Nine Ways to Body Wisdom: Blending Natural Therapies to Nourish Body, Emotions and Soul

English naturopathic doctor and herbalist Harper believes that patients should not limit themselves to conventional Western medicine but should use holistic approaches that will ""acknowledge that the mind, body and spirit need to be treated as a living entity."" Her book emphasizes the 4,000-year-old Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) system of diagnosis and treatment, and she explains TCM's fundamental meridian system (a philosophy of energy paths through the body) in terms the layperson can understand. Harper also discusses each body organ, its function and possible disease according to both the Western and Chinese approach. TCM recognizes that the disharmony inherent in each illness will have an accompanying emotional component. As an example Harper states, ""The small intestine is in charge of digesting emotions as well as food and is known as the Abdominal Brain... involved with nourishment at all levels--emotional, mental and spiritual."" Harper offers plans for strengthening each organ using acupressure, acupuncture, Bach flower remedies, herbs, diet and positive affirmations. Like most authors of this subject, Harper also emphasizes organic foods, exercise and wholesome lifestyles that revere the self and the Earth. Although British brand names and metric measurements for recipes may throw American readers, this book is valuable for making the mysteries of Chinese medicine accessible to anyone. (Sept.)