Healing and Medicine: A Doctor's Journey Toward Their Integration

The book explores the relationship between healing and medicine, arguing that modern medicine needs to be more pluralistic and accept spirituality and healing techniques alongside scientific medicine.

Format: Hardback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 29 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Healing is a prevalent topic of concern among many individuals in today's world. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and a series of other disruptions and calamities, a significant number of us are seeking healing on personal, environmental, and global levels. However, healing is often undefined and is not widely recognized as a fundamental aspect of medicine in the Western world. This book delves into the intricate relationship between healing and medicine, offering a unique perspective through the experiences of an academic physician who shifted his focus from biomedical research to healing later in his medical career. The book is grounded in the author's personal encounters with patients, practitioners, and individuals who have experienced profound healing, as well as extensive research into the subject matter.

A central theme of the book is that modern medicine must embrace a more pluralistic approach to health and acknowledge the valuable roles that spirituality and healing techniques can play alongside scientific medicine, which currently operates solely within the realm of materialism. The author argues that by integrating these complementary approaches, we can achieve a holistic and comprehensive understanding of health and wellness that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of our being.

Throughout the book, the author shares personal anecdotes and insights that highlight the transformative power of healing. He discusses the experiences of patients who have overcome chronic illnesses, trauma, and addiction through various healing modalities, such as meditation, acupuncture, and psychotherapy. The author also shares his own journey of transitioning from a purely scientific perspective to one that incorporates spiritual and healing practices, and how this shift has impacted his work as a physician and his relationships with his patients.

In addition to exploring the relationship between healing and medicine, the book also addresses the challenges and barriers that exist in the Western medical system. The author argues that the current emphasis on pharmaceutical drugs and technological interventions often overlooks the importance of holistic healing and the innate healing capacity of the human body. He suggests that by promoting a more patient-centered approach to medicine, where the patient is viewed as an active participant in their own healing journey, we can achieve better health outcomes and improve the overall quality of life.

The book also raises important ethical considerations related to healing and medicine. The author explores the potential conflicts of interest that may arise when pharmaceutical companies prioritize profits over patient health and the ethical implications of using healing techniques that are not widely accepted or regulated by mainstream medicine. He advocates for transparency and accountability in the healthcare industry and encourages practitioners to prioritize the well-being of their patients above all else.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the relationship between healing and medicine. Through the experiences and perspectives of the author, it provides a valuable roadmap for individuals seeking to integrate healing practices into their lives and for healthcare professionals seeking to promote holistic and patient-centered care. Healing is a multifaceted and complex phenomenon that requires a multi-faceted and comprehensive approach. By embracing a more pluralistic perspective on health and wellness, we can achieve a deeper understanding of our own healing potential and work towards creating a more compassionate and inclusive world.

Weight: 660g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032610634