GOING BACK TO SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

The power the pen may be even more effective than a scapel in bringing about healing according to Larry Dossey, M.D. This acclaimed speaker and best-selling author introduces to both spiritual and scientific thinkers alike to what can be found in the most unlikely places in new aspects of both in this ever-growing field of medicine. Optimism, tears, and music are all factors to consider. A recent book “The Extraordinary Healing Power of Ordinary things” brings to light the healing that can be found in the most unlikely places.

Everyday things like the power of optimism may not be an entirely new idea to many, but its role in the use of placebo treatments is quite astounding. He writes, “Researchers admit that the placebo response accounts for up to 50 percent of the effect of many drugs, and sometimes up to 100 percent of certain surgical procedures.” Dossey presents lesser known studies on the healing effects of music, such as one that shows a significant increase in melatonin concentration in Alzheimer’s patients after just four weeks of music therapy.

Dossey also notes that “surveys suggest that three-fourths of those who go to doctors’ offices have nothing wrong with them physically, meaning that they are largely beyond the reach of what complex, modern medicine has to offer.” Dossey uses humour as well as many personal stories to present relevant scientific findings on plants, insects, and miracles in the form of a page-turner. In his view “In the end, it will not be weekend conferences, seminars, Web-based courses or books that teach people optimistic; rather, it will be what we do as a nation to create the conditions in which optimism can flower.” More information at 800-723-1112, Or:1-866-322-8209.