike many books on nutrition I've read. Dr. Airola lists most common diseases (and even includes a chapter on smoking), and gives step-by-step instructions on how to deal with those maladies, including dietary suggestions, herbal and other supplemental recommendations, as well as other techniques such as juice fasting. (I have followed Dr. Airola's protocol for fasting several times and have found it a cleansing and healing experience.) Several appendices are very helpful, including dissertations on how to fast properly and what constitutes a healthy diet. The writing style is engaging, even entertaining. I consider this book an essential part of the home library. It is a shame it doesn't have a wider readership in the United States.

In a time when one mostly sees the popular books written by armchair herbalists and sycophantic ND's, I found seeing Dr. Airola's book still in print a distinct pleasure. Dr. Airola not only writes and presents the material well, but he also transmits a charm and a positiveness that is healing in and of its own self. Dr. Airola practiced what he preached--what is in his books are the results of his clinical experience. No Bravo Sierra here.

I'll offer my testimomial here. What is in his book worked for me and worked in three weeks. The M.D.'s failed after three years. The experience moved me enough to study natural medicine in depth to the practitioner level. Dr. Airola's book were the first textbooks. Despite being layman's books, they are chocked full of knowledge.

Should you use this book, be prepared to juice. You need to either grow your own herbs or find good sources since the capsuled stuff in healthfood stores is garbage.

In this book, you will see a diet that is the progenitor of the some of the more recent popular diets, except that Airola's worked and has stood the test of time. The treatments for specific disease are complete, comprehensible, and usually on one or two pages.

One of the beauties of this book is that one who knows nothing of natural healing can take this book and get started right away to heal themselves, gain a strong backbone into natural healing, and turn their live's around.

To the negative, there is no information given on how to make herbal preparations. There is more to herbalism than eating a weed and Dr. Airola just gave the principle herbs for a specific treatment. In most cases, that would fine, however I suggest a good herbal or a practicing herbalist who makes their own brews to help in the preparation.

This book is an excellent first book for the prospective student of natural medicine (or biological medicine as Dr. Airola called it). It would be my first choice if one asked me for a guide to curing themselves, and it should be found to be an indespensible addition to one's library. It is the only book I loan to people and I have been through 3 copies as it gets worn out and stained over time.

In her latest book, How to Mediate like a Pro, Mary Greenwood, J.D.,LL.M sets forth a brilliant and thorough summary of key points for mediation. Having served as a superintendent of schools as well as a university professor teaching Conflict Resolution to doctoral students, I recognize the voice of a finely-honed, experienced mediator. I wish I had had access to both this book (and her other book on negotiation) when I was serving in both of these positons.Practicality shines through. This is no theoretical text.

I like the way definitions are spelled out, the way that application of the 42 rules are illustrated,the other resources listed to assist in mediation, and the characteristics of a good mediator. All are very helpful.

Certainly this text together with her ealier one on negotiation are key components to success for any superintendt, CEO, or administrator. It is
a short, but pithy read. The writing is clear, focused and practical. I
highly recommend this book for anyone who is desiring to learn how to make mediation a successful process.
Marion Czaja, Ph.D., Professor, Retired Sam Houston State University

The mediation tips are helpful for any mediator, litigator or party involed in the mediation or legal process. This second book compliments the series of hopefully more books to come.

Want to mediate a situation on a professional basis? How to Mediate Like a Pro by Mary Greenwood, J.D., LL.M, provides a complete methodology that helps to create success--if one uses her 42 Rules. Each Rule is a stepping stone that builds ones' expertise. A script is given following a discussion of each rule which helps the mediator to develop his/her own story.

I have found her scripts very useful where I work as a psychiatric teacher in a NC hospital. The concepts have helped to mediate may incidents based around misperceptions that engendered strong feelings about another patient. For example, extracting a careful apology, Rule 20, helps patients accept responsibility for at least part of any incident created, which in turn develops an atmosphere of acceptance and respect between patients.

The text is enriched with many venues of usefulness: online mediation, workplace mediation, language to use, do's and don'ts of mediators, as well as international, national and state mediation resources. A useful book for those of us who want to help create a more peaceful world around us, wherever that might be!

Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (3/08)

Author Mary Greenwood does it again with "How to Mediate Like a Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes." This follows her book "How to Negotiate Like a Pro," which has now won six awards and this new one is just as impressive. It is a great book for anyone who works in mediation, is thinking about becoming a mediator or to use in a classroom when training mediators. The advice is simple, straight-to-the-point and effective.

There are only 55 pages in this book, but they are full of valuable information on mediation. My only experience with mediation was with my divorce and, after reading this book, I realized that the mediator was following a process. The mediator helped us make a very painful process short, effective and less expensive.

The author starts the book by defining what mediation is. Then she compares the differences between a negotiation and mediation. In chapter two she explains the role of the mediator and begins the 42 rules of mediation. The 42 rules include: setting ground rules, not showing emotion, letting the parties tell their story, being neutral and not having any bias, not letting the parties get bogged down, being the devil's advocate and follow up. There are many other rules besides what I mentioned and they cover the topic from A-Z.

Following the chapters are several appendices with mediator's opening statement, glossary terms, what makes a good mediator and resources. They are great references that are set up to be easily referred to. The resources also include what is available in every state.

I thought that this is a great book, straight-to-the-point and simple. I definitely walked away with good knowledge about what a mediator is supposed to do. I highly recommend "How to Mediate Like a Pro" for anyone who is a mediator or thinking about becoming a mediator.

I learned a lot from Greenwood's earlier book, How to Negotiate Like a Pro, which I was not surprised to learn won six book awards! The sequel, How to Mediate Like a Pro, explains how to mediate when negotiations fail. Greenwood is an experienced Mediator and she passes on her knowledge and experience in a logical and pragmatic fashion that makes learning from her book quite easy. My favorite chapter is "How to Talk Like a Mediator" which gives actual responses to typical concerns and questions the parties have. There are appendices which give a glossary of terms and resources in each state. A must have reference for anyone interested in mediation or conflict resolution.

This book amazed me. It opened my heart to feeling such love and bliss that it seemed I was standing in the Rose Garden of Love Adi Da was depicting. As I read further he revealed that I am fully capable of entering into this sensual, blissful domain of perfect love he offers, that I am already in and only have to become aware that this is so. It blew my mind that I and everyone can feel this love at all times if we follow his instructions about how to relate to him and everything.

Hridaya Rosary is, without question, the greatest poetry ever spoken.

What purpose could art and poetry ever serve, but the awakening of the heart to love beyond darkness, beyond any further clenching need? Hridaya Rosary, or the Four Thorns of Heart-Instruction, pierced me in just that way. There is no preparation I could have had for the sublimity that awaited me. I couldn't spoil the surprise for you even if I tell you the ending.

Many books, perhaps too many, are on today's bookstore shelves trying to explain what God is. But if you want to actually feel the Divine in what you are reading, I recommend the Hridaya Rosary, the Four Thorns of Heart Instruction. There I found crystal clarity side-by-side with the language of ecstatic love. Adi Da writes poetry of deep wisdom and incredible passion. He writes in such a profound way that the Truth slid around my chattering mind and touched my heart and soul. Rarely can written words move me into a state of deeply relaxed being and heightened awareness, but the Four Thorns has this power.

In one essay in this book, Adi Da says, "You cannot merely read my Wisdom-Teaching and 'get it'". He is right. I found that these writings were addressing some part of me far deeper than the thinking mind or even the emotional being. Throughout the book, he describes and recommends a process of "melting down" which I found overewhelmingly attractive at the deepest level. Carrying out the instructions in the book has re-arranged my orientation to life and my place in it. I feel more real, more balanced, more sane than ever before.

The essays and talks in Hridaya Rosary are sophisticated. When I tried to grapple with them mentally I just became frustrated. When I was able to relax the mind, then the words somehow enforced themselves at a primal point in me, at the heart. In these moments the wisdom of the book became intuitively clear and I felt a profound relief. At these times, it was obvious that the way things really are, Reality (with a capital R), is much different from what I ordinarily assume.

I believe this is the most efficacious instruction I have ever read.

The Hridaya Rosary is profoud, sublime and utterly brilliant. No scripture or esoteric spiritual text can equal the magnificence or the overwhelmingly direct transmission of tangibly felt Love-Bliss this book and the essays and talks which accompany it convey. Adi Da Samraj does not spout poetry in the conventional sense. His words inherently go beyond language. I couldn't (and I don't think anyone can) read this book in a conventional way, for it took me on a deep feeling odyssey into the ultimate spiritual process. I found its mysteries are fundamentally unspeakable, but spoken with perfect eloquence and discrimination. Every cell of the body was screaming YES! to this outrageously sensual, delightful infusion of Divine-Bliss. Adi Da Samraj writes, "I Am not elsewhere, and yet I Am Infinitely Beyond... evey thing and every one Is in Me." This book convinces me that this is completely true.

The Authors are to be congratulated for implementing practical applications of some difficult and highly sophisticated science, and for presenting their program in easy-to-read everyday language. This will be helpful to legions of women everywhere. The message is illustrated by 25 real life case studies containing various manifestations of the basic problem. These will be readily recognisable by any sufferer who can benefit from the approach described. This approach is self evidently logical and straightforward, and may leave British readers wondering why it is only in the USA that the technology has been developed and exploited to offer a convenient and readily available service. The answer has many facets, and is almost as complicated as the technology itself. However, astute and perceptive readers will find the book contains a number of clues, notably from Chapter 10 (Getting Started) onwards. In addition, supporting information is to be found in books on Menopause by Dr.John Lee, and on Osteoporosis by Dr.Alan Gaby.

Armed with these volumes readers should engage in some determined lobbying.

General Practitioners and Consultants plus Members of Parliament and the Department of Health all need to be convinced that HRT using bio-identical hormones must be taken seriously. As with many medical matters the science is not wholly exact and a measure of art and experience is involved. Consequently the doubters have room to argue that the margin of uncertainty is unacceptable. These arguments are used to discourage doctors and their patients from evaluating the methods for themselves. Never-the-less several thousand UK patients who can afford to finance their own treatment are already benefiting from the findings of these pioneers. Unfortunately, apart from a couple of limited privately sponsored trials there is no official UK program to collect and analyse this valuable case data. To the extent that Ahlgrimm and Kells have made a contribution in this respect their book is doubly welcome even although it may not be the ultimate definitive treatise. There appears little doubt that enormous savings could be made in the lifetime costs of women's healthcare by extending the benefits the authors describe to all NHS patients. The 15 page list of references contained in the book should convince anyone that the authors have really done their homework!

See also:-

Natural Progesterone; John Lee M.D.

What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause; John Lee M.D.

Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis; Alan Gaby M.D.

The New Arthritis and Commonsense; Dale Alexander & Mark Occhipinti;

Dale Alexander describes the work of Dr.A.C. Frazer in 1945 that proved how long-chain oil molecules such as Progesterone can be drawn primarily into the lymphatic system instead of being largely wasted travelling the portal route to the liver. They must first be hydrolyzed by emulsifying 1:2 in milk. This method satisfies the advice on page 80 of Marla Ahlgrimm's book regarding the advantage of taking hormones with food. It would appear that the Alexander and Frazer method of administration could overcome the fundamental objection of Dr. Lee, as expressed in his books, to taking hormones orally. It would be helpful if a clinical trial could be arranged, and monitored by the methods described in Marla Ahlgrimm's book.

My friends and I all agree that reading this book at the beginning of our menopausal journey would have saved us a lot of time and money. It is quite simply the most "user-friendly" book on the subject that we have found. It makes a complex subject so much easier to understand an it gives us hope that this journey needn't be a nightmare.

Accurately measuring hormones to determine the dosage that's just right for YOU and then monitoring your progress sounds like they gave this book the perfect title, because it IS the HRT solution. I've already made an appointment with my doctor for the book's recommended saliva hormone test and am looking forward to starting their "Restore" program. I've recommended this book to all my buddies at... and recommend it to everyone who needs hormone replacement therapy - ESPECIALLY for those of you whose current HRT regimen isn't giving you the results you're looking for. I hope someday this method of hormone testing and mangagement sweeps the nation."The HRT Solution" not only discusses a revolutionary approach to HRT, but also includes a thorough and precise description of hormones in general - how they work, why you need them, and what the alternatives are. In addition, the author gives advise on how to talk with your doctor about this method if he or she is not familiar with it. Like I said, this is the only book you'll need to read on Hormone Replacement Therapy!

This book should be the bible of hormone replacement for any woman who is on hormones or considering taking them. Any other approach just isn't good enough.

I've read several books on HRT, but this is the ONLY one I've found that explains the whole picture clearly -- no lecturing, no heavy-handed intimidation tactics. All of us women have heard the platitude about HRT being a very personal decision, etc., blah blah, but until I read The HRT Solution, I never had enough unbiased information to make that choice. It was fascinating to learn that my hormonal profile is as unique as my DNA or my fingerprints, and that if I take hormones, I need to be sure that the type and dosage match what my body needs. I was also very intrigued by the idea that I can do a simple test at home to measure my hormones, and that if I do decide to take hormones, I can take a natural form that my body will tolerate. I have recommended this book to my mother, sister, and many, many friends -- it's very well written and incredibly informative.

Exciting and well-written! A must-read for any fan of Bigfoot lore.

For those that want to complete their Bigfoot fiction library, pick this book up.

'Nuf said.

Sincerely,
Loren Coleman, Author
Bigfoot! The True Story of Apes in America

While recently lecturing for the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of Mufon (the Mutual UFO Network), I had the pleasure of meeting Lisa Shiel, the author of a new book titled "The Hunt For Bigfoot."
According to the blurb for the book, "Lisa A. Shiel turned a long-time interest in alternative history and archaeology (especially Egyptology) into gripping fiction based on her own unique interpretation of events that have fueled curiosity worldwide."

With a Master's Degree in Library Science from the University of North Texas to her credit, Lisa has written what is without doubt (in my own opinion) a lively, exciting and gripping piece of fiction based around the Bigfoot mystery - and a number of other mysteries, too!

The book focuses primarily upon Katy Gallagher, a website designer and would-be anthropologist, and historian Charlie Bergren, who scour the planet for proof that current evolutionary theories are flawed.

Their quest turns dangerous when Katy is threatened and Charlie vanishes. Katy joins forces with Charlie's son, amateur Egyptologist Rick Bergren, to find the missing Charlie.

Plunging into the depths of Michigan's north woods, they tumble into a double-edged mystery - a hidden Bigfoot society protected by an ancient race with highly advanced technology who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets, and a mysterious billionaire willing, for his own reasons, to kill to preserve the Bigfoot legend.

To stay alive, Katy and Rick must unravel an enigma half a billion years in the weaving. They must find the creature science says cannot exist.

If you are even remotely interested in cryptozoology, ancient cosmic visitors, the legends of Atlantis, human evolution and more, then grab a copy of "The Hunt For Bigfoot" by Lisa Shiel as soon as possible.

Book one in the "Human Origins" series, it is soon to be followed by its sequel: "Lord Of The Dead."

For further details of "The Hunt For Bigfoot," contact: www.SlipdownMountain.com

One of the few new books which i really enjoyed. I have an interest in adventure stories, that coupled with my interest in alternatives to main stream science, found a really exciting and deep story line that held my interest until the end. This is a book of 400 pages, and read it cover to cover in just 4 days. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes thought provoking mysteries. It was a fun reading, and I look forward to her next book.

This book is interesting and FUN, FUN, FUN! A wonderful tale of northern Michigan's backwoods. I would recommend this book to anyone young or old. It is a delightful read and exciting right up to the last page.

The mind is what tells one that the body is in pain; but one can tell the mind what to do at the same time. "Hypnotize Yourself Out of Pain Now! A Powerful, User-Friendly Program for Anyone Searching for Immediate Pain Relief" is a guide to using the skill of self-hypnosis to make one's mind ignore the pain of the body, so that one can get on with life. Claiming to be tried, tested, and proven by medical professionals, "Hypnotize Yourself Out of Pain Now! A Powerful, User-Friendly Program for Anyone Searching for Immediate Pain Relief" is highly recommended to anyone willing to attempt a new approach to their chronic pain management, and for community library self-help collections.

As the author, I wrote this book for people who have tried everything to get their persistent pain to leave. I have compiled many techniques for helping people in pain regain control over their pain and diminish the suffering element.

Self hypnosis is the best non-drug remedy for relieving pain that won't go away. I use it myself because I have chronic pain (fibromylagia, chronic fatigue, spinal disease and arthritis).

The book clearly explains what HYPNOSIS is and what it is NOT. Readers are guided to choose the right self hypnosis method for them. Self-hypnotic pain coping methods covered (the "6 D's") include: Deep relaxation, De-catastrophizing, Direct behavior modification, Distraction, Distortion of pain sensations, and Dissociation from pain.

To my knowledge, this is the first self-help book devoted solely to self hypnosis for pain management. The goal is
NO MORE PAIN. The method is self-hypnosis. The result is less pain and less suffering. The bottom line is that if you have a chronic disease, "pain may be mandatory, but suffering is optional".

This book can be used with or without the help of a therapist.

The Weight, Hypnotherapy And You, Weight Reduction Program: An NLP And Hypnotherapy Practitioner Manual

Sometimes, I read a book on hypnosis that is to eloquent, so well-organized, so understandable, and written with such clarity and sensitivity that I wish I'd written it myself. That's how I felt about reading Hypnotize Yourself Out of Pain Now (Second Edition). This is the quintessential book on self-hypnosis for pain management.

Eimer first covers topics such as types of pain, the physiology of pain, pain and neurology, and the pain gate control theory, explaining how hypnosis can reduce chronic pain by closing off the neurological transmission of sensation to the brain from the site of previous injuries. He also discusses how to evaluate pain and how to evaluate one's coping strategies. The book then moves into the topics of hypnosis and self-hypnosis. Eimer acquaints the reader with basic information about hypnosis and then teaches eight methods of inducing self-hypnosis.

Next, the author provides a primer on pain management, covering the "six D's" of pain management: Deep Relaxation, Decatastrophizing, Direction, Distraction, Distortion, and Dissociation. He tells the reader how to match the pain management method to the type of pain, and gives self-hypnosis processes and self-suggestions in each "D" category. The pain management skills in this book include behavioral coping strategies, cognitive interventions, and relaxation methods.

This book also covers advanced self-hypnosis processes such as instant relaxation, a self-healing ritual, mindfulness meditation, ideo-motor signaling, and ego state therapy. I counted over 50 exercises for pain management in this book, so there is surely at least one that will help any reader who is willing to invest the time to learn and practice self-hypnosis. The book comes with a companion CD covers what hypnosis is, pain perception and hypnosis, relaxation with hypnosis, rating and lowering discomfort, pain relief and imagery, healing imagery, therapeutic touch and energy healing, comfort transfer, and stress control. While this book is written for anyone with chronic pain, it is also an excellent reference for hypnotherapists who work with pain reduction. As a chronic pain survivor myself, I believe this book holds great promise for improving the lives of many.

Three years ago I purchased this book to help with challenges from living with scoliosis and related leg pain. I half-heartedly read book. Of course, 3 years later my challenges increased so that the old maxim "When the student is ready, the teacher appears" became self evident. I revisited the book and have benefitted tremendously from the clear, concise, steps, that one can take to break down the cycle of pain. I also like the fact that there are a myriad of choices of relaxing or meditative exercises for you to chose from. This lets you pick and chose what works best for you. I only wish that there were a CD available as an accompaniment to the book. I am grateful to the author and hope to read more from him in the future

This book is a powerful tool to help people in pain gain some measure of control over that pain, and minimize the impact of pain on their function and quality of life. The writing is understandable and enjoyable. There are many options and styles of self-hypnosis offered. I recommend this book highly, and use it myself.

I bought this book on a whim several years ago when I started working as a high school teacher and was concerned about my increased risk of getting sick. This book is well written, easy to understand and very informative. Rountree describes each supplement and its effects in detail and also has specific supplement regimines to treat certain ailments. I can say that I have not had a full-blown cold in the last three years. Although the supplements can be expensive, what he recommends truly work! Buy this book and you will not be disappointed and if you follow his regimine you will rarely be sick.

I HIGHLY recommend this book! I had a sinus infection that would not clear up after three rounds of antibiotics-the most severe bout I've ever had, including losing my sense of smell. I followed the doc's reommendations for sinus infections, and within one week, my sense of smell began to return, and the infection finally cleared! Dr. Rountree is a genius! I am very grateful I decided to get this book-it is now my number one health reference. And NAC is a supplement that I will always keep on my shelf. Much gratitude to Dr. Rountree.

The fact that Robert Rountree is an MD who has practiced for quite some time makes me reassured regarding his suggestions. It's also quite relevant not just for general immune function but specific illness issues one might have at present. The first section is a fascinating explanation of how our immune system functions in our body. I have been on his general adult suggested dose of CoEnzyme Q and Cholostrum for almost two months -- I believe I am starting to have energy at the end of the work day! This is a minor miracle as I started to feel tired about 17 years ago ...no thyroid issue, no diabetes ever id'd with repeated tests. I credit these changes to the CoQ and colostrum. This is truly worth the time and expense for the information!

I loved this book. It is full of wonderful ideas to improve your mental and physical health. I have started using a few of the ideas and have already noticed a difference. I highly recommend the book to anyone looking at alternative ways to improve your health.

I bought the hard cover edition of this book about a year ago because I am very prone to colds and sinus infections. I read it but did not follow the advice because you seemed to need to buy so much stuff. This past spring and summer (2001), I got an endless and particularly exhausting sinus infection. I was miserable and I remembered the book and went shopping for supplements. I warn you the advice is not cheap to follow, however, the results for me were excellent. It took a few weeks to see results but now I feel better than I have in years--greater physical and mental energy. I caught a chest cold (complete with green mucus) in September and threw it off very quickly (within a week) without antibiotics--a first for me. I would not part with my copy of the book. Olive leaf extract, NAC, coenzyme Q10, alkylglycerol etc.--I take a lot of supplements every day now but they work. I have a huge shelf full of health books and this is undoubtedly the best one that I own. I literally live by it now.

This is a great book if you are trying to figure out referred pain patterns or ways for your client to help themselves at home. Good book to have on hand.

This book is a gem of simplicity and usefulness. It integrates anatomy, myofascial techniques, holistic thinking and traditional Chinese medicine meridien theory and also provides simple stretching and strengthening exercises to help patients move from pain to recovery. It's beautifully designed and illustrated; I especially love the calligraphic drawings of the exercises. As a massage therapist, I can say that it is now one of my favorite reference books.

great book that emphasize on learning to build one's skill in touch. great illustration pictures to master location of muscles. easy reference book to refer to in regard to figuring out possible trigger points for pain.

I am a massage therapist, who does deep tissue, sports and medical massage. I find this book to be a great guide. It is not as complete as the Janet Travell manuels, but it covers the main points of pain.

I'm a personal trainer and wanted the information to help me develop exercise programs for post-rehab clients. I was amazed at the quality of the book and the ease of use. The charts are great and the information is organized in such a way that you can find what you need very quickly.