BUILDING HEALTH, WEALTH AND WISDOM

In the eleventh century the culmination of a deal between the Roman Catholic Church and a man of science, Rene Descartes of France: mathematician, philosopher and scientist declared the followers of Descartes would restrict themselves to the study of human anatomy, leaving the soul and mind to the church. That seemed like a fair deal at the time but in the ensuing years it appears that wars had to be declared to settle differences. This required soldiers and weapons that resulted in taxing the peasants heavily which threatened famines and the very underpinnings of life itself as recessions came and went throughout the years.

According to a new book “The Cure within,” Anne Harrington explores alternative wings of medicine that carries us into the present day challenges of Stress and takes us through the history of mind-body medicine. Present day cancer surgeon, Bernie Siegel explores this new angle in his best selling book: “Love, Medicine and Miracles.” He explains how the immune system of each individual leads the way. The basic truth is LOVE HEALS. This leads into the practice of “Golden Rule” which is the basic precept that claims to be a mandatory precept of every religion. It just needs to be put into practice. The names and information from a number of other doctors that promote preventive medicine are sprinkled throughout the book. Locally, Warren Bell, in Salmon Arm, B.C., has helpful advice along this line. Efforts to disentangle and further explain the mind-body connection weaves its way through an Eastward journey for greater understanding. Charles Rosenburg, Professor of Social sciences at Harvard University and author of “The Care of Strangers: The Rise of America’s Hospital System.” calls Anne Harrington’s book, “A well-informed and remarkably well-balanced book.” It is available from our local Library.