Healing and the Mind

More about the book

The paperback edition of this monumental best-seller, with nearly half a million copies in print, has transformed American perspectives on health and illness, serving as a companion to the acclaimed PBS series. Bill Moyers's work has become a pivotal reference in discussions about alternative medical treatments and the mind's influence on recovery. Through engaging interviews with experts and everyday individuals, Moyers delves into the emerging field of mind/body medicine. The book highlights its application in treating stress, chronic diseases, and neonatal issues across various American hospitals. It investigates the chemical foundations of emotions and their dual potential to harm or heal, while also examining the integration of traditional Chinese medicine with modern practices in China. Personal accounts of alternative therapies are featured, including a Massachusetts center that merges Eastern meditation with Western group therapy, and a California retreat where cancer patients support one another despite the absence of a cure. Key topics include the roles of doctor and patient, the healing environment, community support, self-regulation, meditation, stress reduction, and the interplay between emotions and the immune system. Combining insightful interviews with a visually engaging presentation, this work stands as a landmark contribution to the understanding of healing and wholeness.