Non-fiction in which Jo Marchant takes a scientific approach to recounting the latest research on the mind-body connection. She undertook this effort to find out the latest on what the mind can and cannot do to assist in achievement of overall better health and quality of life. Topics include the placebo effect, mindfulness meditation, the immune system, virtual reality, pain management, social connection, kindness in caregiving, stress, aging, depression, hypnosis, electrical impulses, and much more.

A self-professed skeptic and advocate for the scientific method, she systematically explores each topic and examines results of recent research. She brings a human component to these findings by providing case studies of people currently going through treatment. For the most part, these are people she has met, and she tells their stories in an empathetic way. The scientific jargon is kept to a minimum, and the concepts are explained in a straightforward manner. She is careful to cite areas where more research is needed, and documents dissenting opinions. Unfortunately, the pharmaceutical companies, which sponsor a vast amount of current research, are not motivated to spend money to support experiments that may reduce the need for their products.

In the author’s words:
”I am not advocating relying solely on the mind to heal us; but denying its role in medicine surely isn't the answer either. My hope, then, is that this book might help to overcome some of the prejudice against mind-body approaches, and to raise awareness that taking account of the mind in health is actually a more scientific and evidence-based approach than relying ever more heavily on physical interventions and drugs.”

Recommended to those interested in health and brain-related science. Those with current health issues may discover some helpful coping strategies. ( )

Arguing the case to use holistic treatments as well as, or sometimes instead of drugs and surgery. Author blames Descartes for medical professionals treating the mind and body separately, and looked at case studies of scientists using methods like hypnotherapy, CBT, meditation etc to help patients. Very well written sections on placebos, and successful hypnotherapy for IBS patients. Overall, fairly interesting, but not a very conclusive book. It has lots of useful references to science journals at the back. ( )

The field of alternative medicine is plagued with claims that can be as misleading as they are lethal. In Simon Singh’s book, Trick or Treatment, he covers aa number of the alternative medicines with a solid scientific rebuttal of those that fail to live up to expectations. But is there something going on that science is beginning to uncover? In this book Marchant considers the latest scientific research into the effect that our minds can have over our bodies, with solid evidence of the effects of positive thoughts and mindsets.

In the book she considers some fairly fundamental questions; the way our minds work, the almost magical effect of placebo, the management of pain and how the act of caring for someone can be transformative. There are chapters on training your immune system and the power of friendships. All of these things, when used in conjunction with a sympathetic doctor and the appropriate course of drugs can have an amazing effect compared to just regular treatments. Alternative medicine has lots of flaws, but what it does do well is to spend time with and care about the patient, something that conventional appointments with their rushed 10 minute slots and almost guaranteed prescription at the end of the consultation seems to have now lost. Throughout the book she meets with the scientists, doctors and patients who are at the leading edge of this research, bringing us their perspectives and trying to articulate why they think that it is working.

When reading this it did bring to mind Pratchett’s headology, the way that people see themselves and the world around them. But this is about real lives and people who are being treated with regular medicines, but who are fortunate to have doctors who are considering the whole individual at the same time. Marchant writes this with sparkling clarity and authority, and thankfully rarely dips into obscure medical jargon. It made for very interesting reading too, with some well written examples of those that have been healed or had their lives return to something closer to normal. Based on the research here, we need to consider both mind and body treatments not just a blind acceptance of the newest drugs. All very interesting stuff and much food for thought. ( )

Synopsis: A Nonfiction book about how the mind and body work together for health.

My Rating:
4/5
When I first picked this book up I was hesitant because I worried it might be a "woo-woo" type book but I am so glad to report that it wasn't. This book is much more science than woo-woo. The book opens with the author reminding readers that some things can only be cured with medicine. This isn't the type of book where you think yourself well. Instead, this book is about how our conscious and unconscious mind influence our bodies.

I feel like this is a book all health professionals should read. This would be a great book for those in nursing school also to help them understand that mind and body work together. You can't treat one without the other.

This book covers fascinating topics such as the placebo effect, Pavlov-ian responses to medications, and using distraction for pain control.

It also discusses the complications of research funding alternative (and often safer) medical treatments. One study mentioned was the use of virtual reality (along with medication) to manage the pain of burn victims. However, without pharmacological funding, finding money for research is tough. Will video game companies whose products might benefit patients in pain invest in the needed research? What about private funds and grants? Unfortunately, these too are difficult to come by for alternative medical treatments even if they may lessen suffering while lowering the dosage of pain medication needed in a situation.

I recommend this book for those working in healthcare and those interested in healthcare related topics. ( )

This book took me a while to read. Maybe it was just me but I found it a bit hard to get through. It seemed repetitive and slow in a couple of places. But the research overall is interesting. ( )