Essentially an all-in-one beginner's guide to self-healing techniques, The Healer Within examines four practices: movement, massage, meditation, and breathing. The movement section focuses on gentle motions, more like tai chi than yoga, and might be especially useful for those who suffer from back pain. The self-massage chapter involves stimulating acupressure points that traditional Asian medicine believe can help heal organs and improve bodily functions. A section on breathing (a seemingly natural process that is often retaught as part of alternative-medicine regimens) includes techniques intended to help you take in more oxygen and get rid of tension. And the meditation chapter provides an easy introduction to various meditative techniques and deep relaxation. Jahnke, an acupuncturist and doctor of Chinese medicine, makes a persuasive argument for using these mind-body healing techniques both to recover from illness and to remain healthier and happier all the time. --Ben Kallen


From Booklist
In the last decade, even health agencies of the U.S. government have agreed that 70 percent of all disease is preventable and that 60 percent of adults are insufficiently active and, therefore, at risk for premature death. Jahnke, a doctor of oriental medicine, translates Asian traditions of self-healing (such as Qigong and yoga) into a graded four-part program of self-healing for daily practice by the sick or well. The first component, gentle movement of the body, consists of five rhythmic exercises described and illustrated with clear line drawings. The second, self-applied massage, combines massage of the ears, hands, and feet--each area a microsystem of the body that relates to specific, distant body areas or organs--with general self-massage. Next are breathing practices using abdominal breathing in specific techniques such as the "sigh of relief." Concluding the program are several methods of deep relaxation and meditation, crucial to calming and focusing the mind. The reader can experiment and choose among the varied practices to tailor an individual program. An easy-to-implement regime. Penny Spokes


Deepak Chopra, M.D.
"Practical and inspiring."

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Release your natural powers for healing, endurance, and longevity

With this revolutionary guide, you will learn four simple and remarkably effective techniques to release your natural powers for healing. The methods—gentle movement, self-applied massage, breathing exercises, and meditation—are drawn from the ancient Chinese healing system of Qigong (Chi Kung) and are easily adaptable to every lifestyle. You can practice them almost anywhere—in the car, in line at the bank, at your desk, while walking, even in bed. Using these methods for as little as ten minute a day can dramatically increase you endurance, vitality, and longevity. Self-care has never been so easy!

Author Biography: Roger Jahnke, O.M.D., an internationally known doctor of traditional Chinese medicine, has lectured on Mind/Body medicine for nearly twenty-five years. He directs the Health Action Clinic in Santa Barbara; leads training at hospitals, corporations, and community agencies; and speaks throughout the world on self-healing, Tajii (Tai Chi), and Qigong (Chi Kung). He is a key Chinese medicine authority for the popular "HealthWorld" site on the world wide web.

FROM THE CRITICS

Deepak Chopra

Practical and inspiring.

Larry Dossey

The wisdom in this book will lead you not just to better health but to greater serenity and peace as well.

Christiane Northrup

This book is a gem: it is full of simple yet profoundly effective practices that anyone can use to regain or maintain optimal health.

Body Mind & Spirit

Both inspirational and immensely practical...The kind of book you will keep close at hand, make notes in, and actually use.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING